Czech culture this week: Parades and events kick off Czechia's EU presidency

If you see large art installations around the city, you have stumbled on the Landscape Festival, which runs until the start of October. Sculptures and installations can be seen in Žižkov, Palmovka, and Smíchov.

The exhibition Power(less), at DOX until Nov. 6, explores the borders between visionary insight and illness. It has been a century since the publication of "Artistry of the Mentally Ill" by psychiatrist and art historian Hans Prinzhorn, which first addressed the topic.

The Czech presidency of the EU is taking its motto from a phrase once said by then-President Václav Havel: "Europe as a Task." While not exactly light reading, many of Havel's essays are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. Summer Meditations and many other of his thought-provoking works have been translated into English and can be found at major bookstores or from online vendors.

The film event of the year is outside of Prague. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival runs from July 1 to 9 in the west Bohemian spa town. Guests include Benicio Del Toro and Geoffrey Rush.

For people who want to watch films from the convenience of home, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival launched KVIFF.TV. Subscribers can choose from over 400 films (though not all are English-friendly). The art films have been selected by experts to ensure a high level of quality.

Following the popularity of the table on Charles Bridge, a similar event will take place with a table on Old Town Square. It takes place on the morning of Wednesday, June 29. People can sit at the 500 meters of tables, arranged in circles, for free but should register in advance.

Prague welcomes the coming Czech EU presidency with Prague the Heart of Europe, which will have parades and events on June 30 and July 1 in the city center.

Music from producers and composers Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix has over 4 billion views on YouTube. They got their start making music for blockbuster movie trailers and then began making original music. Their live show Two Steps From Hell, which is at O2 universum on June 28 and 29, uses an orchestra, choir, and soloists.

Czech singer Tereza Krippnerová and her band The Masters pay a Tribute to Nina Simone at Reduta Jazz Club on June 29 at Reduta.  

Four comics take a night off from jokery to relay some (supposedly) true stories at Friends with Mics - Storytelling show, at Ty kávo on June 29.

Hear some stand-up comedy at Manifesto Anděl on June 30. Half a dozen international laugh-makers are scheduled to try out their hopefully funny material in English.

 Heavy metal bands Helloween and Hammerfall bring their United Forces tour to O2 Arena on June 30. Both bands will be presenting material from new albums.