Creative industries in Northwest Czech Republic
Photo by Anatasia Shuraeva (Pexels)
In May 2021, the “Karlovy Vary – Cultural and Creative Industries – Regional Cultural and Creative Office – 4K” project was approved by the Northern Bohemia regional councillors. It was included among potential strategic projects within the Operational Program for Just Transition. The aim of the project was to contribute to the revitalization and development of industries boasting a long tradition in the region. The creative office was to become the main coordinator of activities in the field of the cultural and creative industries in Karlovy Vary.
In December 2021, a new project foresaw the establishment of a network of creative centres in the the Ústí nad Labem Region, aiming to support the local cultural and creative sectors and the just transition process. Up to fifteen locations could participate in the transformation of the Ústí Region by offering a supportive space and consultancy to people working in creative areas. Each of these creative hubs was supposed to be based in a different town, and together they should function as a creative network covering the whole region. Besides general consultancy services offered in all centres, each would specifically concentrate on one selected area, be it the gaming industry, handicrafts or the fine arts. Financial support was possible through the European Just Transition Fund.
In October 2020, the regional development plan for the Moravia-Silesia addressed the transformation of the Karviná area landscape (a mountainous area) after the mine’s closure. The authorities envisioned it would become an attractive area where people would go for relaxation and entertainment, and also attract investors. They hoped the transformation project could be financed from the European Just Transition Fund.
Further reading
Network of creative spots to drive transformation of the North-Bohemian coal region. Read more.
Funding
The CINTRAN project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 884539. The sole responsibility for the content of this website lies with the authors and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of CINEA or other EU agencies or bodies.