UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK membership monitoring report PRAGUE UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE 2014–2018 CONTENTS

1. Executive Summary...... 3 2. General Information...... 5 3. Contribution to the Network‘s Global Management ...... 6

4. Major Initiatives Implemented at the Local Level to Achieve the Objectives of the UCCN ...... 8

5. Major Initiatives Implemented Through Inter-City Cooperation to Achieve the Objectives of the UCCN. . . . . 16

6. Proposed Action Plan for the Forthcoming Mid-Term Period of Four Years...... 21

2 1. Executive Summary

‚Prague will build its future on culture, well-thought-out development of the surroundings, social stability and sound administration. All of this will help it to become a preferred city for both life and business.‘

(Strategic Plan of the City of Prague, approved 2017)

Prague was awarded the title UNESCO contribute to other cities in the network And what has membership brought to Creative City of Literature in 2014, thereby and, conversely, what membership could Prague? In 2014, while applying to join the also becoming the first Czech city in the bring to Prague and its literary life. At that Creative Cities Network, we established UNESCO Creative Cities Network. In its moment, it was clear that the first and most certain specific goals and tasks that we application, it emphasised its long and important step for successfully joining the wanted to achieve. They were specific abundant literary past, as well as the capital’s network and all further activities would have steps and activities which we set to work rich literary life today. Prague’s literary life to be the consolidation of literary life in on immediately in 2015. Since a stable is not only supported and enriched by the Prague. This first strategic aim was already organizational structure for the project capital city itself via the Department of realized in the preparation stage of the with secured funding was created during Culture, but also, of course, by a whole application. Through a newly created project, the candidacy period, a coordinator was range of other city cultural organizations, ‚Prague – City of Literature‘, more than 30 appointed, an independent office was institutions, societies, associations and partner organizations from among Prague’s established and a website, Facebook page volunteers. Prague is a city of many libraries, literary life became involved in preparing the and YouTube channel were set up so that schools and expert institutions, as well as application. This partnership was indeed we could begin to implement the project’s cafés, societies and community activities. one of the first big successes of the entire strategic goals immediately. The specific candidacy and subsequent membership. It is steps, programmes and their outcomes are While preparing documents for joining the a partnership that is now over 10 years old, described in the following chapters. It was UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the city and as time has gone by, it has become one very important, however, that we were able was already considering not only the content of the advisory and decisive bodies of the to implement diverse projects, not only in of these documents, but also questions project, and also a platform enabling mutual terms of their focus, but also with regard to regarding what potential membership in support, expansion and creation of literary their target groups, projects that are aimed the Creative Cities Network could mean for projects that successfully enrich the capital squarely at Prague, intended for the local Prague, what challenges and opportunities city’s cultural life. community, and international projects. The it could bring, what Prague itself could

3 most significant and demanding project is However, there is one thing that was not At this time, the result of Prague’s four-year certainly the successfully ongoing Prague mentioned in the application and that, in membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Residential Programme. Prague was the first many ways, exceeds all the goals and Network and the almost ten-year activity city in the UNESCO Creative City Network to tasks that Prague had set before joining of the Prague – City of Literature project introduce such a programme. It subsequently the network: the warm welcome into a has been the establishment of a stable helped other cities to initiate their own community of people who believe that organizational structure of a coordinator residential programmes by sharing its cooperation, communication, mutual within Prague’s backbone literary institution, fundamental documents, contracts and rules, support, and sharing experiences, projects, the Municipal Library of Prague. With and, of course, its experiences and results. plans, mistakes and dreams can make the permanent financial and non-financial world a better place to live in. support of the City of Prague, the coordinator Another definite success is the fact that we is able to fulfil all tasks that ensue from have successfully implemented projects to A what are Prague’s goals now? We membership in the network. Of course, the promote creativity in adults, children and want to continue with the projects we City of Prague does not promote literature young people, supporting and expanding have successfully launched and whose solely through Prague – City of Literature; existing operations of partner organizations significance has been proven by time. its support in the field of literature, whether and promoting the UNESCO Creative City We want to embark on new projects born financial or non-financial, also goes to many Network among the residents of Prague. At of cooperation with colleagues from the other organizations that organise important the same time, these programs also support Creative City Network. We want to continue literary meetings, festivals, programmes other cities, whether in the Czech Republic cooperating with Brno, another city in the for the public, and events for children and or abroad, some of whom aim to join the Czech Republic and one to which Prague young people. This support also involves UNESCO network. gave long-term support in the preparation awarding a range of literary prizes (often of its ultimately successful candidacy for with a financial reward) to both Czech and Recently, Prague created and approved acceptance into the UNESCO Creative the Strategic Plan of the City of Prague. international writers. Support also goes to Cities of Music Network in 2017. And above smaller projects, such as the publication It is an extensive and detailed document all we want to share our good experiences that determines the direction of the capital of works by Czech authors, translations from membership in the Network of Creative and publications of works by international city for the forthcoming period, and its Cities, thereby helping other cities find the content significantly emphasizes basically all authors, literary magazines, etc. A detailed courage to get involved with the network’s quantification of the direct financial support strategic UNESCO Sustainable Development activities and to apply to join. We want Goals (SDGs). The document places great of the City of Prague forms an annex to this to fulfil the new strategy for the city’s document. Similarly, a number of activities emphasis on the development of a civil development that was approved in 2017 and, society, promotion of culture and creativity, are also supported by other state institutions, of course, to attempt to meet the strategic particularly in the field of literature, and by and all aspects leading to sustainable and goals of UNESCO. We consider both of quality development of all classes and the Czech Ministries of Culture and Foreign these documents to be key guides and basic Affairs. groups of residents. This Strategic Plan strategic documents that are essential both of the City of Prague is also supported by for further developing the project and for active implementation at the level of the further directing and meeting the goals of the Government of the Czech Republic (Strategic UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Framework Czech Republic 2030).

