Experts: Plzeň must clarify its program, among other things, in order to succeed in 2015

Plzeň - The company Plzeň 2015 must create a clear program with 8 to 12 key projects and 40 to 60 additional projects that will take place over the two years when Plzeň will become the European Capital of Culture (EHMK). To succeed with the project, it must also take further measures, such as significantly improving communication with the public, consolidating project management, and ensuring financial audits. The list of measures is included in the so-called evaluation report prepared for the city hall by two European experts. Today, it was presented by Mayor Martin Baxa (ODS) and interim head of Plzeň 2015 Erich Beneš.
     Plzeň 2015 is a non-profit organization established by the city, tasked specifically with preparing the mentioned event.
     "The reality is that not everything in this phase our project has," Baxa told journalists. He described the report as a cookbook that Plzeň 2015 will now adhere to, outlining detailed steps including deadlines. The general conclusion is that the project must not be just for the cultural elite or an alternative group, but for everyone. "Everyone in the city should find themselves in the project," the mayor stated.
     According to experts, the efficiency of teamwork within Plzeň 2015, which is preparing the city for the crucial year, has been weak. This is also due to the resignations of two former directors, first Milan Svoboda and then Tomáš Froydy. The city will now seek a new general director, based on an open international selection process. "The third director must be the one who leads the project to 2015," Baxa said. According to him, it is realistic to fill the position within a few months.
     Experts also suggest appointing a group of two to three managers who would, among other things, unify the team and put more effort into marketing and communication with the public.
     For the program itself, which Plzeň has 16.5 million euros (about 420 million CZK) available, experts criticize that it was developed without a sufficiently clear line needed for the implementation phase. They advise reducing the number of projects for 2015 to 8 to 12 "blockbusters" and another 40 to 60 smaller standard events. According to Beneš, the first version of the program will be ready in the coming weeks, and by June, the program must be "fixed." The basic program line is expected to be known to the European Commission in July. Which projects will remain and which will be cut is not yet clear.
     Due to the fact that Plzeň 2015 has been working in isolation since about mid-2011, and communication with the city has faltered, the new chairman of the board will be the mayor. One of the seats on the board will also be taken by an opposition councilor, specifically Michal Vozobule from TOP 09. The report also recommends involving more of the Plzeň Region, with which the city is negotiating further cooperation, and also engaging Bavaria and Austria more significantly.
     According to Beneš, a management audit of the project is being prepared, which will evaluate the personnel, project, and financial areas. The output will be available within a few weeks. Changes are already occurring in the organization, which has 26 employees. Beneš is implementing a project management system, defining budgets, setting deadlines, and more. A complete communication department is also expected to be created.
     The evaluation report was prepared by Oliver Scheytt, who previously led the organization for EHMK Ruhr 2010. The second author is Mattijs Maussen, a consultant for project management and European programs.