Modern Patronage in the Form of an Art Open Call

“Signs in the Landscape” is the title of an open call focused on the realisation of a site-specific artistic intervention in the Czech Republic. It was announced by the Benetheo Foundation, led by Soňa and Miloš Krejník. Soňa spoke with us about their motivation to support the art scene, as well as her personal journey as a collector.

Soňa has been passionate about visual arts since childhood, which eventually led her to study architecture. However, she continued to nurture her interest by reading about art history and travelling to places closely connected with art. After meeting her husband, they developed this passion together and now surround themselves with works of art both at home and in their office, including paintings by Patrik Hábl and glass sculptures by renowned Czech glassmakers.

Two years ago, Soňa completed the EduArt Start programme, and since then, she has been an integral part of the collecting community, with whom she also embarks on trips abroad. “On one level, it’s professional—I gain insights into the art scene and can consult on our collecting direction. But it’s also fantastic to meet like-minded people. Discussing what art means to them and what they choose to surround themselves with really inspires me and pushes me forward,” Soňa explains, adding that EduArt helped her appreciate the value of art not only in an aesthetic sense but also in the context of the market and its social impact.

For Soňa and her husband, collecting is not merely about owning artworks; what matters most to them is a deeper understanding of the pieces and the messages they convey. Their belief in the transformative power of art inspired them to integrate it into the activities of the Benetheo Foundation. The aim of the “Signs in the Landscape” open call is to create a work that carries an existential, spiritual, or other universally valuable message that aligns with the foundation’s mission. The competition focuses on projects that bridge the gap between art and nature. “It provides an opportunity to slow down, to take a walk and reflect on life—something we rarely make space for in the rush of everyday life,” says Soňa.

More information about the open call, which offers a prize of CZK 250,000 and has a submission deadline of 25 April 2025, can be found on benetheo.cz.