In 1863, Smetana expanded his involvement in various societies and music associations, actively organizing, educating, and composing. On March 9, 1863, the Artists’ Society was officially founded at a convention, with Josef Wenzig—who would later write libretti for Smetana's Dalibor and Libuše—elected as president. Smetana was appointed head of the Music Department, and several close friends, including Procházka, joined the Society's board. The new organization quickly demonstrated its progressive goals.

During this period, Smetana also focused on the Harrach opera award, urging the theater to push the jurors to expedite their decision. However, the theater's music director, Maýr—whose opera, Horymír's Leap, was also in the competition—showed little interest in speeding up the process. Written in the traditional Italian style, Horymír's Leap reflected the conservative styles Maýr favored, and he was unwilling to assist Smetana, a rising competitor. Consequently, it took three and a half years for the jurors to reach a verdict. On March 25, 1866, the jury awarded the prize to Smetana's opera, praising its exceptional composition. Although the work did not fully meet the requirement of possessing “a true national character,” it was recognized for its other remarkable qualities.

The New Institute

During this period, Smetana realized he could no longer count on being appointed music director of the Interim Theater and decided to revive his music institute, this time in partnership with his friend Ferdinand Heller.