<translated>On the preservation of the epic in Moravia, a decision was likely made in July</translated>

Brno - In July, key meetings will take place regarding the efforts to preserve the exhibition of the Slav Epic by painter Alphonse Mucha at the castle in Moravský Krumlov. The city's leadership and the South Moravian Region will meet with representatives from Prague, which owns the artwork, to discuss its return to Moravia. Discussions will also cover the future of the castle, which needs renovation. This was stated by South Moravian Governor Michal Hašek (ČSSD), Krumlov Mayor Tomáš Třetina (TOP 09), and Alexander Rozin, director of the company Incheba, the owner of the Moravský Krumlov castle, after today's meeting.
    The goal of the meeting in Prague will be to determine whether and under what circumstances the collection of 20 large-scale canvases by Mucha should return to the castle in Moravský Krumlov. Currently, there are 15 paintings on display there, while the rest were transferred and exhibited in Prague several months ago. After the tourist season, the remaining paintings will be transported back.
    Moravský Krumlov hopes to regain the epic preferably next year, but no later than 2014. They plan to renovate the local castle. They want to significantly expand the exhibition featuring the epic to include the creation of the work, Mucha's life, and the Art Nouveau period. The municipality is discussing this project with the Ministry of Culture.
    However, the castle is owned by the Slovak company Incheba, which may not be able to access state subsidies for extensive restoration of this monument. Its future is under discussion. It is possible that Incheba will sell or lease it to the city or region, or possibly form a company with them that will take care of the facility. "At this moment, all options are open," Hašek stated regarding this matter.
    Disputes arose some time ago regarding the epic after Prague announced that it wanted to take it away from Moravia and Mucha's birthplace after nearly 60 years to exhibit it in the capital. Opponents argue that Prague lacks the space that Mucha requested for the work, and that it does not need another new tourist attraction at the expense of Krumlov.