Creative zone DEPO2015 (ENG) by Plzeň 2015

CREATIVE ZONE

Table of Contents 6

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Foreword

1.2 About DEPO2015

1.3 Usage of the DEPO2015 premises

1.4 The area of DEPO2015

1.5 The depot in relation to Pilsen

1.6 Pilsen in relation to the region

2.1 Makerspace

2.2 Creative Incubator

2.3 Coworking

2.4 Events & Conferences

2.5 Creative spots in Pilsen

3 Art and community

3.1 Exhibitions

3.2 Artist Residencies

3.3 Czech-Bavarian cultural platform

3.4 Community

4 TOURISM

4.1 Festival of Light

4.2 Hidden City application

4.3 Events

5.1 Contact

5.2 Partners

CENTre for creative enterprise

THE future

DEPO2015 courtyard

1.1 Foreword

Just as Pilsen has opened itself up to Europe

company depot, and to wrap it in an interesting

during 2015, DEPO2015 now opens itself up to the

cover in the form of contemporary art, interactive

Czech Republic and Central Europe. For me, it is

exhibits for children and a variety of events. Would

a living space in which I feel good, as do scores of

you fancy a philharmonic orchestra, a mini-festival

its visitors and users. Yes, that‘s right, users. These

of rock bands, the presentation of a series of new

involve both amateurs and professionals in such

model cars or perhaps a wedding celebration? It is

fields as the creation of graphics and mobile applica-

all available here under one roof.

tions as well as traditional crafts which are currently experiencing a great renaissance. These include

DEPO2015 is an open space suitable for bold,

metalwork, plastic and paper recycling, sewing

fresh and original projects of the 21st century,

courses and more.

balancing on the precipice between alternative and mainstream.

Our goal is to establish the right conditions for the development of creative industries in the beautiful industrial space of the former public transport

Jiří Suchánek, Director of Pilsen 2015, o.p.s. (Pilsen 2015 public benefit organisation)

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entities / people from

film & video industry

design industry

architecture industry

advertising industry

1.2 About DEPO2015

DEPO2015 is a living space where business and

intensely intertwined with the involvement of the

application in the market. To make this possible,

The year 2015 has been an opportunity at DEPO2015

culture are combined in innovative solutions.

public, be they clients of individual courses or visi-

public officials must promote innovation, experimen-

to present leaders from the world of design,

tors to cultural events, the café or the Community

tation and collaboration to a far greater extent. This

high-quality musical productions, interesting com-

Garden.

is in particular necessary in five main areas: support

munity and interactive exhibits, and much more. In

DEPO2015 is a place where art, technology and society meet. This overlap between the worlds of art and

for skills and craftsmanship; access to financing;

the following years, we would like to give DEPO2015

business has transformed the space of DEPO2015

The heart of DEPO2015 is formed by the Centre for

access to markets; internationalisation; and

users a chance to present projects they are working

into a one-of-a-kind institution. It is a space open on

Creative Enterprise, which interconnects culture

cross-sector cooperation. These are the priorities

on, whether it be an interactive exhibition, a design

an everyday basis, which serves for work, ongoing

with business and creative industries. DEPO2015 is

of the European Commission in the field of creative

(product, fashion or graphic), architecture, film,

educational activities and the sharing of art. It is

a place where start-ups and well-established com-

industries,” said the European Commissioner Tibor

music or visual art. All under the brand name

a place serving as a base for professionals, such

panies alike reside, work, create, present themselves

Navracsis in his opening speech at the European

MADE IN DEPO2015!

as graphic artists, designers and entrepreneurs,

and do business together. Start-up companies and

Creative Industries Summit in May 2015.

but also as a space bringing together enthusiasts,

studios have the opportunity to undergo a training

the general public and the nearby community of

programme with the assistance of professionals

DEPO2015 is also an open cultural space, which is

neighbours.

