Centenary Year: Charles University’s Calendar of 2018












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            * Centenary Year: Charles University’s Calendar of 2018
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            To celebrate the centenary year of the formation of Czechoslovakia, Charles University’s e

            is a combination of the pivotal history of both the State and the University. The year 191
            both institutions, as Czechoslovakia was formed, and Charles University took its present n
            The calendar contains the exclusive work of photographer and artist Martin Frouz and uses 

            different media to convey the historical importance of vital events. Alongside the imagery
            informative text that gives a historical explanation of the events depicted.
            Historically, the calendar gives a brief overview of Czechoslovakian history from the root

            lands to the modern day. The imagery and subsequent information for February is an explici
            the successful interlinking of Czechoslovakian history with the University. Entitled ‘The 

            February symbolically highlights the prominent connection of the First President of Czecho
            Garrigue Masaryk, with Charles University as a former professor. As well as this, the mont
            the replacement of previous traditions associated with the Austro-Hungarian Empire through

            photograph of dignitary’s robes. These robes signify the shift from the old Austro-Hungari
            to the creation of new traditions being formed in Czechoslovakia that would continue throu
            and 21st century.

            Another image that conveys the interconnectivity of Czechoslovakia and Charles University 
            of April. April demonstrates how the development in the political sphere of Czechoslovakia
            everyday operation of the University in the period of the Second World War. The month uses

            to highlight the interrelated issues the country dealt with. The over-linking pictures con
            student-led protest to
            Nazi-Occupation of Czechoslovakia resulted in the closure of all the country’s Czech teach

            This was catalysed by the death of student protester Jan Opletal.
            July focuses on the Prague Spring of 1968, with a backdrop of clippings from newspapers an
            collaged together. The clippings cover the period of 1965 to 1969 and demonstrate the impa

            invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact armies in August 1968. The most influential even
            period was the extreme protest of Charles University student Jan Palach, who sacrificed hi
            immolation as a poignant demonstration against the occupation of the country. Jan Palach’s

            highlighted through the memorial plaque, designed by Olbram Zoubek, which is located on th
            Charles University Faculty of Arts building.
            The imagery used for October establishes the actions of protesters in the Velvet Revolutio

            fall of Communism in the Czech Republic. By using the flag of Czechoslovakia, black and wh
            from the period and candles, the visual content is a presentation of the peaceful origins 
            Revolution. The events of 17th November 1989 were held in commemoration of the violent sup

            the 1939 student protests against Nazi Occupation. This is demonstrated by the invitation 
            student group ‘Ribbon’, stating: ‘Take a flower or candle with you… we want to actively ac
            ideals of truth and freedom, for which their proponents gave their lives.’

            The Centenary year itself is filled with many activities throughout the country to mark th
            occasion. The Czech government plans to spend around 90 million crowns on the events arran
            year. These events do not just cover the Czechoslovakian Centenary of 1918, but also the P

            1968, and the split of Czechoslovakia into two independent states in 1993.
            Charles University is also contributing to this celebration, not only with the publication
            but with the exhibition entitled ‘The University and the Republic: 100 Years - 100 Items -

            The exhibition spans the full hundred-year period and shall end in the modern day. Encompa
            exhibits, each embodying a distinct year in the period of 1918-2018.
            The exhibition is running from 1 May – 30 September 2018 in Karolinum.
                                                                                                      
            Lily Fairbairn is a British student from Northumbria University in Newcastle, where she st
            in the Faculty of Arts for one semester. She is keen on gaining experience in journalism a
            Republic, whilst simultaneously meeting people with similar interests to her.