Karel Komárek Family Foundation

📜 A milestone for Ark I: This specialized mobile unit, designed to safeguard rare manuscripts, books, and archival documents in Ukraine damaged during the war or threatened by external conditions, has now been delivered to Kyiv. Ark for Ukraine project exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. 💙 We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Czech Ministry of Culture (Ministerstvo kultury), the Ukrainian government, the National Library of the Czech Republic (Národní knihovna České republiky), the National Museum of the Czech Republic (Národní muzeum), the Yaroslav Mudryi National Library of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Library Association, MND, Allwyn, entrepreneur Libor Winkler, and all our partners for their steadfast commitment to preserving what defines and uplifts communities during their most difficult hours. 🌏 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has documented significant damage to over 450 cultural sites across Ukraine. This includes 32 museums and 17 libraries, along with their invaluable collections, which stand as cornerstones of Ukrainian history, culture, and national identity. These losses represent not only physical destruction but also a profound threat to the heritage and collective memory that define and sustain a nation.

At Artium by KKCG, partners gathered to discuss and support the Donating Groups to Children initiative. This vital project ensures that no child is left behind, providing financial support to families who struggle to afford extracurricular activities. Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has:  ✅ Supported nearly 11,000 children  ✅ Distributed over 19 million CZK  ✅ Partnered with 1,000+ organizations offering 10,000+ activities In the most recent phase, 3 million CZK was allocated, helping families access extracurricular programs in the second semester of the 2023/2024 school year. Families were able to apply for up to 1,500 CZK in vouchers, which were used for memberships, materials, camps, and more. We are deeply thankful to SAZKA a.s., Prague City Hall, ŠKODA AUTO Endowment Fund (Nadační fond Škoda Auto), Eva Pavlová Endowment Fund (Nadační fond Evy Pavlové), and the Ministry of Education (Ministerstvo školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy (MŠMT)) for their dedication and support, demonstrated during this inspiring gathering at Artium by KKCG. Together, we’ve created opportunities for every child to thrive. 💙

🙏🏻 We are grateful for the incredible generosity of our donors and partners. The "Pianos for Schools" initiative has reached 80% of its fundraising goal, amassing nearly eight million crowns in its third year. This achievement brings us closer to providing new instruments to elementary art schools across the country. Currently, 10 schools are actively collecting funds to acquire their dream pianos, with several nearing the final goal. Your support can make a significant difference. Every contribution counts and is instantly multiplied by the Karel Komárek Family Foundation. 🎹 "The piano wasn’t just for us but for the entire town, including those not yet born," stated Jakub Lojda, director of the Hrotovice Elementary Art School, which has successfully acquired a new piano. Read the full interview at: https://lnkd.in/eDAAxXiZ

With the end of the year approaching, we would like to reflect on the impactful milestones achieved. 🌟 🌳 This year, we gave Střed Park in Most a new lease on life, transforming it into a vibrant public space that has quickly become a cherished destination.  🇺🇦 Through the Ark for Ukraine initiative, we completed and prepared Ark I, a mobile conservation unit, to support libraries and memory institutions across Ukraine, safeguarding invaluable cultural heritage for future generations. 🎹 We also launched the Pianos to Schools 2024 fundraising campaign, ensuring five grand pianos and twelve upright pianos will enrich music schools. Expanding on this initiative, we introduced the Pianos to Schools Supports Talent scholarship fund, providing young musicians with opportunities to pursue their dreams and represent the Czech Republic on the global stage. 🏡 In Hodonín, we celebrated the opening of the House of Nature, an educational hub showcasing the stunning Hodonínská Dúbrava National Nature Monument.  💚 Additionally, we integrated the Proměny Foundation into KKFF, establishing a dedicated environmental pillar to continue a 20-year tradition of revitalizing urban and natural spaces. 🌻 We also released the groundbreaking study Czech Children Outdoors, highlighting the barriers and opportunities for encouraging outdoor activities among young people and their families. 🤍 As we look toward 2025, KKFF remains committed to fostering culture, education, sustainability, and support wherever it’s needed most.