from cultural and creative industries in order to kick-

essential for the development of new ideas and the

start their business plan. They can utilise a shared

enhancement of the attractiveness of the area for

DEPO2015 is a key outcome of the Pilsen, European

working space and an open workshop for the manu-

people residing and working at DEPO2015, as well

Capital of Culture 2015 project. Just as the ECCE

facture of prototypes, or rent a studio or office.

as for the general public. The cultural programme

(European Centre for Creative Economy) was created

allows creative businesses to also practise their

from the project RUHR 2010, and LINZ 2009 sup-

“Despite the crisis, the creative economy has grown

innovations in other fields of so-called “basic

ported development of the centre Ars Electronica,

by 4.5% and currently employs over 8.5 million

research”, and then to put them into practice

Pilsen 2015 is looking for a way to respond to the

people within the European Union; nevertheless, the

in the form of “applied research“.

challenges which Czech society faces. The aim of

potential of cultural and creative industries remains

activities in DEPO2015 is to develop talents in the

in many aspects untapped. In order to support and

field of creative industries through educational

strengthen creative industries in the EU, we have

activities, thanks to its three-dimesional and tech-

to do more. We need to increase our capacities

nological setting. Activities in DEPO2015 are also

and facilitate the emergence of new ideas and their

1.3 Usage of the DEPO2015 premises

The premises of DEPO2015 consist of two varied

also dedicated to exhibition activities. In 2015, the

smithy currently serves as a smaller exhibition

Building SO01 is primarily home to the Centre for

halls containing larger and smaller spaces suitable

Pilsen Family Photo Album exhibition was installed

space, while another room here stores technological

Creative Enterprise, which contains the coworking

for holding a wide range of activities. The centre of

here consisting of photographs taken in Pilsen and

equipment, such as a 3D printer, a plotter and

space (shared offices), the makerspace (an open

the complex is constituted by a spacious former

borrowed from Pilsen inhabitants. The space of Low

a laser cutter.

workshop), offices and studios for rent.

“hall of heavy repairs”, which is now called the

Columns also hosted a playful interactive exhibition

Greenhouse. This space is convenient for holding

dedicated to children called the Time Machine.

In building SO01, known as the Bus Hall, there is

Even the courtyard between the two buildings has

a multifunctional space with an area of 760 m2,

formed an important and live part of the complex

presentation events, for presenting products and especially for design. An example realised in 2015

The brightest space belongs to the café, with its

which is acoustically designed and equipped

in 2015. From the opening of DEPO2015 at the end

is the exhibition Domus, presenting the best of

interior offering a reminder of the time when the

with new sanitary facilities. This hall hosted

of April 2015 until the end of 2015, this is where

Czech and world design within the framework of

depot served as a repair shop for the fleet of the

performances as part of the Prague Dance

we are presenting 16 works by the artist Čestmír

the exhibition called DOMUS Design (in cooperation

public transport company of Pilsen.

festival in Pilsen (featuring the renowned Sasha

Suška within the exhibition called RESTART. The

Waltz & Guests, among others), as well as the

courtyard has hosted many cultural events ranging

with Designblok). The industrial atmosphere of the hall, along with the jewel of design represented by

The former body shop in building SO02 constitutes

International Festival Theatre (featuring (A)pollonia

from theatre and musical performances to several

the “Greenhouse”, has proven a lure to organising

a multi-functional space suitable for conferences

by Warlikowski). Furthermore, the hall played host

successful projections at our open-air cinema

one-time site specific events which emphasise the

and the presentation of live art, such as theatre,

to the puppet performance Skupa’s Pilsen, and it

held this summer.

attractive environment. Such events include, for

dance and music. The name remains the

was a venue for concerts as part of the festival Rock

example, the Design Thinking Festival conference,

same: the Body Shop.

