The story of Magdalena

“The topic of elementary art schools has always been close to my heart. As a graduate of a music school for children, I look back with love and gratitude on the time when I took my first steps on my artistic journey,” says world-renowned mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená. Her fond memories and deep awareness of the importance of nurturing children's artistic development led her to dedicate part of her activities to this cause and to actively support the unique system of elementary art schools, which in its uniqueness is both strong and fragile.

 

“Elementary art schools form the roots of our cultural identity and our love for the arts. On a global scale, they represent a truly unique educational system that must be cherished, developed, and supported.”

In 2016, opera singer Magdalena Kožená decided to personally support elementary art schools (ZUŠ) in the Czech Republic by founding a charitable foundation.

Elementary art schools play a vital role in developing young talents. The foundation organizes and helps finance extracurricular activities, develops educational programs, connects teaching with real-world practice, advocates for the schools’ interests, and promotes collaboration among institutions.

Goals of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation:

PRESENTATION – CONNECTION – SUPPORT

• Presenting elementary art schools (ZUŠ) as a unique and modern educational system of the 21st century, and strengthening their prestige in society

• Highlighting the importance and quality of elementary art education and its impact on the broader public

• Connecting schools and showcasing the ZUŠ system within the professional framework of the ZUŠ Open festival and other projects—nationwide and regionally

• Linking arts education with real-world practice through collaboration with professional artists, cultural institutions, and educational organizations

• Supporting talented children and youth regardless of their social background or physical challenges

• Supporting ZUŠ’s own projects and their extracurricular activities for both students and the public

• Promoting innovative approaches in arts education

• Educating the younger generation in social responsibility and sensitivity through the arts

• Creating space for collaboration among students, teachers, parents, and all who share an interest in the arts and the development of the youngest generation