SUPŠ Bechyně

Secondary Art school of Bechyně was established in 1884 as the first Czech ceramic school. The former study fields were stove-making, pottery and ceramic painting. Nowadays, more than 200 students are studying in four main art specialisations (ceramic, industrial, graphic and multimedia design) and in a three-year vocational study field (producer and decorator of ceramics). The studies are designed for students from 15 to 18 years, yet older ones may also become involved. Since 2009 the school was renamed as Secondary School of Arts and Crafts – Bechyně (SUPŠ Bechyně).

Since the beginning of its existence the school has brought up more than 3900 graduates – many artists, craftsmen, technicians and teachers among them. The school was especially significant in the development of the ceramic industry in Bohemia, Moravia and in Slovakia. Moreover, the school hosts international ceramic symposia, taking continuously place every second year since 1966. The products of the symposia are exhibited in the Aleš South Bohemian Gallery and in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague.

The school is equally open for international cooperation. There are various international projects running on, internships in companies, frequent exhibitions of works of both students and teachers are being displayed. Our effort is to readjust the education to changing demands of the time, to modernize teaching and to raise creative graduates who would be able to succeed in the domestic and international competition.