4 2. General Information

‚The role of the city is not to govern and determine a cultural programme on its territory, but to create such rules and conditions for the cultural sector that allow it to naturally develop and reflect contemporary topics.‘

(Strategic Plan of the City of Prague, approved 2017)

2.1. NAME OF CITY: 2.6. ENTITY Tomáš Řehák Managing Director Prague RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPORT: Municipal Library of Prague Mariánské náměstí 1 Prague – City of Literature Prague 1 2.2. COUNTRY: Municipal Library of Prague Czech Republic Mariánské náměstí 1 Kateřina Bajo Prague 1 Coordinator 2.3. CREATIVE FIELD Prague – City of Literature Municipal Library of Prague OF DESIGNATION: 2.7. PREVIOUS REPORTS SUBMITTED Bělohorská 56 Literature Prague 6 AND DATES: [email protected] 0 2.4. DATE OF DESIGNATION: 2.8. FOCAL POINTS OF CONTACT: 1 December 2014 Adriana Krnáčová Mayor 2.5. DATE OF Capital City of Prague SUBMISSION OF THE Mariánské náměstí 2 CURRENT REPORT: Prague 1 November 2018

5 3. Contribution to the Network´s Global Management

3.1. NUMBER OF UCCN ANNUAL 3.3. HOSTING OF A WORKING MEETINGS ATTENDED IN THE LAST OR COORDINATION MEETING FOUR YEARS (PLEASE NOTE THAT A ADDRESSED TO ONE OF MORE REGULAR PARTICIPATION IN THESE SPECIFIC UCCN CREATIVE FIELD MEETINGS IS COMPULSORY): REPRESENTATIVES:

UCCN Annual Meetings Book World 2017 – the largest Czech book and literature festival. UNESCO Creative Kanazawa, Japan, 2015 Cities of Literature were its guests of honour Ostersund, Sweden, 2016 in 2017. The UNESCO Creative Cities Enghien-les-Bains, France, 2017 Network had a stall in a prestigious location Krakow, Poland, 2018 at the trade fair, and the cities presented their informative and promotional materials and Cities of Literature Subnetwork Annual publications. Representatives of the cities Meetings even appeared in public debates. Authors Heidelberg, Germany, 2015 from individual cities also gave a number of Dublin, Ireland, 2016 author readings. Barcelona, Spain, 2017 Iowa City, USA, 2018 3.2. HOSTING OF A UCCN ANNUAL MEETING AND DATES: 0

6 3.4. HOSTING OF AN INTERNATIONAL 3.5. FINANCIAL AND/OR IN-KIND CONFERENCE OR MEETING ON SUPPORT PROVIDED TO UNESCO´S SPECIFIC ISSUES SALIENT TO THE SECRETARIAT IN ORDER TO CREATIVE CITIES WITH A LARGE ENSURE THE MANAGEMENT, PARTICIPATION OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNICATION AND VISIBILITY OF NETWORK: THE UCCN (TYPE OF CONTRIBUTION, ESTIMATED VALUE, MAIN PEN International Congress of Poets – an OBJECTIVES, AND DATES): international congress organised by the PEN club (2016) Prague supports the activities and promotion of the UNESCO network through the project SDRUK – Libraries of Today – an international Prague – City of Literature. Such financial library conference (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and non-financial support aims at promoting Participation at International Conferences the UNESCO network in Prague and financial and Meetings: provision of mandatory international trips to UNESCO Annual Meetings and meetings of METLIB the Cities of Literature Network. Important factors are the costs of promotion, as Frankfurt Book Fair 2015, 2016, 2017 and well as, for example, costs connected 2018 with translations to/from official UNESCO Livre Paris Book Fair 2018 languages and costs of assessing new applications of cities to join the network. Caslin 2017 (2016, 2017, 2018) Bibliotheca Antiqua Conference 2017 3.6. MEMBERSHIP OF THE STEERING New Spaces of Reading – Visegrád GROUP AND PERIOD: 0 Conference 2017 ELAG 2016 3.7. PARTICIPATION IN THE EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS IFLA International News Media Conference (NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS 2016 EVALUATED PER YEAR): ILIDE 2016 2015, number of applications: 12 Public! 2018 2017, number of applications: 13

7 4. Major Initiatives Implemented at the Local Level to Achieve the Objectives of the UCCN

Summary of the main initiatives, partnerships cultural goods and services, notably for and policies implemented to achieve the marginalized or vulnerable groups and objectives of the UCCN, as detailed in its individuals; Mission Statement, during the last four years. 6. • Fully integrate culture and creativity into local development strategies and plans. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network objectives: 4.1. LITERATURE IN PUBLIC PLACES 1.• Strengthen international cooperation AND SUPPORT OF CREATIVITY between cities that have recognized creativity as a strategic factor of their sustainable development; 4.1.1. Prague in 100 Words 2 – 3 – 5 2. • Stimulate and enhance initiatives led by member cities to make creativity an essential In 2016, Prague – City of Literature launched component of urban development, notably a public competition under the name ‚Prague through partnerships involving the public and in 100 Words‘. The competition was for the private sectors and civil society. general public. Anyone could enter their literary texts, perceptions, feelings and 3. • Strengthen the creation, production, stories associated with Prague within a distribution and dissemination of cultural maximum of 100 words. The competition activities, goods and services; was held concurrently in other cities of the 4. • Develop hubs of creativity and Visegrád Four countries: Bratislava (Slovakia), innovation and broaden opportunities for Budapest (Hungary) and Warsaw (Poland). creators and professionals in the cultural sector; In Prague, the competition ran from June 5. • Improve access to and participation to September 2016, and its result was 407 in cultural life as well as the enjoyment of

