The Urban Interventions project aims to highlight problematic areas in Ostrava

Ostrava - Aiming to highlight problematic areas in Ostrava and also propose possible solutions is the non-profit project Urban Interventions Ostrava 2013, which started in the regional city. Not only professionals but also the public can contribute their proposals for the transformation of public spaces, said Vendula Šafářová, a member of the project's artistic council, to journalists today.
    The Urban Interventions project originally emerged in Bratislava, from where the concept spread to other cities, including Prague and Brno. Just like in those cities, in Ostrava, an exhibition will be constructed from the resulting proposals, which will be on display from December to February at the Cooltour multi-genre center of contemporary art, accompanied by authors' presentations and lectures, and later also in the foyer of the New Town Hall.
    "The aim of our project is not just to beautify the environment but mainly to encourage the city and its residents to take care of it, to engage, to enjoy it, and to strive to do something for the city. We want them to realize that the city is theirs," Šafářová stated.
    Those with specific solutions to pressing issues can register not only architects and builders but also designers or visual artists, as well as people who can send tips about areas needing transformation. All proposals will be accepted at the email address info@mestskezasahyostrava.cz. "Anyone can participate. The residents of Ostrava have the advantage of knowing the everyday city. On the other hand, 'outsiders' will not suffer from operational blindness," noted Jiří Stejskalík, a member of the organizing team and an architect. He added that the project is based on volunteerism, without a claim to compensation.
    The organizers already have 12 registered participants, including architects from Ostrava studios, aside from individuals. "I want to support what brings ordinary joy to the residents of Ostrava, which is also my city. Just strengthening the feeling that the city is ours would be a great success," explained architect Radim Václavík regarding his participation in the project.
    The project is also supported by the chief architect of the city of Ostrava, Cyril Vltavský, who considers it a great idea. "It is very difficult to ascertain how people envision Ostrava should look. Here is a project that allows anyone to voice their vision and opinion on what doesn't function in the city," Vltavský pointed out.
    Interested parties can find more information about the project and participation conditions on the website www.mestskezasahyostrava.cz.