Join us for the fourth edition of the annual Václav Havel European Dialogues, a global series of discussions inspired by Havel’s enduring legacy organised jointly by the Czech Centre London, SSEES and the Research Centre for the Study of Places, Identities, and Memories (PIMs). Over the last three decades, the Central European countries have experienced some of the fastest economic growths in the world. The region has joined the ranks of highly developed countries, and its citizens are wealthier and living longer than ever before. In Czechia, this transformation was closely tied to the democratic ideals articulated by Václav Havel, whose vision of an open society and civic responsibility shaped the country’s path during the early years of transition. Yet, within a generation, Central Europe has also moved from being one of the most egalitarian regions in Europe to one of the most unequal. This indicates that the growth has not benefited all equally. What are the sources of the Central European miracle, and who are its main beneficiaries? What are the consequences of the increasing inequalities for these societies, especially in the context of growing political polarisation? How can we ensure that future growth in the region will be inclusive?  The event will be moderated by Jessie Barton Hronešová and will feature an esteemed panel of speakers, including Zsoka Koczan, Lead Economist in the Office of the Chief Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Lubomír Lízal, economist and former director of CERGE-EI, Prague, Pawel Bukowski, co-director of the new Research Center for the Study of Places, Identities, and Memories (PIMs), and a word of welcome by Přemysl Pela, the director of the Czech Center in London. About the speakers: Zsoka Koczan is Associate Director, Lead Economist in the Office of the Chief Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. At the EBRD, she edits the Regional Economic Prospects, which review the latest economic developments in the EBRD regions, works on the Transition Report, EBRD’s annual flagship publication, and runs the Life in Transition Survey, a large household survey covering 44 economies. Prior to joining the EBRD, she worked as an economist at the International Monetary Fund in the European and the Research Departments, primarily on the World Economic Outlook. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Cambridge Paweł Bukowski is a Lecturer in Economics at the University College London and the Polish Academy of Sciences. Also affiliated with the London School of Economics. He is a Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Places, Identities and Memories (PIMs) at UCL. His research focuses on socio-economic inequalities and labour economics. He has won multiple international research grants, founded an expert group – Dobrobyt na Pokolenia and is a member of Concilium Civitas - a group of influential Polish social scientists working abroad. His book, “Inequalities a’la Polonaise”, won the Puls Biznesu Scientific Economics Book of the Year 2024 and the Marcin Król Prize 2025, given for a significant contribution to the humanities and social sciences.  Lubomír Lízal has been a member of the Czech National Bank Board in 2011-2017; the Board is bank governing body and monetary policy committee. Since 1993 he has worked as a researcher at the Economics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences. In 2003–2008 he has been Director of both the Economics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and CERGE, Charles University. He is a member of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Czech Technical University, and other scientific boards. He was a member of the National Economic Council of the Government. In years 2018-2019 he has served as the President of the Anglo-American University in Prague. Currently he is an associate professor at the Czech Technical University and at the University of Finance an

Inspired by her father’s bedtime stories, Czech Christmas traditions, and the stillness and ever-presence of breath, Czech artist based in Paris Filomena Borecká, created paintings and a sculpture that, together with works by four other artists, fill the spaces of the Vitrínka and Bouda galleries. Today she joined our podcast series to tell us more about her art and sources of inspiration. Silent Systems: Breathing Devices at Vitrínka and Breathing with Breaths – Air Bladders at Bouda run until 16 January and are part of the 29th Made in Prague Festival. Listen to our newest episode and take a glimpse into what’s awaiting you in the Czech Centre London’s galleries! https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/silent-objects-breathing-devices https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/breaths-air-bladders   #(when)arttalks #filomenaborecka #breathsairbladders #silentsystemsbreathingdevices #madeinpraguefestival