8 competing texts. A jury made up of famous to form it. The entire cycle was conceived writers selected the 100 best texts, which by important literary personalities, including were published in a printed book and an literary theorists, poets and prose writers, e-book. who have long dealt with literary personalities of global importance connected in some (The e-book is freely accessible to all here: way to Prague. During the walks, members https://search.mlp.cz/cz/titul/praha-ve-100- of the public could learn about places from slovech/4345591/). and connections to the lives and works of the From the 100 best texts, 12 texts were following authors: Egon Bondy, Jakub Arbes, chosen, and prominent Czech artists created Franz Kafka, Vladimír Holan, Albert Camus a large-format illustration for each. These and Jan Neruda. texts with illustrations were subsequently The goal of the project was not only to exhibited at the Prague Czech Centre, where acquaint the public with Prague’s literary the three best texts were then announced toponymy, but also with some lesser-known and material and financial prizes were facts connected with individual authors who awarded to their authors. resided and worked in Prague. The cycle ran The aim of the project was to involve very successfully, with some of the walks the public in creative writing and, at the even having to be repeated to accommodate same time, to choose a format that would the large number of participants. It confirmed encourage participation from the widest the interest of the public in the literary possible group of authors. The result was a toponymy of Prague. The walks were free of genuinely extensive response and quantity charge. of high-quality literary texts. The printed publication and the e-book also enjoyed 4.1.3. Book Club success. 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 An activity targeted primarily at the foreign 4.1.2. Literary Walks language community living in Prague that 2 – 3 – 5 is interested in Czech and global literature. Literary Walks were a long-planned cycle of Joint discussions on certain titles, possibly the Prague – City of Literature project, which with foreign artists, are held in English. tied together the elaborate and continuously updated historical and contemporary literary 4.1.4. Touches of World Literature maps of Prague. The cycle of excursions 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 attempted to provide unique experiences for people interested in the literary toponymy A cycle of author readings taking place in of Prague, as well as to the literature and collaboration with Prague – City of Literature personalities that have formed and continue and the Museum of Czech Literature aiming

9 to present global literature and its creators. is the creation of the Municipal Library The thoroughly bi-lingual programme ensures of Prague E-Library. It is a collection of that programmes appeal to both Czech and digitized publications from the resources of international audiences. The programme also the Municipal Library of Prague, which are includes an artistic interpretation of the texts available in a number of common formats by professional actors. suitable for reading on various types of digital devices. The important thing, however, is 4.2. ACCESSIBILITY OF they are accessible. E-books produced EDUCATION, LITERATURE AND by the Municipal Library of Prague are SUPPORT FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY freely accessible and free of charge on any computer anywhere in the world, with The accessibility of education, and therefore no restrictions, payments, or registration. also the accessibility and quality of Anybody in the world can download a book information, is one of today’s major points from the Municipal Library of Prague. There of discussion. Our goal is to help facilitate are hundreds of titles. access to quality and true information, as well as to quality and well-processed sources It is a project which significantly promotes of information, in a forms and manners the accessibility of literature and education that are available to everyone without for all, wherever they are. The project also restrictions. Quality education, quality supports innovative approaches to obtaining information and safe spaces for sharing information and, in view of the fact that it is them, as well as modern technology and a also widely used by other libraries, it also suitable environment for teaching, study and supports their partnerships and cooperation. discussions among our strategic goals. Here This way, without registration and free of are some examples of implemented projects: charge, anyone in the world can access both historical publications that have been preserved and made accessible to future 4.2.1. E-Library 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 generations thanks to digitisation and The Municipal Library of Prague is one of modern Czech literature. the founding institutions of the Prague – City Thanks to this, publications created for of Literature project. It is the largest public Prague – City of Literature have also been library in the Czech Republic and, in many transformed into e-books; for example, ways, the leader of Czech library science. titles from Prague in 100 Words and an It was one of the first public libraries in the anthology of poets connected with the Czech Republic to offer free internet access river Vltava – Dryák ředěný Vltavou (A Giant for the public, to automate its services and Barrel of Rotgut) – have also been published. to factor the latest trends of global library The Municipal Library of Prague can also science into its long-term strategy. One of provide professional support for issuing joint the most important recent achievements

10 publications within the UNESCO Creative capital for joint meetings, creative work and Cities Network. sharing of ideas and projects. Among other things, Dílna serves as a place for meetings Furthermore, thanks to complete processing of partners of the project Prague – City of (from technical and editorial processing to Literature, and is also a facility for the work of cataloguing), publications that encapsulate juries of Magnesia Litera, the most significant the creative activities of the general public Czech literary competition. who participate in events organized by the library can also be published. A good example could be the collection of ‚pet 4.2.3. BookTube Corner at the books‘ entitled Jak by měl vypadat knihovní Municipal Library of Prague mazlíček? (What Should a Pet Book Look 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 Like?) (https://search.mlp.cz/cz/titul/jak-by- In 2018, a ‚booktuber‘ corner was opened mel-vypadat-knihovni-mazlicek/4377529/), on the premises of the Municipal Library of as well as anthologies of texts from literary Prague for taking photos and filming videos workshops, but also combined publications of books. It is intended for all visitors to the that combine the written word and music: library and is equipped with all essential tools http://search.mlp.cz/cz/titul/ctu-pribeh- for filming (lights, a green screen, tripods, slysim-hudbu/4022017/. etc.). 1,326,619 e-books were downloaded from the Municipal Library of Prague E-Library 4.2.4. Other Community Activities in 2017, representing a growth of 133% compared to 2016. In recent years, street libraries have become a phenomenon in various locations around Prague (Heroldovy sady, railway station, 4.2.2. DÍLNA at the Municipal community centres, etc.). These small Library of Prague libraries encourage the sharing of books. 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 Similarly, public workshops for emerging and In 2016, the Municipal Library of Prague advanced writers are also very popular. opened a new space for collaborating on team ideas – a co-working space called ‚Dílna‘. This new place for people interested 4.3. PROGRAMMES FOR in joint creation can be used for a wealth of ENCOURAGING READING AMONG creative activities, whether it is a question of CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE joint studies, debates, workshops, or author One of the long-term goals of Prague – City readings and community events. of Literature, in association with teachers The aim was to create a safe, free and well- and parents, is to encourage reading among equipped place in the very centre of the children and young people. For child readers,

