The Soros Center for Contemporary Arts - Prague
The Soros Center for Contemporary Arts - Prague (SCCA-Prague), a non-profit organization supporting the development of the contemporary visual arts in the Czech Republic, was founded in the autumn of 1992. By the close of 1998, there was a network of 20 similar Soros centers operating in the countries of the former communist block, under the umbrella of, and supported by, the OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE, Inc. New York founded by Mr. George Soros. Until 1994 the SCCA-Prague was a part of the Central European University; and from July 1994 until April 1997 it operated as part of the Open Society Fund, Prague. In May 1997, the SCCA-Prague gained the status of an independent foundation.
The activities of the SCCA-Prague have been governed by the its elected advisory board, composed of five members - respected art historians, theoreticians and curators - each serving a two to three year term. In 1999, the SCCA-Prague was transformed into two new separate non-profit organizations, which continue its activities and mission: The Foundation for Contemporary Art - Prague and The Center for Contemporary Art - Prague, o.p.s..
The SCCA-Prague's mission has been the support of contemporary art, as an important constituent of a harmonious development of civil society in our country. The Center's activities have been oriented toward cultivating the free artistic expression of individual artists as well as revitalizing the social role of the visual arts - during a rapid period of change and transition in the Czech Republic which has not only been political, economic and social but also cultural. While the Center's support has been aimed at individuals and institutions living and working in the Czech Republic, at the same time it has been directed towards the broader purpose of integrating art and its principals into civil society development; promoting values intrinsic to contemporary art - values that, as yet, have not received broad recognition in Czech society.
We would like to take this opportunity, to thank all the artists, individuals, private firms, arts museums and galleries, federal government and municipal authorities and non-profit organizations who have contributed their time, expertise and financial resources to support our activities. Without this valuable support, we would not have been able to achieve as much as we did over this period. We tried hard to mention all of the main supporters of our programs in this publication, however, if we neglected to include someone, please accept our most heartfelt apologies.
The SCCA-Prague would also like to thank:
Mr. George Soros for his enlightened vision, inspiration and the long-term financial and intellectual support that he has devoted to the region of Central and Eastern Europe.