for People Europe. In 2015, the Bus Hall has held

which facilitated meetings of entrepreneurs with

dance and theatre performances, concerts, markets,

creative individuals and artists presenting possibili-

The adjacent hall of the former paint shop functions

shows, parties and many other events which would

ties for cooperation. The space of this hall, together

as a studio of the Pilsen artist Benedikt Tolar. Other,

otherwise have sought an adequate space for their

with the exhibition Domus Design, provides a stim-

mainly foreign artists involved in the Open A.i.R. pro-

realisation in vain.

ulating atmosphere for similar meetings and the

gramme work in the former upholstery workshops.

creation of joint projects. The smaller rooms in building SO02 are used for The hall of the Greenhouse in building SO02 is

workshops dedicated to children, which take place

adjacent to a space called Low Columns, which is

concurrently with long-term exhibitions. The former

The initial appearance of the exhibition space Low Columns

Low Columns now

1.4 The area of DEPO2015

The creative zone of DEPO2015 is a unique industrial space. Take a look at the detailed map.

FORGING SHOP

STUDIO 2 LOW PILLARS

PLUMBERY STUDIO 3

BUS HALL

ENTRANCE 1, RECEPTION

STUDIO 1

CAFE

GLASSHOUSE

FOYER CO-WORKING, OFFICES

ENTRANCE 2

WOODWORKING SHOP

MAKERSPACE ENTRANCE 3 OPEN A.I.R STUDIOS

1.5 The depot in relation to Pilsen

DEPO2015 is situated only a stone’s throw from

DIRECTION karlovy vary

the city centre and is close to important transport

Karlovy Vary — 1:00

junctions. See for yourself.

Chemnitz — 2:40

DIRECTION BAVARIA THE BUS STATION

THE ALFA THEATRE STOP

Regensburg — 2:15

Public transport — 20 min

Nuremberg — 2:45

Public transport — 20 min

DIRECTION PRAGUE

On foot — 40 min

Prague — 1:00

On foot — 60 min

Dresden — 3:00 cITY CENTRE Public transport — 12 min On foot — 15 min THE RAILWAY STATION Public transport — 20 min On foot — 15 min

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS Public transport — 30 min On foot — 60 min

CREATIVE ZONE

DEPO2015

1.6 Pilsen in relation to the region KAR

LO VAR VY Y

Pilsen in the context of surrounding cities.

1;00 HRS

REM

PRA GUE

PLZ

EŇ

1;00 HRS

BER

G BRN

REG

ENS

2;00 HRS

Č BUD ESKÉ ĚJO VIC

BUR

E 3;00 HRS

1;45 HRS

NIC

PAS SAU

2;30 HRS

2;00 HRS

LIN

3;15 HRS 2;50 HRS

Design Thinking Festival

CENTRE FOR CREATIVE ENTERPRISE The heart of DEPO2015 is the expanding Centre for

and the studio COOK Design which seeks to create

Creative Enterprise, which connects business with

a bridge between graphic design students and

cultural and creative industries. It is a place where

well-established companies.

both start-ups and well-established companies are located, working, creating, presenting themselves

The Centre further offers the possibility to rent

and doing business together. Individuals, groups of

a place in a furnished shared office (coworking), to

enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs with fresh

utilise the technologies provided in a meeting room

ideas and the desire to realise them can utilise the

or make a prototype on a 3D printer.

shared working space and the open workshop for the manufacture of prototypes, or rent a studio or

“Furthermore, in DEPO2015 we organise events

an office.

where you can meet new coworkers, clients and people who are willing to share their experience with

Thanks to the Centre for Creative Enterprise, the

you. We regularly organise the Pilsen Business Boiler,

most interesting ideas can be transformed into

where we meet up with people associated with the

a business plan. Those with innovative ideas have

crowdfunding platform Everfund. This year in June,

an opportunity to go through an education incu-

we hosted the first Design Thinking Festival in the

bation programme. This means in practice that

Czech Republic. We offered participants inspirational

aspiring companies gain the knowledge needed to

lectures and stories of companies from the Czech

start their business with assistance and mentoring

Republic and abroad which gained a competitive

provided by professionals from cultural and creative

advantage thanks to their interconnection with

industries. Examples of companies which have

creative individuals, and thereby succeeded,” says

undergone the incubation programme include

Michaela Mixová, the Creative Industries Manager

the local manufacturers of furniture Designed &

of the Pilsen 2015 team.

