„Basic art schools are the roots of our culture, of our love for art. On a global scale, they are a unique educational system that must be cherished, developed, and supported.“

National Festival and ZUŠ Open Projects  

ZUŠ Open – From Happening to a Respected Artistic Festival
The ZUŠ Open national festival is the largest festival of art education and a cultural event in the Czech Republic. The festival, under its brand, also holds other projects outside the main festival dates. ZUŠ Open is a festival celebrating shared joy and respect for the unique system of basic art education, whose goal is to develop art schools as a modern educational system that connects art education with practice, impacting the broad development of students and teachers. The main festival program runs over two weeks in 350 cities across the Czech Republic and offers programs for the general public across all disciplines and genres—music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Under the patronage and in collaboration with singer Magdalena Kožená and various artists and cultural institutions, it showcases the work and best practices of basic art schools. Festival Partners include: Prague Spring International Music Festival, Smetana’s Litomyšl, Czech Philharmonic, National Gallery, Concentus Moraviae, Brno Music Marathon, and many other significant institutions.

The festival's program brings carefully curated performances representing collaboration between schools and their partners in various regions, as well as individual school productions. The highlight of the festival is the traditional ZUŠ Open national showcase in the Senate at the Wallenstein Garden, where 1,000 performers represent all regions of the Czech Republic. In 2024, the festival presented performances in 350 cities with 530 artistic productions featuring 150,000 performers, including students, teachers, and professional artists. In 2022, the ZUŠ Open festival closed the Czech presidency of the Council of the EU with two gala concerts in the European Parliament.

Festival productions also include the series ZUŠ Open Helps, which showcases selected art projects by art schools supporting those in need. This series is a platform for presenting the “Without Prejudices, Without Barriers” project of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, contributing to the education of children in social responsibility through art.

www.zusopen.cz

Why support the ZUŠ Open national festival of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation?

• ZUŠ Open is unique in its scale and the quality of its programming, being the largest cultural event and the only art education festival of this scope in the Czech Republic.
• ZUŠ Open not only presents the breadth and quality of the activities of basic art schools, but also all other projects of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation.
• ZUŠ Open showcases the value of art education and creativity, which has a broad impact on the public.
• ZUŠ Open creates a space for meetings and collaboration between students, teachers, parents, artists, institutions, and all those interested in art and nurturing the youngest generation in a professional and respected festival environment.

Benefit Concert of Magdalena Kožená and Basic Art Schools 

In 2016, the first Gala for the Magdalena Kožená Foundation took place to gain the first supporters and financial resources for the newly established foundation. Through this gala, the founder and patron made clear her personal commitment to supporting art schools. This marked the beginning of the tradition of regular benefit concerts, featuring the personal participation of the singer. Over the years, students from art schools across the country have participated in these concerts, offering them the unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of performing alongside the foundation’s founder.

We warmly invite you to the Benefit Concert of Magdalena Kožená and Basic Art Schools on May 14, 2025, which will open the ZUŠ Open national festival.

A look back at previous years:

• Gala for the Magdalena Kožená Foundation (2016)

• Gala for the Magdalena Kožená Foundation (2017)
• Benefit Concert of Magdalena Kožená (2021)
• Benefit Concert for the Future (2023)
• Benefit Concert of Magdalena Kožená and Basic Art Schools (2024)

ZUŠ Open - Concert of Hope

Without Prejudices, Without Barriers  

This project focuses on artistic and educational collaborations between art schools and partners from special education and non-profit organizations dedicated to charity, social work, and support.

We help by:

• Removing barriers preventing children and young people with various disadvantages from participating in artistic activities through joint projects
• Educating children and youth in social responsibility and sensitivity through art education
• Helping art schools organize benefit concerts and artistic productions in support of the needy
• Creating spaces for interactive art projects that revitalize collaboration between different communities and foster intergenerational understanding—cooperation between art schools and special schools, children's homes, or homes for seniors.
  
  

Since 2020, we have been organizing or supporting the following projects and collaborating with these organizations:

• festival series  ZUŠ Open pomáhá
• Sdružení Neratov
• Vysokomýtské souznění
• Škola Jaroslava Ježka
• Tmavomodrý festival
• Charita ČR
• Arcidiecézní charita Praha
• Dívčí katolická střední škola
• Koncert pro Svatovítské varhany
• Poradny pro ženy a dívky
• Silou hlasu
• ZŠ a MŠ Svítání
• and many more

Our Challenge

Sensitivity to the needs of others, supporting those in need through our skills, art education, and collaboration with them. Become our partner, help us fulfill this essential message, and spread the awareness that art has the power to help, break down barriers, and strengthen mutual understanding.