🇺🇦 Our foundation is proud to support a groundbreaking mission to protect Ukrainian culture and heritage. Officially launched in Prague, the Ark I mobile safeguard vehicle will depart from the Czech Republic to Ukraine in January, targeting cultural sites at risk from the ongoing conflict.   👉 The scale of the crisis is immense. UNESCO reports over 400 damaged cultural sites, including 32 museums and 15 libraries vital to Ukrainian identity. The Ark I will carry restoration and digitization equipment, allowing specialists to preserve books and manuscripts.   🛠️ This mission is a collaboration between the Czech Ministry of Culture, the Ukrainian government, and private donors. Key support comes from the Karel Komárek Family Foundation and its partners from KKCG Group and MND. 📢 Looking ahead: The Ark for Ukraine Project serves as a model for innovative cultural preservation in the 21st century. Further details at: https://lnkd.in/dsaQ6D35. 🤝 Many thanks to our partners: Ministerstvo kultury, Národní knihovna České republiky, ICOM CZECHIA - International Council of Museums, Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic, Yaroslav Mudryi National Library of Ukraine, and Libor Winkler. #arkforukraine #protectheritage #ukrainianculture #culturalpreservation #supportukraine

💗 Giving Tuesday: A Day to Give Back with Heart! What a beautiful and heartfelt day! This year, it falls on December 3rd, marking the start of a season when millions of people across the globe come together to show their generosity—not only through donations but by dedicating their time to meaningful acts of kindness. Here are some ways you can embrace the spirit of Giving Tuesday: 👉 Volunteer your time – Join us to spruce up a garden for kids at a local kindergarten. 👉 Perform a good deed – Lend a hand to an elderly neighbor or help someone in need. 👉 Offer financial support – Every contribution counts. Even the smallest donation can create a big impact. 👉 Spread positivity – Share inspiring posts about charitable initiatives on social media to encourage others. Don’t forget to tag us, too! 🙏 As 2024 draws closer to an end, we want to thank you for your incredible generosity and support this year. Together, we’re making a real difference! A special shout-out to our amazing colleagues from the KKCG Group! #givingtuesday #KKFF #volunteerwork #communitysupport

👉 Collaboration with KKCG Group and its companies at its finest. Thanks to Allwyn, Aricoma, KKCG Group, the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the European Union, and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Brussels, we brought world-class culture to the international stage. Together with Czech Centre Brussels, we organized a concert at Flagey Center.   👉 Our scholarship students and their Belgian peers performed, shining on stage. Vivi Nguyen, Nora Lubbadová, and Adam Znamirovský, along with Iris Keijzer, Mahault Ska, and Jannat Huseinzoda, truly impressed.   🎹 This first-rate event was preceded by three days of intensive training. Young Czech and Belgian talents received guidance from experienced instructors Jarmila Holcová, Ivo Kahánek, Daniel Blumenthal, and Bohuslavá Jelínková Çavuşoğlu. 🤍 Our heartfelt thanks to the young artists and partners for an unforgettable musical experience. We look forward to more cultural events abroad. #kkcgcollaboration #czechculture #youngtalents #czechbelgianconcert #flageycenter

⭐ Empowering young talents to shine on the world stage – thank you to everyone who made this possible!

✔️ Yesterday we celebrated a significant milestone of Ark I. 👉 On the 23rd October 2024 in Prague, a Memorandum of Cooperation and a Donation Agreement was signed by National Library of the Czech Republic, Yaroslav Mudryi National Library of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Library Association.   ✍ The signing of the memorandum in the presence of Czech Minister of Culture Martin Baxa and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic Vasyl Zvarych, strengthens our partnership and commitment to preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage, especially amidst ongoing conflict.   🤝 The signing of the agreement solidified the partnership on the Ark I – a mobile conservation unit. This unit was designed to protect Ukraine’s valuable written heritage, including rare books and archival documents from potential permanent damage from the war. 👉 We have provided financial support for Ark I to ensure the safety of Ukraine’s history. This collaborative effort highlights the power of international solidarity in preserving culture for future generations. Read more at 👉 https://lnkd.in/dUhNMYi4 Photo credit: National Library of the Czech Republic Ark for Ukraine #arkforukraine #culturalheritage #ukraineczechpartnership #preservationinconflict #unityInculture

🇺🇦 We are helping to save Ukraine's cultural heritage from the war. 🇺🇦 We are a part of a unique initiative aimed at preserving cultural artifacts, as they have irreplaceable historical value. In collaboration with Ministerstvo kultury, Ukrainian Ministries of Culture, Národní knihovna České republiky, the National Museum of the Czech Republic, International Council of Museums (ICOM), and MND a.s., we support “ARK” project.   🚐 This project involves special mobile digitization units which are equipped with advanced technology. The devices monitor their environment autonomously, on top of that they can be controlled and tracked remotely. There will be a total of three “ARKS” and the first one is going into the field this year.    💛 💙 The "Extraordinary Aid" pillar of our organisation allowed us to provide an assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion. The theme of culture deeply resonates with our mission. It's wonderful to see that our partners have same mutual values and feelings! #saveukrainianculture #culturalheritagepreservation #extraordinaryaid #arkproject #digitalpreservation