Crafted, the young creative studio Remembership,

600 000

companies took part in

meetings to present

people working in the

CZK collected through

the Creative Incubator

ideas of EVERFUND

co-working space

the crowd-funding

programme

OFFLINE

platform EVERFUND (12 projects realised)

2.1 Makerspace

2.2 Creative Incubator

Makerspace — a workshop open to the general

The Creative Incubator is a three-month training

participation in the programme is the Ladislav

public — a unique concept in the Czech Republic

programme which helps young talents to start their

Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art in Pilsen. The

inspired by foreign FAB LABs. It is comprised of

businesses and supports cooperation between

faculty, as well as the city of Pilsen, often faces the

small city “laboratories” and production workshops.

Pilsen companies from different sectors, such as

fact that graduates of art disciplines leave to seek

engineering, science and research. The programme

work and realise their ideas in other Czech cities or

“We are uncovering the forgotten Czech skill of

is designed to help the participating groups to

abroad. The programme of the Creative Incubator

craftsmanship, the beauty of crafts and possibil-

proceed from an idea to the creation of a product

may increase their opportunities to start businesses

ities of new technologies. This is all popularised

or service and then on to placement on the market.

in Pilsen and to develop the professional contacts

by unconventional workshops and courses for

It is unique in the way it focuses on the needs of

necessary for long-term cooperation.

the public,” says Ondřej Kašpárek, manager of the

creative industries. Training courses concentrated on

Makerspace workshop.

basic knowledge and the skills required in business

The first cycle of the training programme held in

are led by lecturers who are themselves involved

July 2015 was successfully completed by 6 creative

Makerspace is equipped with a metal and wood

in creative industries, who are familiar with their

teams in the fields of graphic and product design,

workshop, a sewing workshop and a design work-

specific needs and important contacts. Participants

event tourism and services offering the use of crafts

shop as well as 3D printers and CNC cutters. In

thus acquire knowledge of financial management,

and new technologies. The teams left with prepared

addition to courses in the aforementioned fields,

strategic planning of a company, branding and HR

business plans including financial balance sheets,

membership allows hobby handymen, as well as

management. They are accompanied throughout

the national and international contact details of

professional craftsmen and designers, to share

the programme by personal coaches. At the end of

creative professionals from their respective fields,

a wide range of professional machines offered in

the three-month programme, teams leave not only

connections with potential customers and even

Makerspace. Users can inspire one another, create

with new contacts and knowledge, but mainly with

promises of jobs.

synergies and share commisions. Makerspace

a workable business plan!

enables them to rent only such machines as they actually need for the time they need them, instead

Although the programme is open to creative

of having to invest in acquiring them.

individuals from all over the Czech Republic, an important source of talents and applicants for

Makerspace

2.3 Coworking

2.4 Events & Conferences

Coworking is a modern and cost-effective way

Design Thinking Festival, Everfund Offline,

of sharing open equipped offices. In addition to

Pilsen Business Boiler, UX Monday and more

a kitchen, a rest zone, working tables, a printing centre and projection facilities, it offers an opportunity

DEPO2015 hosts conferences, regular discussions

to get acquainted with interesting “co-tenants” from

and networking events connecting creative individu-

various fields, and to benefit from potential coop-

als and ideas with businesses. In June 2015, around

eration. Those who rather prefer their own office or

230 entrepreneurs, designers and other visitors

studio may find their place on the first floor above

from the Czech Republic and Europe attended the

the coworking space, where there are 6 offices avail-

first Design Thinking Festival ever held in the Czech

able for rent. Since they are already fully occupied,

Republic. A theoretical introduction to the topic

their number will be increased in the future.

was followed by stories of companies which gained a competitive advantage thanks to design thinking and collaboration with creative people, as well as practical workshops. The Centre for Creative Enterprise presents creative projects to the public that are seeking connections with the right people and help with project implementation. This is realised through events such as Everfund Offline and the Pilsen Business Boiler. The DEPO2015 café is a meeting place for a variety of professional groups. One of the most active groups is the team of UX designers from Pilsen, who regularly prepare a series of lectures and workshops called UX Monday.

