© Tomki Nemec

Work for something because
it is good, not just because
it stands a chance to succeed.

Work for something
because it is good,
not just because
it stands a chance
to succeed.

© Tomki Nemec

01

Disturbing the Peace Award

for a writer at risk…

The VHC annual ‘Disturbing the Peace Award’ recognizes writers who share Vaclav Havel’s passionate commitment to human rights and have suffered unjust persecution for their work. The award is given each year to a writer of a distinguished work of fiction, literary nonfiction, biography, memoire, drama, or poetry, who is courageous in dissent and has been punished for challenging an oppressive regime. The award, which includes a $5,000 cash prize, supports talented individuals who embody Havel’s legacy while drawing attention to the many writers worldwide who bravely fight human rights violations.

02

Theater

To honor Vaclav Havel’s theatrical legacy, VHC collects information about productions of his plays in America, awards scholarships to Czech and U.S. students of drama and performance studies, and presents an annual festival of contemporary European theater, Rehearsal for Truth.

Mini Drama
Student Contest

The best original mini-drama on the theme from a play by Vaclav Havel is selected each year in a program organized by the Vaclav Havel Center, Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Janacek Academy of Performing Arts in Brno, Vaclav Havel Library in Prague, and Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

03

Havel
Conversations

An oral history project that explores Vaclav Havel’s legacy in the US and Canada, showcasing his unique leadership style blending politics and arts. These conversations originated from interviews from Havel’s residency at Columbia University in 2006.

04

Havel Memorials

From enormous tapestries, to busts to park benches, the VHC has helped to promote the legacy and memory of Vaclav Havel through its support for a range of memorial art pieces.

Velvet Bridge

Become a ‘sponsor’ of the Peter Sis designed ‘Velvet Bridge’!