PRAGUE – President Petr Pavel praised the legacy of his predecessor, Václav Havel, and the impact he made during his time at Prague Castle. He particularly admires Havel's courage in coming up with new and often unconventional ideas. Pavel stated this today at the Riding School of Prague Castle during a tour of the "Design for Václav Havel" and "High Craft" exhibitions, which are part of the program for the upcoming 28th edition of the Designblok festival.
During his visit, the President spoke about the importance of design, architecture, and applied arts for public spaces and the functioning of state institutions. According to Pavel, the environment in which public and political life takes place can influence how people perceive the state and its representatives.
The "Design for Václav Havel" exhibition features projects and objects associated with the first Czech president. Havel was known not only for his political activities and involvement in dissent, but also for his interest in culture, architecture, and visual arts. During his presidency, projects were created at Prague Castle that, according to the organizers of the exhibitions, aimed to connect the traditional environment of the presidential residence with modern design.
The exhibition will also include a new lectern designed for President Petr Pavel. Its creation demonstrates the ongoing connection between contemporary design and the environment of the highest state institution. The new object also has a practical function and becomes part of the president's working environment.
The "High Craft" exhibition focuses on contemporary creations and traditional craftsmanship techniques. It showcases the work of artists who combine craft experience with modern design and current technologies. Visitors can see different approaches to materials, processing, and the appearance of finished products.
Designblok, whose 28th edition is approaching, is one of the most important showcases of contemporary design in the Czech Republic. The festival annually presents domestic and foreign creators, brands, studios, and new trends in the fields of design, architecture, and applied arts.
During his visit, Pavel emphasized that Havel's approach can be an inspiration even today. He highlighted the importance of the ability to find new paths and not be afraid of ideas that may seem unusual at a given moment. According to him, the exhibitions remind us not only of the past of Prague Castle but also of the significance of creativity and courage in shaping its current form.
Jan Vojtěch
