Czech citizens raise over 8.5 million CZK for Korzo Národní celebrations

A public fundraising campaign for the Korzo Národní project has raised over 8.5 million CZK in just a few days. The initiative aims to fund celebrations for the anniversary of November 17, following the decision by Czech Culture Minister Ota Klempíř to withhold state financial support.

The amount collected significantly exceeds the total state subsidies the project received over the past three years, which amounted to 2.7 million CZK. Minister Klempíř justified the refusal of funding by stating that previous applications did not meet subsidy rules and noting that the current anniversary is not a major decadal milestone.

Organizers from the initiative 'Díky, že můžem' stated that the rapid response from the public demonstrates a functioning civil society. The funds will ensure the event proceeds in full and will also create a reserve for future years. Bára Stárek, executive director of the initiative, noted that while the fundraiser was successful, it highlights broader challenges facing the culture sector, including funding uncertainties.