The long-anticipated and carefully prepared mobility event in Vysoké Mýto, Czech Republic, has concluded. From May 16 to 20, 2016, the Elementary Art School in Vysoké Mýto hosted fifty students and thirty-one teachers from eight different European countries. An initial condition for the project was to arrange student accommodations in local families which was made possible by the exceptional hospitality of the town’s residents.
Participating countries included Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Romania. The task for our students and teachers was to organize a complete five-day program for these international guests, something our school had never experienced before. The project Notes of Europe focuses on the arts, and as expected, all activities revolved around art and culture in both our country and the town of Vysoké Mýto.
On Monday, May 16, 2016, we gathered with all our guests in the school’s concert hall for the official opening. Some delegations arrived on Sunday, while others arrived on Monday, and we were delighted to see the hall filled with the project’s complete "crew." Some delegations had traveled nearly three thousand kilometers to sit in our hall’s blue chairs. During the opening ceremony, the school's director, Ms. Iva Vrátilová, and Mayor František Jiraský, who spoke about the school’s and the town’s connection, welcomed the honored guests. A school tour led by our students followed, with visitors peeking into classrooms and observing Czech teachers in action while learning about the building’s history and the unique Czech art education system, recognized and respected across Europe. An evening city walk provided practical information, such as where to find ATMs, currency exchanges, and grocery stores, alongside cultural insights.
On Tuesday, May 17, 2016, international students attended a fun Czech language workshop. Many had prepared beforehand with a video tutorial, and to our pleasant surprise, some already knew several Czech words. Cultural enrichment continued with a visit to the Sodomka Museum in Vysoké Mýto, where our students performed, and a tour of St. Lawrence’s Church. The day’s main highlight was the first of three Erasmus+ student concerts in the school’s grand hall, with separate articles and photo reports to follow.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016, featured visits to Litomyšl’s significant landmarks, including the birthplace of Bedřich Smetana. Czech students presented on Smetana’s life and music by his statue on Smetana Square. The day culminated in another Erasmus+ participant concert at Šembera Theater, featuring performances by international teachers.
On Thursday, May 19, 2016, we traveled with our guests to the Nové Hrady Castle. The delegation admired the Rococo architecture and a performance by our students in the castle hall. In the afternoon, students created posters showcasing cultural diversity in a workshop. The evening ended with the final student concert at the Vysoké Mýto M-Club. The vibrant atmosphere of the club setting, colored stage lights, and the powerful energy of rock and pop songs captivated everyone, whether they performed on stage or cheered from the audience.
On Friday, May 20, 2016, the final day in the Czech Republic, all participants gathered in the school’s concert hall for a formal farewell. Afterwards, international guests, along with Czech teachers, traveled to Prague. The enchanting city was a perfect conclusion to the stay, leaving everyone in awe. The event wrapped up at Letná Park, offering a breathtaking view of the "Heart of Europe."
This experience was deeply rewarding for all Czech students, teachers, and host families, as they honed their language and organizational skills. Our international guests expressed their gratitude, acknowledging the successful and memorable event. Thanks go to all the teachers and students involved in the flawless execution of the program and concerts, as well as to the host families and our partners.
Město Vysoké Mýto
Vysokomýtská kulturní o.p.s.
Iveco Czech Republic, a.s.
Nopek, a.s.
Restaurant Stejk Bejk ve Vysokém Mýtě
Restaurant Lyra ve Vysokém Mýtě
Restaurant U Medvěda v Litomyšli
Hotel and restaurant Via Ironia Vysokem Myto
Proficar
Eurest
Least but not last we would like to thank to everyone who participated in any ways. You all helped to final success of the project, our town, our country.
Iva Vrátilová
Jolana Kouřímová
Petr Mori