Book launch conversation with Daniela Spenser, chaired by Jana Burešová Join us for a compelling evening with historian and anthropologist Daniela Grollová Spenser, as she discusses her new book Echoes of Exile: A Family’s Odyssey through the Holocaust and Cold War. Blending personal history with political insight, Spenser traces three generations of her family across some of the most turbulent chapters of the 20th century: from the devastation of the Holocaust and wartime imprisonment, through the vibrant intellectual and political life of 1960s Czechoslovakia, to the trauma of exile after the 1968 Soviet invasion. At the heart of the story are her mother, translator Ruth Tosková, and her stepfather, editor and journalist Vladimír Tosek, whose lives intertwined with prominent figures such as Jiří Pelikán and the émigré journal Listy. The book—published in Czech by Argo (2025) and in English by the University of Alabama Press (2025)—offers a deeply human perspective on survival, displacement, and the shifting relationship between political exiles and Czech society after 1989. The conversation will be chaired by Jana Burešová and will open a window into how private lives intersect with history on a global scale. About the author:Daniela Spenser is a fellow at CIESAS (Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social) in Mexico City. She is also the author of The Impossible Triangle: Mexico, Soviet Russia, and the United States in the 1920sand Stumbling Its Way Through Mexico: The Early Years of the Communist International. Supported by the BCSA. More information: https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/echoes-of-exile #czechcentrelondon #booklaunch #conversation

The new exhibition at Bouda Gallery, Design and Transformation, offers a fresh perspective on Czech design by exploring the relationship between design and social change. Showcasing six inspiring Czech companies and highlighting 30 years of both tradition and innovation, the exhibition combines storytelling with behind-the-scenes insights into some of the most iconic Czech brands. Presented as part of the London Design Festival, it captivates visitors with its unique approach. Curator Tereza Vernerová Volná and creative director of the short films Michaela Režová share what makes this exhibition special and why it’s definitely worth a visit! https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/design-and-transformation #(when)arttalks #designandtransformation #terezavernerovavolna #michaelarezova

In the latest episode of (when) Art Talks, renowned Czech choreographer Lenka Vagnerová shares her insights into this year’s Fringe Festival and the powerful story behind Panoptikum, a haunting dance theatre performance inspired by the “freak shows” of the late 19th century in the UK and US. Don’t miss Episode 6! https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/ #(when)arttalks #panoptikum #lenkavagnerova

The Czech Centres network has launched a long-term international programme called SAFE(R) SPACES. Out There and Within, aimed at creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments through art and culture. As a pilot project of this initiative, the Czech Centre London is hosting its first Summer Artistic Residency at Bouda Gallery. The residency began on July 11 with the opening of Poet Peasant, an exhibition by London-based poet, writer, and performer SJ Fowler.  Listen to our latest episode and step into the world of contemporary poetry. https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/poet-peasant #(when)arttalks #poetpeasant #sjfowler

In our latest episode, curator Valérie Horváth introduces They All Met in Karlsbad, a new exhibition that came to life through a unique art residency in Karlovy Vary. Over several months, seven pairs of young artists were brought together to engage in a creative dialogue. And the result? A series of striking, cross-disciplinary artworks which are now making their international debut at the Czech Centre London’s Vitrínka Gallery. Join our host, Sabina Tocháčková, and learn more about the vision behind the residency and the stunning art pieces. https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/they-all-met-in-karlsbad #(when)arttalks #theyallmetinkarlsbad #valeriehorvath

The guest of the next edition of the Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series will be Sara Polak, an archaeologist, evolutionary anthropologist, and technology innovator whose work bridges the humanities and cutting-edge AI research. Polak is a co-founder of the Mobilis Institute and the blockchain educational platform ShellProof, a Visiting Research Fellow and part-time lecturer at the University of Oxford, and leads the CCHAOS Research group at the Faculty of Information Technology, Czech Technical University. Her focus lies in the digitisation of cultural heritage and the simulation of civilisational dynamics. Having spent much of her career in the UK and the USA tech sectors, Polak is passionate about connecting modern technologies with the humanities. She has been named on Forbes’ 30 Under 30, was recognised as a Top Innovator (2022), and received the Business Revolution Award from the UK Department for International Trade. She believes that only through education and interdisciplinary collaboration can humanity fulfil its potential — and perhaps one day survive on Mars. She explores these ideas through the Civilisational Resilience think tank, which she co-founded.  In her talk Archaeology and AI: the last hope for our survival?, Sara Polak will explore how civilisational resilience — the ability of societies to endure, adapt, and thrive through both crises and everyday pressures — increasingly depends on the synergy between technology and the humanities. She will examine how artificial intelligence and archaeology can enrich our understanding of past societies and offer strategies for a more sustainable future. By combining AI-driven archaeological research with humanistic insight, we can preserve cultural heritage, learn from historical adaptations, and help shape ethical, resilient technologies for generations to come.Sara will be in conversation with Miky Škoda Miky Škoda is a serial founder and evolutionary strategist, combining AI, education, and adaptability to tackle complex challenges. As co-founder of the Mobilis Institute, he helps organizations grow through innovative learning, science-based tools and strategies designed to build resilience and prepare for the future.     More information:   https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/women-in-focus-sara-polak   #womeninfocus #airesearch #technology