11 getting to know the world of literature from children, parents and teachers to quality an early age and acquiring reading skills and works of literature for children and young experience is the best way to ensure a good people, to help them navigate the literature education and the ability to work well with market, and to present them with ways of information. Of course, beneficial knock-on working with books, including how to make effects are a reduction of poverty and social books accessible to children in a playful way. stratification and an increase in tolerance The festival also includes discussions with within society. Just some of the recently authors, creative workshops with illustrators, projects are presented below: theatre performances and public readings.

4.3.1. Children, Do You Read? 4.3.2. Best Children’s Books 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 1 – 2 – 3 This is the largest children’s literary festival, Since 2014, the Children’s Books Committee organized on 1 June, International Children’s of the Association of Czech Booksellers and Day. The festival is the result of cooperation Publishers (SČKN) and the Czech section of between the private children’s literature the International Board on Books for Young publishing house Meander, Prague – City People (IBBY) have regularly published the of Literature, and the Municipal Library catalogue Best Children’s Books, which of Prague, with the capital city’s financial presents a selection of the best Czech books backing and the involvement of other for children and young people each year. institutions and volunteers. The described selection is intended to help booksellers, libraries, schools, parents and During the festival, the best books from the the general public to make sense of the book previous year are presented to children of market. all ages, and a range of author readings, workshops and accompanying programmes The catalogue is compiled by Jana Čeňková are held with the participation of Czech and Petr Matoušek, leading experts on and international authors and illustrators of literature for children and young people. children’s books. Their selection always contains first editions of original works of Czech authors and The festival’s accompanying programmes illustrators. It is arranged alphabetically, also include educational workshops for contains a brief evaluation of each work, a teachers, who are introduced not only to profile of the author and the illustrator, an interesting children’s titles suitable, for image of the book’s cover and indicates the example, for use in Czech language lessons, recommended age group for readers. It also but also to possible ways of working with contains an overview of awards from the literary texts, etc. field and a directory of the publishers of the The aim of the project is to introduce included titles.

12 The aim of the catalogue is to help the public, 4.4. LITERATURE FESTIVALS schools and other children’s organizations to find their bearings in the extensive book There are a number of now-traditional market and to highlight the quality of titles literature festivals in Prague with a long and interesting publishing achievements. history. One of the most important of these is certainly the prestigious Prague Writers Festival, which regularly invites interesting 4.3.3. A Night With Andersen and prominent international authors and 1 – 2 – 3 – 5 holders of major literary awards to Prague. Through its branches, the Municipal Library The festival receives significant funding from of Prague is involved in the now-traditional both the City of Prague and the Ministry of international children’s literature event A Night Culture of the Czech Republic. With Andersen. The evening of 1 April, libraries The largest Czech book fair and literature open their doors so that children equipped festival Book World has been one of the with pillows and sleeping bags can listen to most important events in the capital city’s readings of fairy tales throughout the night. literary life for many years. In 2018, the The goal of the project is to encourage fair and festival was attended by 46,000 children to read by creating unusual and visitors, 404 exhibitors presented displays, exciting experiences unique to a night in the and 642 performers appeared in 556 literary library. The event originated in the Czech programmes. International guests and Republic and has gradually spread to other exhibitors from 29 of the world’s countries Czech cities as well as to cities abroad. took part in the fair and festival. Another significant literary event with long 4.3.4. Oskar Mobile Library tradition and significant public attendance 2 – 3 – 5 – 6 is Literature Night, a literary happening that traditionally offers public readings Oskar is the name of a small mobile library of contemporary European literature in that travels to places where there is no attractive and ordinarily inaccessible access to ordinary library services. Over locations. Other festivals that certainly the year, it travels primarily to nursery and deserve mentions include Library Week, primary schools and participates in various the sci-fi and fantasy convention CONiáš, children’s events and festivals. As well as Literature in the Park, the publisher’s trade lending books, its staff also prepares various fair Knihex, Poetry Day and World Storytelling educational programmes tailored to different Day. Literature festivals are an excellent age groups. opportunity for mass advertising of literature in public places. New events, which further enliven public spaces, are constantly being created. Some of these are presented below:

