The story of an eccentric: European cultural center in a marginalized area

A breakfast discussion about what Jan Školník’s experience identifies as the attributes of successful work in the public space. How he perceives the current situation in society. What future rural areas might have in today’s world.

Who is Jan Školník?

Jan Školník is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Besides leading the globally operating company HOBRA-Školník, he plays a significant role in developing the region where he lives and does business. In 2004, together with his wife, he founded the Agency for the Development of Broumovsko – a nonprofit organization that revitalizes the extensive monastery complex in Broumov as the Educational and Cultural Center Klášter Broumov, develops community development activities, initiates tourism development, and recently has been shaping an investment club to support the region. In his philanthropic activities, alongside regional projects, he focuses primarily on art, science, and the development of civil society. In 2014, he was named Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year in a competition organized by EY, and in 2018 he received the annual Via Bona award from the Via Foundation for philanthropy in the regions. Jan enjoys actively reflecting on the functioning of society and the individual within it. He runs and occasionally embarks on week-long offline walking pilgrimages.