2.5 Creative spots in Pilsen THE NEW THEATRE

Pilsen is bejewelled with a variety of creative spots. These places support the city’s genius loci. Their

THE GALLERY OF THE CITY OF PILSEN

cooperation should be our long-term goal. THE GALERY OF WEST BOHEMIA IN PILSEN

THE LADISLAV SUTNAR GALLERY

DIALOGUE THEATRE

WATERFRONT TO THE WORLD THE MUSEUM OF WEST BOHEMIA IN PILSEN

THE GREAT THEATRE MOVING STATION TECHMANIA THE THEATRE UNDER THE LAMP PLZEŇ ZASTÁVKA

CREATIVE ZONE

DEPO2015

THE BIC PARK

THE LADISLAV SUTNAR FACULTY OF DESIGN AND ART

THE MUNICIPAL RIVER BATHS

PAPÍRNA

ART AND COMMUNITY The general objective of the project Pilsen, European

Warlikowski — these are just a few examples of

Capital of Culture 2015 was to open Pilsen up to

European artists who have inspired DEPO2015 this

Europe in keeping with the motto “Open up your

year. Achievements in the field of creative industries

Pilsen”, and to prepare a programme on a European

worth mentioning include collaboration with Bayern

scale which at the same time would actively involve

Design, Designblok, FAB LAB Strasbourg and top

local organisations and the public. One of the

Czech companies which have succeeded in the

four main topics was the interconnection of art

European market.

and technologies. DEPO2015 supports the local community through DEPO2015 therefore represents the fulfilment of

an innovative programme which actively propels the

these goals: it creates a unique environment for the

public into action, but also by supporting students

interconnection of art activities, businesses, creative

and talented individuals through accompanying

industries, and new technologies and crafts, as well

programmes for schools and the provision of

as for the intensive involvement of the public.

suitable office space to aspiring companies. The premises of DEPO2015 provide the backdrop for the

DEPO2015 has a European dimension not only due

non-profit organisation Foster the City, which was

to the fact that it follows the trend of transforming

created directly from the European Capital of Culture

industrial buildings in order to put them to new use

project. DEPO2015 is also beneficial to its nearest

and develops an emerging network of shared work-

neighbours, who are not necessarily interested in

spaces, such as shared offices or FAB LABs, but also

the artistic programme. People from the surround-

thanks to the involvement of top European artists

ing areas may utilise, for example, the Community

and domestic creators at the European level. DOMUS

Garden, cooking classes or the children’s

Design with Werner Aislinger and Maxim Velčovský,

corner in the café.

Čestmír Suška, Jan Mikulka, Sascha Waltz, Krzysztof

4 000

65 000

beehives and

exhibitions including

photographs

visitors between April

12 flowerbeds in the

17 large-scale objects by

on the website

and July 2015

community garden

Čestmír Suška

fotoalbum.skrytemesto.cz

3.1 Exhibitions

3.2 Artist Residencies

The premises of the Greenhouse, the former “hall of

attracted more than 14,000 spectators to the Gallery

Artist Residencies involve programmes and places

Thanks to regular meetings with artists at the

heavy repairs” and certain other spaces are used for

of West Bohemia in Pilsen), and will introduce an

intended for the international meetings of artists.

residence and visits to their studios and workshops,

exhibitions. With regard to the specific character of

interactive exhibition about the story of the emigra-

They offer a space for residents to create their their

members of the general public are able to become

the site, the exhibitions are thematic and non-tra-

tion of the Stod population to New Zealand. Their

own work, and facilitate contacts between local art

acquainted with the way modern art is created and

ditional in the sense that they combine media and

story is not only dramatic, but also very relevant to

circles and creative types from all around the world.

to find out where artists draw their inspiration from,

genres, and seek to reach out to the public to facili-

many aspects of today’s world.

