In September 2025, Opava and its surroundings will become a hub of fine art. The first International Painting Symposium “White Opava”, organised by the Rotary Club of Opava, will offer a week of creative work, cultural encounters, and international cooperation between clubs from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. The project will connect talented artists with Rotary and create a unique art collection for future charitable purposes.
The Rotary Club of Opava is launching a new cultural project with an international reach – the International Painting Symposium “White Opava”, to be held from 19 to 26 September 2025 in Opava and its surroundings. The symposium was initiated by the local club and enjoys full support from District 2240, including Past District Governor Josef Melecký and Governor for 2025/2026 Jan Bílek.
The aim of the project is to support talented visual artists, present fine art to the public, and strengthen international cooperation between Rotary clubs from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. The event will also result in a representative collection of paintings to be used for benefit auctions or other Rotary cultural activities.
Each participating Rotary club nominates one artist from its region, supporting them by covering the participation fee (minimum CZK 25,000). This fee includes accommodation, meals, organisation, exhibition space, and other essentials. The participants – both professional and young talented artists – will create at least three artworks during the week, one of which will be donated or loaned to the Rotary art collection.
The symposium programme will combine open-air painting in picturesque locations, studio work, expert consultations, and social events. The highlight will be the opening festival with an exhibition and presentation of all artists, held on 20 September 2025 at the Church of St. Wenceslas in Opava. Visitors can also look forward to painting sessions at Hradec nad Moravicí and Kravaře castles, discussions with art experts, and a social evening at the close of the week.
The project benefits not only the artists but also the Rotary clubs and their cities. It helps promote regions through art, strengthens Rotary’s prestige, and creates new opportunities for charitable and cultural initiatives.
The organisers – the team of the Rotary Club of Opava led by President Stanislav Dubový, co-founder Ing. Pavel Brída, and art director akad. painter Levon Lavyan – believe that “White Opava” will become a tradition and an inspiration for future editions.
Contact for Rotary clubs:
rotary.opava@seznam.cz
Ing. Pavel Brída – +420 601 524 601
akad. painter Levon Lavyan – +420 737 238 501
