23. 4. 2026
CSR
Art and education form the foundation of every society’s culture and identity. The University of Ostrava Art Collection beautifully bridges the two. It gives us the opportunity to support young artists at the start of their careers while also helping the university develop activities that go beyond the scope of regular instruction. That is why we have decided, in collaboration with the University of Ostrava, to establish the PURPOSIA Company Art Competition, which we will financially support.
Why the University of Ostrava?
The idea arose from joint discussions on how to support young regional artists and give their work more space. We want to help them as they enter the professional scene, and at the same time, we want to enrich the university’s collection with vibrant works by the current generation that reflect their energy, creativity, and their current view of the world. And that is something very close to my heart.
Our region need not be merely a symbol of industry; it is, in fact, a place where high-quality culture is created and where many inspiring artists are active. The Faculty of Arts at the University of Ostrava, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, is clear proof of this. And we want to be part of it—we want to support culture from its very beginnings and continue to develop it. I have been serving as a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Ostrava for eight years now, and the PURPOSIA Award is another initiative that deepens our long-term collaboration.
How the competition works
The competition is open to students and recent graduates of art colleges who have a connection to the Moravian-Silesian Region—whether they study, live, work, or come from here. If you know someone like this, be sure to let them know about the competition.
Each artist may submit one work or a cohesive body of work from any visual art discipline. A panel of experts will select the winner, whose work the university will purchase for up to 100,000 CZK. The award also includes the opportunity for a solo exhibition and media support. Applications may be submitted by June 15, 2026, via email (details of the competition can be found on the website of the Art Collection of the University of Ostrava).
I am already looking forward to seeing what the young artists come up with. I am truly curious about their perspective on the world and on our region.