The purpose of this artist residency programme (the

how they progress in their work and why. People

A.i.R. Artists-in-Residence programme) is to promote

are not just mere passive listeners or observers,

tate their participation. The exterior of the courtyard provides a unique space for monumental outdoor

The outdoor spaces will be dedicated to what is

cultural exchanges and spread public awareness

but actively participate in the creative process and

exhibitions. Custodians have the role of guides who

characteristic to the depot — an exhibition of means

about the diversity of artistic creation.

resulting works.

are not familiar with the command “Don’t touch!”

of transport. The main goal of the artist residency programme

The OPEN A.i.R. programme closely cooperates

OPEN A.i.R., which is realised within the framework

with residency programmes and centres in Slovakia

In 2016, the programme will dramaturgically build

of the Pilsen — European Capital of Culture 2015

(Košice 2013), Poland (Wroclaw 2016), Germany

on the existing one. The team of Pilsen 2015 is

project and is held in DEPO2015, is to open up the

(Kunstverein GRAZ e.V, Regensburg, Kulturforum,

preparing a long-term exhibition with the theme

Pilsen cultural scene and exchange ideas, creative

Potsdam), the Netherlands (Motel Spatie, Arnhem),

of plastics — from the material and its aesthetics

experiences, procedures, techniques and contacts.

Japan (Youkobo ArtSpace), France (CEAAC,

to the issue of waste and recycling options. This

The programme strives to accommodate domestic

Strasbourg), Hungary (Pécs), and many others.

exhibition will provide a space for design and

and foreign artists and to send Czech artists abroad.

Exhibitions are also open on Mondays.

technological ideas, and will be suitable for various age groups of visitors. In addition to this exhibition,

The residency invites various artists from different

Pilsen 2015 will aim to build on the successful exhi-

fields, mainly visual art, new circus, digital art, new

bition of Maori portraits by Gottfried Lindauer (which

media, community art and literature.

Glasshouse

Maxim Velčovský

Installation by Jiří Příhoda

3.3 Czech-Bavarian cultural platform

3.4 Community

Czech-Bavarian cross-border cooperation has

was established even beyond the framework of

European Neighbours’ Day, Volunteering,

engaged volunteers, has surpassed the average

become one of the most visible achievements

the scheduled Regio projects: the Design Thinking

Community Garden, Bees

amount of volunteers involved in other European

of the Pilsen — European Capital of Culture 2015

Festival conference with Bayern Design; the Bastl

programme. This has been made possible thanks

Festival focused on crafts and new technologies with

DEPO2015 is a committed cultural institution which

has revealed that volunteering is both motivating

to the close proximity of Pilsen to Bavaria and the

Nuremberg FAB LAB; recycling workshops at subur-

is open, and which cares for its surroundings and

and inspiring for our participants.

popularity of the European Capital of Culture brand

ban camps for children in the German language, etc.

a good coexistence with its neighbours. Companies

in Bavaria and throughout Germany, as well as the

The City of Nuremberg even sent representatives

call these activities social responsibility; DEPO2015

The successful community event European

quantity of organised events which were able to

from its art and music scene to the opening of

considers this approach a natural part of its

Neighbours’ Day has been held during the past two

be realised thanks to the support received through

DEPO2015, which was held during the Bavarian

existence.

years, each time with an attendance exceeding

the programme of cross-border cooperation Target

Culture Days.

