Field trips with guided tours to galleries, exhibits and other nearby cultural sites in the city of Prague will be an integral component of the first part of the course. There will be a basic introduction to Prague’s art-cultural sites mostly nearby the campus; then a selection of best temporary contemporary art exhibits will be visited depending on the city’s cultural program. These activities will be combined with short preparatory lectures and discussions afterwards. Students may have opportunities to meet local artists and curators on site, if possible, and determined by the special interests of the students.

After introductory lectures with site visits for Prague’s specific art history and selected contemporary art exhibits, the class will move to the studio facilities for creative work inspired by Prague’s unique history and artistic heritage, which differed from the cultures of other European capitals and regions and so this can be a valuable source of inspiration for artists. Students will make creative works done predominantly en plein air (outdoors in nature) for drawing, and painting workshops – determined by interest of the students in the group. The first sessions will be devoted to exploring the art world with daily site visits and second-half for creative pursuits, inspired by the site visits.

The course is unique in its focus on the interplay between art history and contemporary art in the Prague context and teaching traditional art skills, innovation, and creativity – all essential requirements for successful progression to Higher Education and careers in the creative industries.

All levels are welcome.