13 4.4.1. Literature and Music Festival 4.4.3. Velký knižní čtvrtek (Big Book ‚Na vlnách MKP‘ Thursday) 1 – 2 – 3 – 5 2 – 3 It is now a tradition that many activities in Big Book Thursday is a day where publishers the capital city, literary and cultural activities and booksellers, in cooperation with the naturally among them, move to the Vltava Municipal Library of Prague, present the most River waterfront. One of the most distinctive interesting new releases from around the is the literature and music festival ‚Na vlnách literary world. Author readings and signings MKP‘, which offers a varied programme also take place during the event. full of readings of Czech and international contributions to the Prague – City of 4.4.4. Humbook Literature project, as well as concerts and 2 – 3 – 5 even events for children. The festival is organized by the Municipal Library of Prague, A literary festival designed especially for Prague – City of Literature and Avoid Floating young adult readers. The festival offers Gallery. Czech publishers are also involved in meetings with Czech and world authors, its preparation. editors, translators and bloggers. It is organized by Albatros Publishing. 4.4.2. Festival ‚Literáti z naší čtvrti‘ (‚Men of Letters from Our Quarter‘) 4.5. PROMOTION OF THE PRAGUE 2 – 3 – 5 – CITY OF LITERATURE PROJECT AND ITS ACTIVITIES, THE UNESCO An unconventional literature festival that NETWORK, AND INDIVIDUAL brings together writers across generations MEMBER CITIES and literary genres through a unique 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 6 association – their residential addresses, that is, their specific Prague neighbourhood. We are aware that sharing information about our activities, events and partnerships, The festival offers exhibitions, extraordinary as well as information about international meetings, literary walks, the opportunity partnerships and the UNESCO network, to take part in a literature competition (e.g. is just as important and necessary as the on the topic ‚Freedom as the Perfection of activities themselves. a Human Being‘), lectures on interesting topics and, last but not least, a literary map. We strive to make use of all accessible The festival is organized by the association means that can help ensure the promotion of Literáti z naší čtvrti. Prague – City of Literature and, of course, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

14 One way we do this is through the use of the large-format advertising boards of our partner organizations (for example, during the Book World fair, an exhibition was displayed on trade fair boards in the city centre, while also presenting the UNESCO Creative Cities Network at the fair in its own stall). The City of Prague regularly allows the use of City Light illuminated advertising boards throughout the capital free of charge, allowing us to promote Prague authors and events, the entire UNESCO Cities Network and individual cities and their artists. In 2015, we advertised the UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature Network by way of poems sent to us by colleagues from individual member cities, which we displayed in bilingual versions (the original text and a Czech translation) on 68 large illuminated billboards all over Prague, presenting not only the Cities Network, but also its authors to the residents of Prague. We regularly promote the project at important literary events and festivals held in Prague. We also advertise the project by releasing themed publications. The most important include, for instance, the book Dryák ředěný Vltavou (A Giant Barrel of Rotgut), a bilingual Czech-English anthology of contemporary Prague poets, which we have distributed in printed form among UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature, and which is available in electronic form here: https://web2.mlp. cz/koweb/00/04/34/55/86/dryak_redeny_ vltavou.pdf)

15 5. Major Initiatives Implemented through Inter-city Cooperation to Achieve the Objectives of the UCCN

‚Prague is a culturally diverse city with considerable creative potential among its inhabitants and a rich community life. Residents identify themselves with the localities they live in and, in the spirit of the principles of civil society, together with civil and cultural initiatives, are an integral part of the self-governing and planning processes.‘

(Strategic Plan of the City of Prague, approved 2017)

Within the last four years, we have 5.1. PRAGUE RESIDENTIAL successfully launched and implemented PROGRAMME 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 a number of major activities, which contribute to and help to achieve certain In Autumn 2015, we were successful in goals of the UNESCO strategy. They are launching a residential programme for foreign projects that take place across the network, writers. Its establishment was one of the interdepartmental projects that involve all of major tasks and plans in our application to the cities or just some of them. join the Creative Cities Network in 2014. The first step was to establish the conditions and principles of the programme as a whole. The principles of the programme were created in cooperation with our Prague-based partner literary organizations. These principles were

16 then discussed at the level of the UNESCO 8) The creation of book titles thematically Creative Cities of Literature Network. The linked with Prague. Over the course of outcome of these discussions were the basic their residence stays, the following works conditions, which, in brief, are set out as have been written: follows: Each year, Prague provides six two- month residential stays for foreign writers Liam Pieper – Hračkář/The Toymaker or translators. As part of the stay, the costs (released in Czech, English, Italian and of a scholarship, accommodation, travel Russian) expenses and, of course, all costs associated David Howard – The Ones Who Keep with promoting the authors during their stay Quiet (poetry) (i.e. advertising in the press, author readings and literary evenings, readings at schools, Juan Pablo Bertazza – En el umbral de meetings with students and advertising in Praga/On the Threshold of Prague the media) are covered for the authors. Since 2015, 19 authors have taken part in the Bergrun Íris Saevarsdóttir – Elstur i programme. The results of the programme bekknum have been: Oleh Kocarev – Chaplinovo náměstí/ 1) Promotion of and cooperation with cities Chaplin Square in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Tetiana Okopna – translations of works of 2) Support for creativity Václav Havel into Ukrainian 3) Support for artistic mobility Nives Vidrih – translations of works of Petra Soukupová into Slovenian 4) International cooperation and meetings with foreign authors Residential programmes are promoted within the UNESCO Cities Network. 5) Presentation of international authors to Local offices of the UNESCO Creative the Czech public, as well as to Czech Cities of Literature Network are involved publishers, and subsequent support for in both promoting and approaching local and interest in foreign literature in the authors who may be interested in the Czech Republic programme. Since 2015 when the first round of applications was announced, 6) Support for translators (particularly from there has been a significant increase in languages with relatively few speakers) author applications each year. In 2015, 7) Promotion of authors and, by extension, there were 47, in 2016, there were 150 their national cultures and literatures at and in 2017, there were almost 300 author readings, with emphasis on them applications from 66 countries and from meeting with students and young people all continents except Antarctica.

