Jiří Suchánek is a cultural professional with vast experience in international projects spanning marketing, tourism, arts, and culture. He served as the CEO of the Pilsen 2015 – European Capital of Culture project (with a total budget of €20 million). Between 2016 and 2023, he was the Director of the DEPO2015 Creative Zone, the flagship legacy project of Pilsen 2015. Jiří was also appointed by the European Commission as a member of the Selection and Monitoring Panel for the European Capital of Culture between 2017 and 2020.

His international track record includes working for the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Head of Production for the Czech Pavilion at World EXPO 2010 in Shanghai. He later directed the cultural program for the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2017 in Astana and contributed to the Czech participation at EXPO 2020 in Dubai. Previously, he also served as the Director of the OKD Foundation, where he was responsible for the development of regions affected by the coal mining industry.

Jiří is the artistic director behind major light festivals, including BLIK BLIK (CZ) and PRISMA in Aveiro (Portugal). He always loves returning to his hometown of Sobotka in the Bohemian Paradise, where he co-produces the local festival of music and craftsmanship, Sobotecký jarmark. Jiří is a passionate but self-proclaimed lazy tennis player, a runner, a food lover and chef, a music fan, a festival beast, and a happy father of two.

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“Being a cultural globe-trotter is one of the most exciting jobs one can imagine. Seeing the results of cultural shifts on a city's development is the biggest motivation to keep rolling.”