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The story of the project
Establishment of the festival
30 years ago, the Mezi foty festival opened the premises of the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital, which used to resemble a prison or a dumping ground for useless individuals who had no place in society.
Artists with disabilities perform with professionals
The festival comes up with a new, unfortunately unrealized concept – it does not separate artists with disabilities, but gives them the chance to perform on the same stages and in front of the same audience as other performers.
The festival became part of the Prague - European Capital of Culture project
The festival became part of this prestigious project because no one else in the Czech Republic has managed to build a cultural event with such a wide range of genres.
The festival is the most sought-after cultural event according to Stem
According to a survey conducted by the Stem agency, the Mezi ploty festival has become the most popular regularly organised cultural event in Prague. It surpassed even such extraordinary established projects as Prague Spring!
Dozens of non-profit organizations are involved in the dramaturgy
Since 2014, the festival has allowed approximately 60 non-profit organizations to present themselves to tens of thousands of visitors, especially those that offer help to those in need. The goal is to make people aware that there are those who need help among us and to start appreciating those who provide that help.
The festival involves the professional public
According to the WHO, one in five people now have some mental health problems.
Dozens of psychologists and other mental health professionals are now taking part in the festival.
Dozens of famous artists launch the "You belong in Bohnice" campaign
Campaigns on serious issues have been done seriously in the Czech Republic so far. We have dared to go in the opposite direction: we have prepared an imaginative campaign You Belong in Bohnice, which works with humour and exaggeration.
Festival unites a divided society
Mezi ploty is one of the first cultural projects that managed to bring together people of different status, different opinions and different priorities in life at a time of prevailing populism and sharp divisions in society. Mezi ploty of the Bohnice hospital, students and seniors, managers and entrepreneurs, workers, intellectuals and mothers with children meet.
Record number of performers, record attendance
160 music and theatre groups – both top professionals and disabled artists – performed on 14 stages.
Festival receives the prestigious EFFE Label for the second time
Proof of recognition at the international level is the award of the prestigious EFFE Label of the European Festivals Association, which the Mezi ploty festival has already received twice – for the years 2017-2018 and 2019-2021.
Recap
The festival reached millions of Czechs. We are the only large non-alcoholic festival in the Czech Republic. We support the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital. We conduct interviews with experts and peers as part of the “We’re Driving on the Soul” project.
Mezi ploty becomes a European project
We will add a European dimension to the drama. We are establishing cooperation with cultural projects in EU countries. We are connecting Czech society and we will connect Europe in this way.
What we do
Riding on the Soul
Mezi Ploty
Academy INSPIRE
Inspire Channels
Share your story
Your story has power. All you have to do is open your heart and allow your words to penetrate the world. We care about your story, whatever it is. If you feel like sharing, contact us. Your courage and openness can help break stigmas and inspire others. Share your story and help us fight the silent enemy of mental illness. We’re here for you.
Stories of personalities
Are you curious about how successful people from different walks of life deal with their own emotions and mental health? Do you want to be inspired by their stories and experiences?
In our database you will find interviews and confessions of well-known personalities from the world of sport, art and professional public. Those who have encountered challenges and successes during their careers, but also personal trials and crises.
Check out interviews and confessions of celebrities that will intrigue you and maybe even change your perspective on mental health.
Become part of the community
“Shared heaviness is lighter.” This motto captures the power of peer support in times when we struggle with mental health difficulties. We offer you the opportunity to connect both online and in person. Join discussions, share your stories and find support from people who understand your situation. Be part of this force of solidarity.
They support us
EU statement: funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA is responsible for the views expressed.