In this ‘unofficial’ art we can see the precursor of amateur arts. Artists who did not conform themselves to the regime were excluded of state support and got no material for their arrangement. The underground artists were not allowed to join formal art schools and exhibit their work. This situation forced many artists to choose another profession and only practise art as a form of free expression.
In today’s Czech Republic the autonomous arts no longer have to go underground. But the history of the nation is not forgotten and still has an influence on the ideas and the form of the arts. It also can be found back in the way of practising the arts. Because of the years of strict separation of the official and the unofficial art, not only the professional but also the amateur arts are well organised. In the Czech Republic amateur arts has nothing to do with amateurism or a lack of quality. Woodcarving and puppeteering are examples of high quality amateur arts (some puppeteers are professionals). The quality of the Czech amateur theatre groups and ensembles is known far beyond their borders. Many amateur theatre groups from the city of Brno have presented their art in several partner towns (there is an international partnership with the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands and also with the city of St. Poelten in Austria).
The art section in the Czech culture is varied. Czech music varies from classical to jazz and punk. The arts consist of modern and traditional art forms like graphic design, glassblowing, modern theatre, puppet shows, film and animation. There is a broad spectrum of cultural influences - from liberal to traditional, from international orientated to nationalistic, from German and Austrian influences to Hungarian and Polish.
ARTAMA is the section for non-professional artistic activities ensuring representation in the area of non-professional art based on authorisation by the Ministry of Culture. ARTAMA offers and ensures specialised service in the areas of non-professional art and children’s and youth’s aesthetic activities. It organises or provides specialised support for workshops and seminars, competitions and festivals.
Other sections, like CIK, REGIS and Redakce Místní kultury collects, provides and distributes information about a wide range of cultural institutions, cultural establishments and other subjects of culture, including bodies of state administration, municipalities and towns and civil associations.
