Art has the power to uplift people in the most hostile of conditions, says Transparency International

Prague, 4 October - Transparency International Czech Republic presents "Art against Corruption" on 5-12 October, an exhibition under the auspices of the Lord Mayor of Prague, Jan Kasl. International and Czech artists will display works inspired by the theme of corruption in Prague's Wenceslas Square. "Art against Corruption" is the largest ever collection of art assembled on an anti-corruption theme and will include a visual art exhibit, photography and literature competitions, a retrospective of Czech and international documentaries, an exhibit on the evolution of corruption in the Czech media, and theatre performances. Art against Corruption is an accompanying programme to the 10th International Anti-Corruption Conference which is being held in Prague on 7-11 October.

Transparency International (TI) is the world's leading non-governmental organisation fighting corruption. The Prague exhibition is part of a larger Art for Transparency programme initiated by TI several years ago. "TI launched Art for Transparency because the fight against corruption necessitates the engagement of all strata of society," said TI Chairman Peter Eigen. "From puppeteers in the villages of Kenya, to cartoonists who were teaching their craft at the last International Anti-Corruption Conference in Durban, to African folk-singers whose banned songs were on sale in village markets, art has a cathartic effect, uplifting people even in the most hostile conditions.," said TI's founding Chairman Peter Eigen at the official opening of the Prague programme on Thursday.

Art against Corruption also comprises two competitions which inspired entries from across the Czech Republic: A photography competition entitled "Corruption seen through an objective"; and a literary competition entitled "Is corruption ever-lasting?" Winners of both competitions will be awarded prizes by Mayor Jan Kasl at a gala evening on 10 October at Prague's Municipal House, in the presence of participants of the 10th International Anti-Corruption Conference.

Transparency International also presents Film for Transparency 2001 - the first international anti-corruption film festival - in Prague on 6-8 October. The film festival includes a retrospective section of international feature-length films and a competitive section for student-made and documentary projects. For more information on Film for Transparency 2001, see www.transparency.org/activities/film/film_iacc.html.

The International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) is the premier global forum for anti-corruption experts and activists. The 10th IACC takes place in Prague Congress Centre on 8-11 October. For more information, please visit: www.10iacc.org.

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