3 (within Regio2015). It has included nearly 100

Capitals of Culture. Our research among volunteers

5 000 visitors, and with more than 1 500 portions DEPO2015 provides an opportunity to the volunteer

of shared dinners prepared by neighbours.

events with a total budget of EUR 777,917, which

Since its opening, DEPO2015 has been welcoming

programme Club of Guardian Angels 2015, which

have been implemented in cooperation with the

visitors from Bavaria on an everyday basis, be they

was established as part of the European Capital of

DEPO2015 also offers the Community Garden, where

Bavaria Bohemia Centre in Schönsee and the City of

organised groups, business trips of officials and

Culture Pilsen 2015, and which has helped to involve

anyone who so desires can establish a bed and

Regensburg. It has covered a varied mix of genres

other bodies, artists or creative individuals. They are

more than 500 volunteers in the implementation

grow their own vegetables and herbs. In 2015, we

suitable for different target groups (including dance,

interested in the exhibitions, as well as the com-

of the projects organised.

harvested our first tomatoes and peppers, and for

concerts by a world-famous boys’ choir and rock

bination of artistic intentions with crafts, creative

bands, authors’ readings, art workshops for children

entrepreneurship and business. Visits from Germany

Volunteering in culture — a continuation of the

new plant boxes, but also a new irrigation system

and more). The entire collaboration culminated in

do not simply mean a one-time inspection of the

Club of Guardian Angels — is a service for cultural

and three beehives.

the Bavarian Culture Days in Pilsen held in April

site, but they represent a first step towards further

organisations in Pilsen which leads to an improve-

2015 under the patronage of the Bavarian Minister-

cooperation in the future. Specifically, future plans

ment in the services for spectators, engages the

President Horst Seehofer. It was attended by around

involve Bavarian Culture Days 2016 with a week-long

public in active participation in cultural events, and

25,000 people.

cultural programme, as well as year-round smaller

works with the audience. Thanks to the know-how

cultural exchanges and workshops. The objective

and experience gained by the team of Pilsen 2015

Due to the considerable interest of Bavaria in the

and the real goal is to build on the successful

during the years 2013—2015, implementation of this

programme of the European Capital of Culture

cooperation in the future and cultivate the Czech-

programme is much more efficient and cheaper.

and the emergence of DEPO2015, cooperation

Bavarian cultural platform.

The City of Pilsen, with more than 300 actively

the next season we have already prepared not only

TOURISM In addition to being a site for culture and craft

DEPO2015 has held several larger and smaller music

workshops, DEPO2015 has become a popular tourist

and theatre festivals, such as the Ladder, Rock for

destination. Visitors are attracted by the industrial

People, the Dance Prague festival, Skupa’s Pilsen and

atmosphere of the place, the outdoor and indoor

the International Festival Theatre.

exhibitions and, above all, by the great events. During the first four months from its opening until

More than 20% of visitors to DEPO2015 are tourists,

the end of July 2015, DEPO2015 welcomed around

mainly from the Czech Republic and Germany, but

65,000 visitors, many of whom were attendees at

also from other countries.

the Festival of Light and the Rock for People festival. In just one weekend in August, when the giant

DEPO2015 has attracted foreign audiences to key

puppets of Carros de Foc were presented in Pilsen,

events designed with not only domestic viewers in

the complex of DEPO2015 was visited by more than

mind, such as the Festival of Light, projects asso-

30,000 spectators.

ciated with the community and the digital project Hidden City as well as the festival Rock for People.

DEPO2015 provides an impressive, informal and, at the same time, convenient facility for conferences. Since its opening, it has hosted the major European conference A Soul for Europe and a meeting of entrepreneurs and designers, the Design Thinking Festival, as well as smaller networking events.

