Wannieck gallery in Brno will continue to serve culture, politicians say

Mayor Libor Šťástka (ODS)

Brno - The Brno Wannieck gallery will continue to serve visual arts even after the termination of the current tenant, the company Mediagate, and it could also retain the collection of contemporary art. This was stated at today's press conference by Libor Šťástka (ODS), councilor and vice-chairman of the board of the South Center company, which manages the space. Brno councilors also plan to discuss the establishment of a foundation for culture and art, which would inherit the Wannieck gallery.
     In this week, the councilors for culture want to reach out to benefactor Miroslav Lekeš and the owner of the collection Richard Adam to see if they would permanently, or possibly long-term, lend this exceptional collection to the city foundation. "They are not aware of this yet, but we will definitely approach them this week. We need to know their stance by the end of March," said Šťástka.
     The current landlord, South Center, terminated the contract with the tenant due to repeated non-payment of rent. They did not renew it even though the tenant paid all debts. After negotiations, South Center moved the termination date from March 10 to March 31. "We have not withdrawn it yet. The board will meet on March 26, so we need to know their stance on our foundation idea," explained Šťástka.
     The foundation is intended to be a systemic solution for supporting visual arts in Brno, with politicians drawing inspiration from the Sova Mills in Prague, where today the Kampa Museum is located for the foundation and collection of the Mládek couple. "We would place the Wannieck gallery as an asset in the foundation company. It would be a logical step considering that there will be a merger of the South Center and Brno Communications during the year. This property would be of no use to them," described Šťástka. The administrative council of the foundation should consist of experts who have a reputation in the art world.
     The foundation would focus on young artists who would receive grants thanks to it and could exhibit in the Wannieck gallery. Gradually, the foundation could expand its activities to other forms of art and collaborate with art high schools and secondary schools. Members of the Brno coalition want to discuss this idea soon. If it were to be realized, they are also considering a similar sports foundation that would support child and youth athletes.