Piratería versus robo a mano armada

PPF aims to be a long-time partner of exceptional cultural and charity projects. We are very active in our support of charity causes and, above all, culture where we support major projects and significantly contribute to the growth of cultural life in the Czech Republic. However, we are not just a passive partner and in addition to searching for interesting projects we also come up with ideas regarding how to develop them further.

PPF: aCTiVe ParTner OF CZeCH CulTure

the commitment to culture springs from our company’s tradition, its position and the history of our activities in the Czech Republic. As partners of Czech culture, through the projects we support, we have the opportunity to more actively communicate the values of our corporate philosophy and our own approach and position

with regard to Czech culture. We are especially active in our support of Czech theatre and photography and invest many millions in these areas each year. However, we bring more than just funding to art projects. We always act as an initiating and long-term partner of Czech culture, supporting its selected projects and working on building a lasting tradition for them.

Summer Shakespeare Festival

PPF has been the general partner of the Summer Shakespeare Festival for seven years. the event takes place each summer in the magical setting of the Supreme Burgrave’s House of Prague Castle. the unique idea of presenting stage performances of the Bard, often in innovative productions, has met with an enormous popularity among the Czech public.

the open-air Shakespeare Festival has moved beyond the Supreme Burgrave’s House in Prague and also travels to Brno and Bratislava, Slovakia. the event was held under the auspices of President Václav Klaus in 2005.

Maximum Photography

the summer cultural season once more included our Maximum Photography exhibition. In partnership with the Prague Castle Administration, we presented ladislav Sitenský’s photographs in a showcase

in the Castle’s Southern Gardens. “Maximum Photography – Heroes of Albion” included 27 large-format photographs by ladislav Sitenský posted on glass panels. the

photographs were taken during the artist’s WWII service with the 312th Czechoslovak Fighter Squadron and later with the Czechoslovak Inspectorate General in war-time london. In 2006, we will hold the third annual Maximum Photography exhibition. It will be dedicated to the work of Jan lukas and his nEW yORK – POMPEI series.

Josef Sudek Studio

PPF often comes up with original ideas that improve Czech culture life. An example is the 2000 renovation of Josef Sudek’s studio at Újezd, Prague. PPF organised the studio’s reconstruction back to its original state, acted as the project’s investor and now operates the gallery. thanks to PPF, the decrepit studio of one of the most celebrated Czech photographers was turned into a leading photographic venue that has become an important part of Prague’s cultural life.

the gallery presents work by Czech classics

of photography as well as contemporary artists, foreign photographers and young talents. Past exhibitions include Josef Sudek, František Drtikol, Emila Medková, Jan lukas, Ivan Pinkava, Jaroslav Rosler and Gabina Fárová. the attention we devote to the Josef Sudek Studio is closely related to our activities in the photographic field. We are consistently building a collection of art photographs – “Fotograf v zahradě”, which is devoted to Czech art photography of the 20th century but also includes the most contemporary works.

Žižkovské divadlo Járy Cimrmana

Jára Cimrman and his poetry of mystification are, without a doubt, a unique phenomenon of Czech theatre. Plays written by ladislav Smoljak and Zdeněk Svěrák for the company have a 39 year-old tradition and a wealth of devoted admirers whose ranks are steadily growing. “the Cimrmans” perform their classic pieces that have been their trademark for decades as well as new plays. Žižkovské divadlo theatre has seen several premiers of this rare acting troupe, not least thanks to PPF’s assistance.

HelP FOr CHilDren PiPan

Since 1998, we have supported PIPAn, a kindergarten for hard-of-hearing children. It is the only school for the hard of hearing that thoroughly practices bilingual teaching in sign language and in spoken and written Czech. the school‘s basic idea is to enable small children with serious hearing defects to develop spontaneously using both languages. PPF Group provides it with financial help for basic work on the building, school facilities and trips beneficial to children’s health. We are aware that our assistance must go not only to cultural projects, but also, as a company that feels responsibility for events in Czech society, we have a duty to help those who need it most – children.

inVeSTMenTS in eDuCaTiOn Open Gate – boarding School

As part of its philanthropic activities in the area

of education, PPF Group has decided to support the Educa Foundation and its Open Gate – Boarding School project. Open Gate is a private, eight-year boarding school in Babice that specialises in modern foreign languages and offers year-round accommodation and board. the school uses its own textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education. the curriculum includes intensive English courses and five subjects are taught in this language. At the end of their eighth year, students sit for an English examination recognised by foreign universities so that they will be able to study abroad. In addition to English, students may choose from five other languages.

the idea to found a boarding school for talented and intelligent students and to support the education of children from socially deprived backgrounds through the Educa Foundation was formulated by Mr. and Mrs. Kellner eight years ago.

the Foundation pays up to 100% of tuition fees on behalf of talented children from child-care institutions, foster families or socially deprived families. the grants cover all costs of school material, board, accommodation, extracurricular activities, school uniforms and a portion of the travel expenses. Grants are awarded to children who successfully pass the entrance exams and are admitted for study at Open Gate.