230

30 000

40 000

music festival ROCK FOR

designers and

visitors passed

visitors in 2 days during

PEOPLE EUROPE

entrepreneurs at the

through the premises

the FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

conference DESIGN

in 3 days during the

THINKING FESTIVAL

GIANT PUPPETS festival

4.1 Festival of Light

4.2 Hidden City application

The principle of the festival is simple: unusual,

The Hidden City application was created as a digital

inaccessible places or places used in an unexpected

tourist guide thanks to cooperation with the associ-

context are brought to life for 2 nights through light

ation KVAS. For over a year, we collected the stories,

and sound installations of works of contemporary

records and memories of Pilsen residents, historians

art. Unusual hours, remarkable places and artworks

and anthropologists. Using these resources as

which often react to the audience via new technolo-

a foundation, we established seven walks though

gies attract a large number of spectators.

Pilsen. The entire project is complemented by the Pilsen Family Photo Album exhibition, the Guide

Pilsen’s Festival of Light is still small when com-

through Hidden Pilsen, and an online map with

pared to the Prague Signal Festival, White Night

stories. All of these are available on the website

held in Košice and Paris, or the Riga festival Staro

www.skrytemesto.cz, through mobile applications

Riga. It thus provides an even better opportunity to

for iPhone and Android, and at an exhibition in

explore diverse corners of the city of Pilsen. It also

DEPO2015 which runs until January 2016. These

provides space for young talents who can take

services offer visitors an opportunity to feel at home

advantage of participation in the Festival of Light

in Pilsen, as if they had good friends here, without

as a springboard for inclusion in the programmes

missing any interesting corners, stories

of larger festivals. This further corresponds to the

or events in the city.

spring term of the festival, which enables joint co-production installations created in Pilsen to also be introduced at autumn festivals in other cities. This term also helps to extend the tourist season into this less frequented period.

Festival of Light

4.3 Events

Music Festival, DEPO Street Food Market and more DEPO2015 has proven to be a suitable site for an urban version of the festival Rock for People Europe Europe. Man can not live from music alone, though; therefore, we plan to utilise the complex also as a venue for markets and other similar events. The first DEPO Street Food Market is set to take place on October 28, 2015, with this being expanded into a series offering markets focused on fashion, literature, design and much more.

Rock for People Europe

THE FUTURE The long-term goal is to maintain and develop

ECCE in Dortmund, the multimedia incubator in

DEPO2015 as a reference to the European Capital of

Halle in Germany, the Centre for Cultural Enterprise

Culture Pilsen 2015. This originally industrial space

in Turku in Finland and many more. All of these

provides a backdrop for the development of cultural

centres have in common their joint effort to reduce

and creative industries focused on design. DEPO2015

barriers to cooperation among cultural institutions,

will uniquely connect artistic activities with the

local businesses, universities, investors and public

outside world in the coming years. It will maintain

administration, and to promote business and entre-

and develop European cooperation, mutual inspira-

preneurship. These goals are the main ideas of the

tion and links initiated through the European Capital

European Capital of Culture project, which will live

of Culture Pilsen 2015.

on in Pilsen through DEPO2015 even beyond the end of the year of culture.

The goal of the activities implemented is to enable DEPO2015 to function in a similar way to numerous well-established centres promoting cultural and creative industries within Europe. Some of these model examples include Tabakfabrik in Linz, which is “an artistic, cultural and social living laboratory, a platform for innovative and progressive projects focused on interdisciplinary collaboration and, in particular, an organisation aimed at the support and creative cooperation of local organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of creative industries” (Marková, Slach, Hečková, 2014, page 38). Similar to DEPO2015, Tabakfabrik in Linz is an output of the European Capital of Culture project. Other examples of cities supporting the functioning of such institutions include Tartu in Estonia with its Centre for Creative Industries, the aforementioned

5.1 Contact

DEPO2015 Presslova 14, PlzeĹ&#x2C6; www.depo2015.cz

5.2 Partners

General Partner

Supported by

DEPO2015 Partners

Main Partners

General Media Partner

Institutional Partners

Main Media Partners

MAKERSPACE Partners