In today’s episode of (when) Art Talks, you will hear all about the identity of a place, timelessness versus following trends, and sustainability—and what it means for the future of design. Joining the host Sabina Tocháčková is Dagmar Zvoníčková, a co-founder of the creative studios Identity Designers and Novavita. Tune in and get inspired by her unique approach to recycling waste and building communities through architecture. https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/from-print-to-virtual #(when)arttalks #identitymeetssustainability #dagmarzvonickova

The next edition of the Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series takes a unique turn—this time delving into the deeply personal and spiritual. Juliet Vopěnka Navrátilová, author, shamanic practitioner, Blue Badge guide, and anthropology student, shares her transformative journey from illness and emotional struggle to healing and empowerment. Through sensitivity, ritual, and connection, she redefines what it means to thrive in today’s world. About Juliet Vopěnka NavrátilováJuliet left the Czech Republic at 19 and spent two decades in London after a few years in Berlin. Her lifelong sensitivity, once a burden, became a strength during a deep “alchemical journey of metamorphoses.” This is also the subtitle of her second book, Cesta (ne)mocné Londýňanky (The Journey of a Power(less) Londoner), which explores trauma, healing, and shamanic calling. Her London life included work in Wandsworth prison and as a Blue Badge guide. With degrees in Social and Medical Anthropology from Goldsmiths and UCL, her study focused on consciousness, ecofeminism, and ritual. Her first book, Myslet srdcem (Thinking with the Heart), became a Czech bestseller.   About the Theme of the Evening – An Empath’s Journey from Rags to Riches In this edition of the Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series, Juliet Vopěnka Navrátilová offers a deeply personal and spiritual reflection on living with extreme sensitivity. Her “shamanic illness” became the turning point that redirected her path—from illness and emotional struggle to healing, empowerment, and purpose. In this context, “rags to riches” refers not to material wealth, but to emotional, mental, and spiritual abundance gained through self-understanding. Through travels in Latin America and participation in shamanic ceremonies, Juliet came to see her empathic nature as a gift rather than a burden. Empaths—highly sensitive, neurodiverse individuals—often absorb others’ emotions unconsciously, leading to exhaustion and illness. By embracing her sensitivity, she now helps others reconnect with their intuition and inner power. As a shamanic practitioner, she also energetically cleanses homes and spaces. Her journey is one of transformation through ritual, awareness, and heart-centred connection. www.thinkingwiththeheart.com www.mysletsrdcem.czJuliet will be in conversation with Suzanne Edwards Suzanne has been friends with Juliet for nearly 20 years. She is a published author of three books about spirituality, two of which are on the topic of shamanism. She is a spiritual teacher specialising in dream work and shamanic healing. She is currently researching the subject of ancient dream practices in different cultures including Egypt, Greece, Mexico, China and the Amazon. She is an empath living in London and has had a massage practice there for over 25 years. Event took place on Tue 13 May 2025 at the Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema. More information: https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/juliet-vopenka-navratilova #womeninfocus #shamanic #healing  

