CESTA TÁBOR

CESTA – Cultural Exchange Station in Tábor was founded in 1993 by the duo Sabot — bassist Chris Rankin and drummer Hilary Binder.

CESTA has organised international festivals, community projects, artist residencies, and numerous other events. Over its active years, the premises of Ctibor's Mill have been visited by hundreds of artists from around the world, from musicians to theatre makers and visual artists. Culture and art have often intersected with pressing social, ecological, economic, and political issues. Today, under the leadership of Chris Rankin, CESTA is once again a home for independent culture. Festivals such as Transforma, DIY Fest, Tabook, Kurnik (a queer and feminist festival), and Expanze are held here. It provides facilities for local musicians (rehearsal rooms, recording studio) and organisers of independent events, and has recently expanded to host dance workshops as well. We would love for CESTA to become a space for artistic residencies of all kinds once more. We believe the premises can be suitable and inspiring for residents of all disciplines — music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and literature. Tábor is conveniently accessible from Prague, and CESTA itself is a peaceful, nature-surrounded spot within walking distance of the historic town centre. In day-to-day operation, the space also functions as a hostel, and thanks to its capacity, CESTA is able to accommodate larger groups, artistic ensembles, as well as weddings, independent conferences, retreats, and similar gatherings. A community garden is also part of the premises.