Knights of Talent  

Talent is a rare gift and an essential part of success in art education. The Knights of Talent project primarily focuses on areas where state resources and those of our partners fall short. Our partner for individual support of children and young people under 18 is the Patron of Children project, which has helped write many stories with happy endings.

Become a Knight of Talent and support:

• projects of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation aimed at supporting and developing exceptional talent within basic art schools
• individuals or art schools that cannot afford quality musical instruments or equipment without the support of private donors
• exceptionally talented students of art schools, providing them with opportunities beyond what their school can offer (mentoring, masterclasses, participation in international competitions, preparation for special performances or projects)
• teachers at art schools who, beyond their regular duties, systematically work with exceptionally talented students or those with special needs.

We Cultivate with Art

We support additional activities of art schools. We aim to help basic art schools expand their offerings of educational and artistic activities beyond the existing curriculum and the financial possibilities of public funding (MAP templates, school founder grants, etc.) or contributions from parents.

We help art schools with:

• organizing extraordinary artistic and educational projects
• holding meetings or creative competitions in various fields
• implementing extraordinary artistic or educational projects in support of those in need
• developing innovative approaches in education and improving its quality
• implementing projects that foster collaboration between local communities both regionally and nationwide
• linking art education with practice, impacting the broad development of students and teachers.

Give Art Schools a Chance

We support small art schools. Many small art schools, often located in socially disadvantaged areas, face numerous challenges that may hinder their development and ability to provide quality art education to talented youth in these regions. The “Give Art Schools a Chance” project is designed to strengthen these schools and provide them with the tools to overcome obstacles preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Together with our partners, we support:

• the full potential of small art schools and schools in disadvantaged locations
• the presence of teaching assistants where needed
• the availability of school psychologist services and professional counseling
• support for students with artistic talent whose lives are affected by a health handicap, social disadvantage, or special learning needs
• systematic development of a specific group of artistically gifted children and youth growing up in foster care or children’s homes.

We Stand by Art Schools 

Together with our professional partner Asociace základních uměleckých škol, we engage in strategic negotiations and activities to strengthen the promotion and protection of the existential and economic interests of basic art schools, the development of quality, and the awareness of the importance of art education in the Czech Republic.

Since 2016, we have been helping art schools with presentations and fostering collaborations:

• Art showcases and exhibitions in both the upper and lower chambers of Parliament, under the personal patronage of members of the Czech Parliament and Senate
• Presentations of art schools during the award ceremonies of the Minister of Education's medals
• Presentations at the Senate of the Czech Parliament during the Senate Awards ceremonies
• Presentations of the art school system and participation in conferences of the Education Committees of the Czech Parliament and Senate
• Presentations at festivals and events organized by regional and city leaders
• Showcase of the unique system of art schools and concerts at the European Parliament during the conclusion of the Czech residency of the Council of the EU
• Major art showcase in the Wallenstein Garden – ZUŠ Open at the Senate of the Czech Parliament
• Media presentations in programs and news reports on Czech Television, TV Nova, Czech Radio, Deník, and other media
• Art presentations in concerts for St. Vitus Cathedral organs (live broadcast on Czech Television)
• Advent Concerts on Czech Television
• Concerts and showcases in cooperation with the Administration of Prague Castle
• Art school presentations in collaboration with leading Czech festivals and cultural institutions
• Presentations of talented students of art schools as part of Prague Spring International Music Festival, Smetana’s Litomyšl, Concentus Moraviae, Czech Dreams, and other events.

We actively collaborate with:

• Asociace základních uměleckých škol ČR
• Umělecká rada základních uměleckých škol ČR
• Ministerstvo školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy
• Národní pedagogický institut
• Ministerstvo kultury ČR
• Asociace krajů ČR
• Svaz měst a obcí ČR
• Poslanecká sněmovna ČR
• Senát Parlamentu ČR
• Výbor pro vzdělávání Magistrátu hlavního města Prahy
• Celostátní komise pro výchovu a vzdělávání vládní strany
• Pedagogická fakulta Univerzity Karlovy
• Pedagogická fakulta Univerzity Palackého Olomouc
• Asociace konzervatoří ČR
• Akademie múzických umění v Praze
• Janáčkova Akademie múzických umění v Brně
• Společnost pro hudební výchovu
• INSEA
• Arcibiskupství pražské
• Česká televize
• Český rozhlas
• Česká filharmonie
• Concentus Moraviae
• MHF Pražské jaro
• Smetanova Litomyšl
• Karlovarský symfonický orchestr
• Západočeský orchestr Mariánské lázně
• Filharmonie Bohuslava Martinů ve Zlíně
• Janáčkova filharmonie v Ostravě
• Zlín Film Festival
• Správa Pražského Hradu
• and many more

The brass quartet from ZUŠ Biskupská, led by teacher Martin Švadlenka, performed on April 22, 2025, as part of a partnership with Czech Photo at the Czech Photo Nature and Czech Photo Nature Junior awards ceremony held at Prague Castle.

