THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IN PRAGUE UNVEILS ITS NEW SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
The Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU), the key institution for art education in the Czech Republic with a long tradition and a wide range of study programmes, announces the launch of its new
Sustainability Strategy. The Strategy reflects AMU’s responsibility for pursuing sustainable development goals and emphasises the importance of interconnecting art with tackling both environmental and social challenges.
“Sustainability is not all about energy – it is also about art and relationships,” says Rector of AMU Ingeborg Radok Žádná. In her foreword, she stresses that art has the unique potential for influencing social thinking and contribute towards positive changes. “A work of art can have profound impact and influence on society and the ways in which we think about environmental and social issues. Art schools such as AMU can serve as the platforms that will lead us towards sustainability,” she adds.
The AMU Sustainability Strategy addresses four principal areas of activity: sustainability management and development, operation and management, sustainable creative activity and education, and third role of higher education – i.e. active involvement in communities and partnerships. The key topics in the field of operation are reducing energy demand and responsible waste management. AMU has embarked on a project of refurbishing its energy management system, geared towards major savings, and is implementing measures to reduce waste generation and improve the use of materials in artistic creation.
In the field of artistic and educational activity, AMU focuses on innovations that integrate environmental aspects into education, placing emphasis on maintaining cultural heritage. “Good management and the transition to sustainable operation are not only an environmental challenge – they are also an opportunity for improving the quality of life in school, supporting innovation and enhancing the prestige of our institution,” the Rector says.
AMU is determined to strengthen its collaboration with external partners and suppliers in the energy, cleaning, waste management and catering sectors with a view to pushing forward in implementing sustainable processes. The new Strategy also includes equal access to education and support for students’ and employees’ wellbeing. Another important aspect is AMU’s involvement in communities and setting up partnerships that contribute to increasing the school’s relevance and societal impact.
