In Pilsen, the realization of the cultural factory Světovar will begin next year

Plzeň - Next year, the reconstruction of the former brewery and later barracks Světovar in Plzeň is expected to begin, transforming it into a "cultural factory". The 4x4 Culture Factory Světovar project, an intercultural center, is one of the main plans for Plzeň in the European Capital of Culture (EHMK) project for 2015, along with the construction of a new theater. The renovation for cultural purposes is estimated to cost around 100 million crowns, said Tomáš Froyda, director of the 2015 company which manages the EHMK project.
    The construction revitalization of the site, which includes several protected buildings, is expected to start at the beginning of 2013 and last until mid-2014. The construction documentation is currently being prepared. The area is to offer halls, studios, spaces, and residences for the implementation of artistic projects. According to Froyda, the funding is expected to come from the city and various grant sources.
    According to Kateřina Melenová from the EHMK project implementation team, plans for Světovar involve two interconnected buildings. The former fermentation room, bottling plant, waterworks, and other areas of the former brewery will house several halls and galleries for theater, dance, and scenic projects, visual art exhibitions, installations, and more. Part of the spaces will be available for band rehearsals, club, or community purposes. Additionally, individual halls can be connected or separated as needed. They will have their own access, facilities, and technology, allowing for heating or lighting in specific areas rather than throughout the entire site. "If everything goes well, Světovar will be a unique and new element in the Czech Republic. Similar projects abroad serve as inspiration," Melenová stated.
    The area will also provide residential rooms for artists to stay during the implementation of their projects. "We plan to have spaces for studios for graphic and visual artists. We have mapped that there is great interest in this in Plzeň among young artists who do not have their own facilities and studios," noted Froyda.
    The revitalization will maximize the use of the industrial building of Světovar. Efforts will be made to preserve and recycle spaces, layouts, and original elements, such as pavements, iron structures, and pillars. "That is why we are able to stay within the 100 million crowns; the entire revitalization actually preserves all the substance. The only new extension is the entrance foyer with a café and offices, but the architecture of the new part respects the appearance and design of the whole," added Froyda.
    The public will have a trial opening of Světovar for a month in spring. From March 21 to April 20, an exhibition by sculptor Jiří Beránek titled The Power of Silence II will be offered, which aims to emphasize the connection between the beauty of an empty space and art.