The ceremony took place under the personal patronage and in the presence of Mrs. Eva Pavlová, the First Lady of the Czech Republic.

The festival once again showcased top female vocalists from the Czech and Slovak music scenes and featured performances by young talents from elementary art schools (ZUŠ), recommended by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation.

The festival opened on April 11, 2025, with a gala concert at the prestigious Jazz Dock in Prague, featuring leading figures of the Czech scene, including singer and festival organizer Petra Ernyei. The program reflected the diversity of female vocal expression, spanning from jazz to world music and original compositions. The evening was enriched by a performance from Emilie Bukajová, a gifted student from ZUŠ Františka Jílka, guided in her musical journey by teacher MgA. Petr Šmiřák.

The second day of the festival took place in the elegant setting of the Winternitz Villa, offering a more intimate atmosphere. In addition to established artists, young vocalist Adéla Řehořová from ZUŠ Beroun, a student of Renée Nachtigallová, brought fresh energy and a distinctive performance to the program with her interpretation.

Both evenings thus provided a unique opportunity for gifted young ZUŠ singers to shine on a professional stage alongside seasoned performers.

Our partner organization Patron dětí also supports children and their families in the context of elementary art schools. At the moment, you can contribute to help purchase musical instruments for:

• Without a bassoon, Hanička cannot continue her growth at the conservatory

Join us in helping.

It was a great honor to welcome our founder, Magdalena Kožená, at the press conference of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the hall of the Ministry of Culture.

Speakers included the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, doc. PhDr. Mikuláš Bek, Ph.D., Deputy Minister of Culture, MgA. David Kašpar, Director of the Magdalena Kožená Foundation, MgA. Irena Pohl Houkalová, Executive Director of the Association of Elementary Art Schools and Director of ZUŠ Kroměříž, MgA. Ivona Křivánková. The conference was moderated by the General Director of the Czech Philharmonic, MgA. David Mareček, Ph.D.

The press conference was primarily dedicated to the program of the ninth edition of the nationwide festival ZUŠ Open, which will run until June 6, 2025. The opening benefit concert with the participation of Magdalena Kožená will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius on Karlínské náměstí in Prague.

We are honored to invite you to the third edition of the VOCAL – Night of the Singers music festival. Once again, the festival will showcase leading female vocalists from the Czech and Slovak music scenes, and will also feature performances by young talents from elementary art schools (ZUŠ), recommended by the Magdalena Kožená Foundation.

The festival will open on April 11, 2025, with a gala concert at the prestigious Jazz Dock in Prague, featuring prominent figures of the Czech music scene, including singer and festival organizer Petra Ernyei. The concert program will highlight the diversity of female vocal expression—from jazz to world music and original songwriting. The evening will also include a performance by the talented Emilie Bukajová from ZUŠ Františka Jílka, guided on her musical path by teacher MgA. Petr Šmiřák.

The second day of the festival will take on a more intimate atmosphere in the elegant setting of the Winternitz Villa. Alongside established artists, young talent Valerie Stojková from ZUŠ Beroun—student of vocal coach Renée Nachtigallová—will bring fresh energy and a unique style to the stage with her performance.

Both evenings will offer a special opportunity for gifted ZUŠ students to shine on the festival stage alongside experienced professionals.

We warmly invite you to a joint concert of sacred music featuring three choirs: Pueri gaudentes, Severáček, and the Jaroslav Ježek School.
The concert will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM
at the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, Kanovnická 5/72, Prague – Hradčany.

The concert is held with the kind support of the Chaplaincy of the Army of the Czech Republic.

Admission is free – voluntary donations welcome.

Incredible energy and enthusiasm from students and teachers of elementary art schools (ZUŠ) from across the Czech Republic filled the halls of ZUŠ Pardubice – Polabiny on Saturday. The combined orchestra rehearsed intensively for the Knights of Talent benefit concert, which will open this year’s ZUŠ Open festival and will be broadcast live by Czech Television on May 14.

But the musical spirit wasn't limited to Pardubice. In Brno, preparations continued for the baroque opera Dido and Aeneas. Its perfect execution still lies ahead, but we believe an extraordinary experience awaits us.

The second part of this working Saturday belonged not only to young singers but also to the brilliant Martin Hroch and his wonderful team from GYMUM and ZUŠ Pavla Křížkovského in Brno, under the direction of stage director Jana Krajčovicová.