17 5.2. BOOK WORLD 2017 5.4. PEN CONGRESS OF POETS (2016) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 1 – 2 – 3 – 4

Book World 2017 – the largest Czech book In September 2016, Prague hosted the and literature festival UNESCO Creative 36th World Congress of Poets, which was Cities of Literature were its guests of honour organised by the Czech Centre of the in 2017. The UNESCO Creative Cities International PEN Club, the World Academy Network had an exhibit in a prestigious of Arts and Culture, Prague – City of location at the trade fair, and the cities Literature, the Municipal Library of Prague presented their informative and promotional (the venue of the congress), the City of materials and publications. Representatives Prague and the Ministry of Culture of the of the cities also appeared in public debates. Czech Republic. Authors from individual cities gave a number of author readings. The event, with over thirty years of tradition, was held, among other reasons, to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Czech poet 5.3. EXPEDICE POEZIE (EXPEDITION and author Jaroslav Seifert, the sole Czech POETRY – 2016) 1 – 3 – 4 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature. The congress was attended by authors from This Czech-German translation workshop around the world. It offered author readings was born of cooperation between two as well as discussions on cultural and social UNESCO Cities of Literature, Prague and issues. Both Czech and international poets Heidelberg. In early November 2016, a total made appearances in the programme. For of six Czech and German poets gathered in more information see: http://36th-wcp. Prague in order to work together for a week webnode.cz. on translations of their poetry. The result of the workshop was a joint literary evening held first in Prague and then in Heidelberg, 5.5. ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE UNESCO where the poets presented their original and CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK translated texts. The Czech participants were Wanda The Prague – City of Literature project always Heinrichová, Václava Vartová and Radek strives to cooperate in all joint projects Malý, while the German writers were Frank within the Creative Cities Network. Here is Barsch, Anne Richter and Hans Thill. an overview of the projects in which we have been actively involved over the past four years:

18 5.5.1. Krakow Multipoetry (2015 and 5.5.5. Dunedin Poetry Dots (2016) 2018) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 Poems by Czech authors: Adam Borzič, Prague participated in this project, which Ondřej Buddeus, Petr Hruška, Jonáš presented the work of Czech poets and Hájek, Vít Janota, Dan Jedlička, Kateřina poets from other Cities of Literature in public Rudčenková and Josef Straka were places in Dunedin using stickers or ‚dots‘ . presented in Krakow in 2015 as part of the Multipoetry project. The authors’ works were 5.5.6. Shakespeare and Music projected onto the sides of buildings in the (2016) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 city centre. All of the Cities of Literature took part in the project. Prague will participate in A joint literature and music programme the project again in 2018. brought about through cooperation between je členem sítě kreativních Brno – UNESCO City of Music and Prague měst literatury UNESCO 5.5.2. Brno – application (2015–2017) – UNESCO City of Literature for the 400th Praha stejně jako… 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 6 anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. reykjavík Gerður Kristný Beginning in 2015, we were part of the Noc Nótt 5.5.7. Melbourne Comics Fest (2016) Jakmile usneš Um leið og þú sofnar preparatory team for Brno’s candidacy to tvé objetí povolí gliðnar fang þitt 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 už se v něm nemůžu skrýt og ég á ekki lengur þar skjól become a UNESCO City of Music. okenice se rozlétnou hlerar bresta High-quality Czech comics provided a moře se nahrne dovnitř og sjórinn brýtur sér leið Přeložila Marta Bartošková 5.5.3. Prague Days in Dublin (2015) by Czech publishers and libraries were presented at the Melbourne International Film 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 Alicja Baluchová krakov Festival. Odchodził. Najpierw na piwko Odcházel. Nejdřív na pivko This programme, prepared in cooperation Odchodził. Najpierw na piwko Odcházel. Nejdřív na pivko z kumplami. Potem na mecze s kámoši. Potom na nedělní with the City of Prague and the Embassy of w niedzielę. Także z Ramoną do zápas. Taky s Ramonou 5.5.8. Reykjavik Reads Festival kina. Teraz już siedzi w domu. do kina. Teď sedí doma. the Czech Republic in Dublin, presented not Exhibition (2016) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 Zasłania się gazetą. Milczy… Skrývá se za novinami. Mlčí… only Czech culture, but also Czech authors, Přeložila Marie Iljašenko including Petra Hůlová. Prague contributed texts by Czech author Připravujeme: literární procházky, tvůrčí rezidence, literaturu na cestu Marie Iljašenko and photographs of 5.5.4. Leith Poetry Projections in Prague for this exhibition at the town hall Edinburgh (2016) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 of Reykjavik, a fellow UNESCO City of Literature. As part of the celebrations of World Book Day, texts by authors from 11 cities of the 5.5.9. Words on the Streets (2016), UNESCO Cities of Literature Network were Edinburgh 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 projected onto the walls of buildings in www.prahamestoliteratury.cz Edinburgh. Prague was represented by a text For this project, which maps various ways by Czech Renata Bulvová. of using literary texts in a public place, we