The history of both Czech and global graphic design would be incomplete without the groundbreaking contributions of Czech artists whose work transcended borders and shaped visual culture worldwide. This event explores the lasting impact of Alphonse Mucha, Karel Teige, Ladislav Sutnar, and Miroslav Šašek—visionaries whose innovations continue to inspire designers today. Mucha, the pre-eminent exponent of Art Nouveau, revolutionized visual culture in Belle Époque Paris with his iconic theatre and advertising posters, laying the foundation for modern graphic design, whileTeige, a key figure of the European avant-garde, redefined book design through bold typography and geometric compositions. Sutnar pioneered modern information design, creating user-friendly communication systems that remain relevant today, and Šašek’s beloved This is… series of illustrated city guides reshaped how generations of children experienced the world. Curator Tomoko Sato (Mucha Foundation), Peter Zusi (The Integrity of the Avant-Garde, Karel Teige and the Biography of an Ambition, Legenda 2024), Adrian Shaughnessy (graphic designer and RCA senior lecturer), and Lukáš Novotný (designer and illustrator) will shed light on how these Czech designers helped shape modern visual culture through a series of illustrated presentations, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.  Chaired by John Walters, editor of Eye, the international review of graphic design. Tomoko Sato has been curator of the Mucha Foundation since 2007, overseeing its exhibition and research programs. Formerly curator at the Barbican Art Gallery (Barbican Centre), London, she has curated a wide range of exhibitions examin- ing the art, architecture, design, and photography of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with a long-standing interest in the artistic and cul- tural cross-fertilization between East and West. Her publications include Japan and Britain: An Aesthetic Dialogue, 1850–1930 (Lund Humphries, 1991), The Wilde Years: Oscar Wilde and the Art of His Time (Philip Wilson, 2000), Mucha (Taschen, 2015), Alphonse Mucha Photographs (Mucha Foundation Publishing, 2018), and Le Pater: Le Grand Oeuvre d’Alphonse Mucha (Édition de la Réunion des musées nationaux-Grand Palais, 2023). Peter Zusi is Associate Professor of Czech and Comparative Literature at the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, where he also serves as Vice Dean for Research in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. Peter’s research spans various disciplines, including Czech and German literature and culture from the 18th through 21st centuries, Central European intellectual history, Czechoslovak film and photography, Slovak literature, theory of literary and visual avant-gardes and modernism, philosophy of history, Critical Theory, and the intersection of literature and architecture. He is also the author of the recently published The Integrity of the Avant-Garde: Karel Teige and the Biography of an Ambition (Cambridge, England: Legenda, 2024).  Adrian Shaughnessy is a graphic designer, writer, educator and publisher. A senior lecturer at the RCA, he also works as an independent design consultant. His book How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul has sold 80,000 copies and been translated into multiple languages. He is a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and a regular contributor to leading design journals. He co-founded Unit Editions, publishing acclaimed design books, and has authored monographs on Herb Lubalin, Ken Garland, Paula Scher, Vaughan Oliver, FHK Henrion and Lance Wyman. Lukáš Novotný is an illustrator, graphic designer and author. His background is in the world of civil engineering and architecture, and most of his illustrations and design work relates to architecture and cities. His latest book, Modern New York, won 2024 Communication Arts Awards while his first book, Modern London, was shortlisted for the British Book Design Awards. His wor

Czech Centre’s Women in Focus series returns this March, once again exploring the field of architecture. After an inspiring evening with world-renowned Czech-born architect Eva Jiřičná in September 2023, we are delighted to welcome Lenka Petráková, Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects. Throughout her career, Lenka has explored architecture through engineering, design, and legal frameworks, shaping her holistic approach to the built environment. She condensed 20 years of study into just 13, balancing full-time work and education. This dual perspective has enabled groundbreaking academic projects and informed her professional practice, particularly in leading projects atZaha Hadid Architects. A key milestone was The 8th ContinentⓇ – Ocean Cleaning and Research Station, which reinforced her commitment to sustainable architecture. Her research focuses on evolving design strategies for sustainability, explored in her PhD, and decarbonising construction through legal and procurement strategies at King’s College London. She will discuss the challenges of pushing beyond societal limits on ambition, the importance of a strong support network, and the drive that fuels her continuous pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Lenka Petráková  Associate, Zaha Hadid Architects Before joining Zaha Hadid Architects in 2017, Lenka gained international experience in New York, Vienna, and Bratislava. She specialises in design development and technical coordination across residential, hospitality, and office projects. Currently, she is  Lead Architect for the Le Schuylkill refurbishment in Monaco, overseeing design, planning, and team management. Her expertise spans Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East. She has played a key role in major office projects in China, including Taikang Headquarters (Wuhan), OPPO Headquarters (Shenzhen) and CECEP (Shanghai),], focusing on planning, technical coordination, and interior design. Lenka completed her PhD in 2024 on Design Inspired by Nature. Her passion for sustainability has earned her prestigious awards, including the 2020 GRAND PRIX AWARD from the Jacques Rougerie Foundation and the 2022 Peace Prize from The International Peace Committee. Her work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, the UN Ocean Conference, and 2020 Dubai Expo. She holds degrees in Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Design from the Slovak University of Technology and a Master’s from the University of Applied Arts. In 2023, she is pursuing Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London, reinforcing her commitment to guiding projects from concept to completion. Lenka will be in conversation with Marko Margeta Marko Margeta Marko Margeta is an Associate at Bjarke Ingels Group in London, with over 20 years of experience in the AEC and CGI industries, including 11 years specialising in computational design. A registered architect, designer, and computational specialist, he has broad expertise in BIM, sustainability, procedural and parametric design. His diverse portfolio spans projects of all scales—from product design to large-scale masterplans—realised internationally, including in China, the Middle East, and Germany. Event took place on Tue 18 Mar 2025 19:00, Czech Centre at the Czech Embassy Cinema. More information about upcoming events: https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program #womeninfocus #czechcentrelondon #lenkapetrakova  

