Right of equal access to arts, culture and cultural wealth
The right of equal access to arts, culture and cultural wealth is realized by public services in the Czech Republic. This fundamental right is also recognized in the constitutional order of the Czech Republic, specifically in Article 34, paragraph 2 of the Act No. 2/1993 Coll., the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms: "The right of access to the cultural heritage is guaranteed under the conditions provided by law."
This fundamental right is implemented spontaneously. The most of cultural projections and exhibitions are accessible for everyone including the access for disabled persons but also by offering different discounted admissions or organising special exhibitions for persons from socially disadvantaged groups. The equitable access to cultural life and diverse expressions are also treated in many official documents. For example the Strategy for the development of libraries in the Czech Republic for the years 2011 - 2015 including the digitalisation could be mentioned.
Libraries are traditionally seen as institutions which guarantee equal access to the cultural heritage and the information recorded on the written, printed, audiovisual and digital media even today. Especially in small municipalities, libraries provide public free access to the information highway through the Internet stations. The Ministry´s grant programs also support for example the Library Public Information Services :
- Disclosure of information in accordance with Act No. 106/1999 Coll., On Free Access to information, as amended
• Provision of information services in the field of lifelong learning courses
• Providing information services to support the legal awareness of citizens, area Economy, Trade and Employment
• Providing regional information services to citizens in the field of tourism
• Provision of information services and information options for physically disabled citizens.
Access for different cultural expressions is also ensured by the existence of different media for minotiries. As mentioned above the Ministry of Culture has for example a special grant program "Program to support dissemination and reception of information in minority languages".
Challenges identified in the implementation of this measure:
We have to take into consideration the fact, that before 1989, the regime in the Czech Republic controlled all activities including the cultural ones. Also the disabled persons found themselves on the margins of society. The progression is now visible, but there are still some reserves where the attention should be turned on.
Remark to point b) We have to take into consideration the fact, that before 1989, the regime in the Czech Republic controlled all activities including the cultural ones. Also the disabled persons found themselves on the margins of society. The progression is now visible, but there are still some reserves where the attention should be turned on.
The most of cultural productions are accessible for disabled persons. Seniors, families with children and students have many possibilities of discounted admissions to cultural events, acces to information etc.