19 contributed our own experiences from the 5.5.12. Ljubljana Days in Prague 5.5.15. Read PL (2018) literary walks held in Prague. (2017) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 http://www.cityofliterature.com/words-on- In the spring of 2018, we took part in a the-street/terry-gilliams-don-quixote-quote/ In autumn 2017, we worked together with unique initiative that enabled access to in-other-cities-of-literature/ colleagues from UNESCO City of Literature Polish literature by way of freely accessible Ljubljana to organize an event in Prague by e-books. 5.5.10. Dunedin Cookbook (2017) the name of ‚Ljubljana Days‘, which mainly 1 – 2 – 3 involved locating and displaying several 5.5.16. Foreign Visits 1 dozen publications by Slovenian authors that A contribution from Prague also appeared had been translated into Czech, which we In Prague we are always happy to devote in a joint cookbook of UNESCO Cities of obtained from Prague public libraries and ourselves to visits from other UCCN cities; Literature, which presented recipes for made available to the public during the event. past visitors have hailed from Iowa City, national dishes taken from literature. In our We also co-organised an author reading by a Dunedin, Bucheon, Krakow, Icheon and case, the recipe came from a work by the Slovenian writer. Shanghai. Czech author Jindřich Šimon Baar. https://hail.to/dunedin-unesco-city-of- 5.5.13. Integration Group (2017) literature/publication/Bvhzt3x 1 Since 2017, we have been a member of the 5.5.11. Heidelberg – project of so-called Integration Group within the Cities manuscripts for Krakow (2017– of Literature Network. 2018) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 5.5.14. Summer Reading List (2017 Works by Czech poets Tomáš Míka and and 2018) Jakub Řehák appeared in a publication 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 intended as a thank-you to the city of We take part in a joint activity of the Cities Krakow for organizing the annual meeting of of Literature Network called the ‚Summer UNESCO cities. It is a uniquely compilation Reading List‘. In 2017, for example, we composed of original manuscripts. An promoted the English translation of a book accompanying video chronicling the by Marek Šindelka entitled Chyba (Aberrant), preparation of the entire event was also while in 2018 we focused on the book made. Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfař.

20 6. Proposed Action Plan for the Forthcoming Mid-term Period of Four Years

‚The term smart city denotes the concept of integrated urban development with emphasis on reinforcing the complexity, effectiveness and sustainability of all of its aspects, specifically through economic, social and, in particular, technological innovations. The goal of a smart city is to decrease its ecological footprint, to strengthen its competitive ability, and to maximise the standard of living of its inhabitants. Establishing a system of functional ties and partnerships between key parties of the city and their systematic integration into urban development is one of the main prerequisites for fulfilling the principles of a smart city.‘

(Strategic Plan of the City of Prague, approved 2017)

6.1. PRESENTATION OF A of the first cities in the UNESCO Cities of that we have succeeded in creating such a MAXIMUM OF THREE INITIATIVES, Literature Network to initiate a residential programme, that we have been able to share PROGRAMMES OR PROJECTS AIMED programme. We have finished the initial time our experience, methods and results with AT ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES OF period, which allowed us to try out a number our colleagues in the Creative Cities Network THE NETWORK LOCALLY: of methods and to obtain experience and and, therefore, that we have helped to feedback. After three years of the intensive develop residential programmes throughout residential programme, during which a total the entire Creative Cities Network. All of 6.1.1. Development of the of 19 international authors visited Prague and this clearly indicates that the City of Prague Residential Programme 8 titles directly connected to their stay and wishes to support residential stays in 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 to Prague were published, we have gained the future and will strive to expand them In 2015, the Prague Residential Programme, the assurance that this type of programme further. Our goal for the future is to hold designed for foreign authors, was has great benefits for both the local audience simultaneous stays for multiple authors so successfully launched. Prague was one and for international authors. We are pleased that they can mutually inspire each other;

21 for example, younger authors can draw on 6.2. PRESENTATION OF A 6.2.3. Regional Cooperation within experience from older authors, and so on. MAXIMUM OF THREE INITIATIVES, the Cities of Music and Literature PROGRAMMES OR PROJECTS 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 6 AIMED AT ACHIEVING THE 6.1.2. Literature Competition for In view of the fact that there are three pairs Young People 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 OBJECTIVES OF THE NETWORK ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, of creative cities from the same creative The great response to our previous public PARTICULARLY THOSE INVOLVING fields, that is, music and literature, in close literature contests has given us the idea of OTHER MEMBER CITIES IN THE proximity in our region, we are presented creating a literature competition for older NETWORK with the opportunity of creating a joint school children and young adults. In this literature and music programme and case, the competition would focus on writing permanent cooperation. This concerns a specific literary text, in this case song 6.2.1. UNESCO Cities of Literature the following pairs of closely neighbouring lyrics that would be put to music by famous Conference 1 – 6 cities: Prague (literature) and Brno (music), musicians. Implementation of the project Krakow (literature) and Katowice (music), In the year 2020, we will be hosts of the and Heidelberg (literature) and Mannheim will rely on cooperation with other Cities of UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature Literature as well as Cities of Music. The (music). Prague and Brno have been Conference. Our invitation was already working together intensively for a number primary aim of the project is twofold: to presented to our Creative Cities of Literature encourage creativity among young people of years and have successfully planned and Network colleagues at the UNESCO Annual executed numerous joint literature and music and to support collaboration across creative Meeting in Krakow and Katowice in June fields. programmes; it is precisely these types 2018. These meetings are a long-standing programmes that we wish to expand across tradition and, along with the Annual Meeting, the entire region. Given the proximity of these 6.1.3. City Poet 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 are the most important and most fruitful six cities and our positive experiences from working meetings of each year. In 2017 we personally met Alan Spence, who previous collaboration, we are now confident currently holds the post of Edinburgh Makar, 6.2.2. International Cities of that such joint interdisciplinary projects or the city poet of Edinburgh. It is an initiative Refugee Network (ICORN) would be highly successful. which has very much appealed to us and, 1 – 4 – 5 – 6 with the support of partners of the Prague – City of Literature project, a similar initiative is Prague is the capital city of the Czech coming into existence in Prague. In its own Republic, but it is also a city that has faced unique way, the establishment of a city poet several totalitarian regimes over its often very corresponds very well to the whole concept difficult history. This history allows Prague of creative cities, primarily by connecting and its residents to fully appreciate the local and international activities in the field of sometimes hight price of freedom of speech literature. Besides Prague-specific duties, the and expression. We would like to continue to city poet would further offers opportunities focus on our possible entry into the ICORN for cooperation with city poets of other network, whose activities we consider to be UNESCO Cities of Literature. meaningful and necessary.

