Some industrial sites in Brno have been revitalized by culture

Mosilana Hub

Brno - Instead of noisy machines, music or theater; instead of pallets with stored goods, works of independent artists. A trend known from many European cities is also manifesting in Brno, where old industrial buildings are increasingly serving culture. In addition to the prestigious Adam Gallery in a former foundry and the Industra center in freezing halls, other places with a unique atmosphere are emerging, such as Malá Amerika near the station or the facilities for creative professions in the Mosilana area.
    Malá Amerika is a warehouse from the late 19th century. Exotic goods once transited there, transported by train from European ports. The Container41 association has rented the building from the railways and created a cultural space, whose main hall has an area of 520 square meters. Various organizers use it for their cultural events, markets, or other gatherings. In September, the Henry Lee Fest music festival will move to Malá Amerika, which took place last year in Zbrojovka.
    There is also a smaller, hundred-meter hall in Malá Amerika. The space on the first floor is currently being adapted, suitable for more intimate events, lectures, and exhibitions. Although interest in Malá Amerika is lower during the summer, it will revive again after the holidays. "By the end of the year, we have already booked 37 days with various events," said Michal Veselý from the operator to ČTK. Three exhibitions are still planned on the first floor before the renovations are completed.
    The same association is behind the shared space for architects, artists, or designers. Under the name Mosilana Hub, it opened in a rented part of the industrial area of the former Mosilana factory on Křenová Street. Gradually, first tenants are moving in, and others are coming for visits. The goal is to attract people who do not seek sterile and mundane offices, but spaces suitable for creation.
    Industra is operated by the Vaizard association as a support space for artists, a place for meetings, and hosting various events. On Saturday, August 29, a street food celebration will take place there, for example. "Just like last year, the festival will offer food and drinks from all corners of the world, both from professional chefs and enthusiastic and skilled amateurs," said Zdeněk Gric on behalf of the organizers.
    The new Bajkazyl also has an industrial spirit, a café, bike workshop, and cultural scene located under the railway station's tracks. It was recently opened by the Ratolest association. They are requesting public support for further repairs through a campaign on Hithit.cz. Of the required 350,000 CZK, about 130,000 CZK has been raised so far. "Many things still need to be repaired, lighting needs to be adjusted, facilities must be renovated, the kitchen or concert hall equipped with quality technology. We would like to purchase the equipment that we currently have on loan," informed the director of the non-profit organization Alena Přikrylová.
    Thanks to one-time and long-term events in the past, the dilapidated Zbrojovka area has also made its mark on the cultural map of Brno, as well as the former Vlněna, where the Bodies Revealed exhibition took place. The initiative Culture Against Decay tries to revive the deteriorating brownfield on Vlhká Street. And due to its industrial past, Brno also offers other spaces waiting for their discovery and new use.