News

"The degree of openness and presentation of the varied European culture has appealed to us in such a manner that we have included the United Islands festival in the official culture program of the presidency."

...However, there are several reasons why Prague needs a festival like the United Islands. Thanks to the sponsors, and to the resulting dramaturgy, unbound by the need to attract moneyed audiences to spend vast sums of funds on the tickets, the organizers have had the possibility to invite artists whose trip to Czechia would otherwise hardly see to make the ends meet. The festival renders the city more attractive to visitors from abroad and from other Czech locations as well. What is more, the event might propel some deep-pocketed, culture-hungry population of Prague to leave the couch potato routine behind, even if for a short time. The sight of pram-pushing families and children jumping to the "ethno rhythms", or seeing pensioners foot-tapping the tune from the jazz stage indeed must be a satisfaction for the organizers... ...The general notion has it that admission-free events really are not worth much. However, in the case of most artists invited to the United Islands, no impression could be worse. One could say that, having seen the tip column, the general public ought to believe that the dramaturgists of the United Islands have fared well.

“Many a European capital is trying to offer its citizens, as well as its visitors, a culture event that the public can access freely. The city of Prague bears exceptional prerequisites for this purpose; that is why we have subscribed to the tradition of supporting the United Islands festival, as it allows everyone to have a great time and enjoy the hospitality of the nation's capital."