22 6.3. ESTIMATED ANNUAL BUDGET visitors. Our promotion will continue in its as well as promote forms of slow tourism FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROPOSED attempts to find a balanced approach to the ACTION PLAN: advertising of Prague authors and events in 8) To communicate intensively with new the future. We will also continue to promote cities in the network and to help them Purpose Amount authors from Cities of Literature and events integrate more quickly and easily from all UCCN cities. Since Czech is not a Office of the Municipal EUR 9, 600.00 Library of Prague particularly widely spoken world language, Target groups: guaranteeing such a balanced approach is Personnel costs EUR 40,000.00 somewhat more difficult and, of course, more 1) Our partners, collaborators, supporters Permanent costly due to the need for frequent and high- and fans programmes and EUR 40,000.00 quality translations to and from English. 2) International and Czech authors events (e.g. residential programme) Aims of communication: 3) City residents who know very little about us Direct participation 4) Visitors to the city – Czech and in UNESCO activities 1) To promote Prague as a city which EUR 8,000.00 promotes cultural and literary life international tourists who we wish to (e.g. attendance at introduce to interesting literary routes, meetings, translations) 2) To promote Prague as an inspirational places and contexts, which may compel Promotion and EUR 8,000.00 place for world literature (residential them to make return visits to the city and graphics programme) its surroundings Total EUR 105,600.00 3) To promote the literary activities of our 5) Colleagues from all UNESCO partner partner organizations cities

6.4. PLAN FOR COMMUNICATION AND 4) To provide information about other cities 6) UNESCO (press releases from our AWARENESS: from the Cities of Literature Network, as events) well as from other networks ‚Promotion of the cultural identity of the 7) Anyone who shows an interest in our brand will not be based purely on a historical 5) To build Prague – City of Literature as activities and experiences a brand, primarily in connection with its legacy, but also on the balance between 8) Students and young people tradition and contemporary culture. The city UNESCO title will intensively communicate the title “Prague 6) To take inspiration from the promotional Resources: – UNESCO Creative City of Literature” and strategies of other UCCN cities, to make events associated with it.‘ (Strategic Plan of use of information from the UNESCO 1) Logo (Municipal Library of Prague + the City of Prague, approved 2017) network, the Facebook pages of UNESCO + City of Prague) UNESCO Creative Cities and UNESCO The aim of our communications is to promote 2) Facebook and other social networks Prague as a city with a rich literary past and a press releases To promote major compelling literary present; a city which, as a UNESCO joint activities and events 3) Municipal Library of Prague YouTube result, is of interest to both Czech and foreign 7) To promote well-known tourist locations channel

23 4) Websites (Municipal Library of Prague present the website, which has existed and partner organizations) since 2010, in its new design in 2019: www.prahamestoliteratury.cz. 5) Printed materials 7) Following the positive response from 6) Books other Cities of Literature, we are 7) Small promotional items considering the introduction of regular newsletters. Means of promotion: 8) Joint promotion with Brno 1) Through existing and new information There are now two UNESCO City and promotional channels (electronic Networks member cities in the Czech and printed media, websites of partner Republic, Prague and Brno. We strived organizations, Facebook and YouTube). to support Brno from the outset, and We are going to continue with our activity actively helped the city during its on social networks (the Municipal Library candidacy. We prepared events together of Prague has 25,000 fans on Facebook). and, when Brno joined the network, we We want to give more support to our also jointly promoted the network on YouTube channel, which primarily television, in the press and through other presents interesting videos from our media. Joint promotion of our cities is authors on residential stays. one of the aims of our communication plan. 2) Use of large-format advertising boards provided by the City of Prague (City Light 9) New technology posters) We are aware of the constant and rapid 3) Promotion in the network of partner development of information and other organizations forms of technology, as well as their ever increasing accessibility to an ever 4) Promotion at major literary campaigns larger part of society. New technology, and events (our own stalls at trade fairs innovative approaches and the often very and festivals) specific related means of communication 5) Active participation at partner events certainly present another future challenge for our project. 6) Preparation of a new website of the Municipal Library of Prague In 2018, we began work on a new design for the website for the Prague – City of Literature project. We would like to

24 Annexes Statistical data of the Municipal Library of Prague for the years Strategy of the City of Prague (in czech) 2015–2017 (http://strategie.iprpraha.cz/)

Statistical data of partner organizations 2015 2016 2017 Funding in the fields of literature Number of and library science from the budget registered 172,722 173,952 174,115 of the City of Prague (2014–2015, readers source: City of Prague) Number of attendees 155,702 167,776 174,130 at events Year Amount Number 2014 CZK 254,259,300.00 of library 6,159,608 5,951,650 5,683,613 2015 CZK 265,688,300.00 items lent Number of 3,918 4,244 4,444 events Number of e-library 586 842 1031 titles Number of down- 902,103 994,689 1,326,619 loaded e-books

25 Book World fair and literary festival – statistical data

Year Number of Number of Number of Number of Attendance performers programmes countries and exhibitors regions

2015 571 479 30 393 38,000 2016 620 529 36 407 42,000 2017 636 486 31 396 44,000 2018 642 556 29 404 46,000

Residential programme (progress of the programme 2015–2018 and summary of residents)

Number of Applications Number of Applications for 2019 Number of Participating Countries by Continets (2019) 428 203 81

259 106 32 71 21 84 18 28 40 20 8 2

2016 2017 2018 2019 Europa North Africa Asia Australia Europa North Africa Asia Australia Total and and New and and New South Zealand South Zealand America America 26