The Czech Republic boasts a unique network of art schools focused on music,
ballet, drama and visual arts. The institutions, which are quite generously
subsidized by the state, are open to kids from the age of five. Just
recently, a nationwide project promoting the so-called "zušky"
took place around the country, giving the children and their teachers a
rare opportunity to show their skills to the public. The happening was
initiated by the Magdalena Kožená Endowement Fund, which was established
to promote art education in the Czech Republic.