In the latest episode of (when) Art Talks, we explore the rich history of Czech graphic design through the lens of Identity, a groundbreaking multi-genre project. Our guests are co-author Filip Blažek and producer Michal Gregorini. Join our host Sabina Tocháčková as she uncovers insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the project's creation. https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/  #(when)arttalks #identita

In this episode of (when) Art Talks, we explore the rich legacy and artistry of the Smetana Trio, one of the most renowned Czech chamber ensembles. Celebrating 90 years since its founding, the trio continues to perform on the world’s most iconic stages, including earlier this month at the Wigmore Hall.  Join our host, Sabina Tocháčková, and learn more about their history, inspiration, and artistic journey.   https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/ #(when)arttalks #thesmetanatrio

On 30th November, the stunning Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre hosted the gala concert of this year’s Made in Prague Festival, featuring internationally acclaimed Czech violinist Pavel Šporcl alongside the English Chamber Orchestra. Listen to the audio reportage, experience the beautiful performance of the English Chamber Orchestra and Pavel Šporcl for yourself, and hear the guests' delighted reactions. More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events:  https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/projects/28th-made-in-prague-festival #madeinpraguefestival #closinggala #pavelsporcl #southbankcentre

On Tuesday evening, November 26th, the Coronet Theatre in London became a portal to the surreal and unsettling world of Franz Kafka as it hosted an event entitled Inspired by Kafka: Insectum K. & Joseph Kilian. This evening brought together cinematic masterpieces and a mesmerising dance performance, celebrating the centenary of Kafka’s legacy. Listen to the audio reportage, step into Kafka´s world for a few moments and hear the thoughts of visitors and performers. More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events:  https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/projects/28th-made-in-prague-festival   #madeinpraguefestival #inspiredbykafka #coronettheatre

On the evening of November 23rd, The Gate cinema in London hosted a screening of the powerful detective drama We Have Never Been Modern. The screening was followed by an engaging Q&A session with actress Eliška Křenková, who delivered a stunning performance as the film’s protagonist, Helena, and producer Maja Hamplová, who shared behind-the-scenes insights. Listen to the audio reportage to catch a glimpse of We Have Never Been Modern and gain fascinating insights from the guests.  More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events: https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/projects/28th-made-in-prague-festival #madeinpraguefestival #wehaveneverbeenmodern #gatecinema 

The lively atmosphere of Crazy Coqs in Soho welcomed the Nikol Bóková Quartet on 18th November. Award-winning Czech pianist and composer Nikol Bóková was showcasing her talent and the ability to blend genres, from classical music to jazz, alongside other young musicians Michał Wierzgoń, David Dorůžka and Martin Kocián. Listen to the audio reportage to catch some of the memorable parts of this musical performance.   More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events: https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/28th-made-in-prague-festival    #madeinpraguefestival #nikolbokova #quartet #jazz #crazycoqs 

On November 14th, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London hosted a special screening of Havel Speaking, Can You Hear Me?, a documentary offering an intimate portrait of Václav Havel, the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic. Listen to the audio reportage to experience this unforgettable tribute to Václav Havel. More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events:  https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/28th-made-in-prague-festival   #madeinpraguefestival #vaclavhavel #ICA

On the evening of November 12th, the Regent Street Cinema in London was filled with anticipation as the 28th Made in Prague Festival presented a special screening of the award-winning movie Waltzing Matilda, followed by a discussion with the film’s leading actor, Karel Roden, the screenwriter Nataša Slavíková and the director Petr Slavík. Listen to the audio reportage to catch a glimpse of the Waltzing Matilda movie and gain some interesting insights from the discussion with the director, the screenwriter and the leading actor .  More information about the 28th Made in Prague Festival events:  https://london.czechcentres.cz/en/program/28th-made-in-prague-festival   #madeinpraguefestival #waltzingmatilda #regentstreetcinema