Archive

Summer Retreat 2023

INFO

CONCEPT

Hangzavart? Summer Course 2023 brought together 24 musicians, composers, and sound artists from Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Germany to explore artistic autonomy in contemporary music. The program examined a central question: how can artists maintain authentic creative voices when both institutional and counter-cultural paths seem compromised? While traditional cultural institutions increasingly bend to market forces, historical modes of resistance—from avant-garde movements to DIY scenes—have often been absorbed into the very systems they once challenged.

Participants collaborated with distinguished mentors including János Bali (renowned Hungarian musician and scholar), John Duncan (American experimental artist), Péter Márton (underground electronic musician), and István Rimóczi (innovative instrument maker). Through workshops, performances, and collaborative experiments, they explored new models of artistic self-governance that move beyond both institutional constraints and the limitations of pure underground resistance.

MENTORS

PLACE




This fully-funded residency took place in Zebegény, Hungary from June 21-30, 2023, emphasizing diverse perspectives and collaborative learning over traditional excellence metrics. The project was co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme and organized by Ábel Fazekas and Sanna Bo.


MENTORS

Our mentors are not only outstanding creators and thinkers but also teachers who inspire, support, and lead by example.

János Bali

Hungarian musician, scholar, and educator. Professor at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, conductor of A:N:S Chorus, and editor of György Kurtág’s works. Recipient of the Liszt Prize.

John Duncan

American experimental artist based in Bologna. Pioneer of Japanese noise music and sound art. Combines shortwave radio, field recordings, and voice in complex sonic environments. Ex-professor at the Academy of Fine Arts Bologna.

Péter Márton (Prell)

Key figure in Budapest’s underground electronic music scene. Creates experimental electronic music using self-built modular synthesizers. Founding member of the Davoria freetekno collective and lecturer at University of Pécs’s Electronic Music Media Art program.

Eszter Bodnár

Career coach and organizational development consultant specializing in purpose-driven professional development. Combines background in law and arts management to help musicians develop entrepreneurial skills and find sustainable career paths.

István Rimóczi

Founder of Bélaműhely, transforming industrial waste into musical instruments. Promotes accessible music-making through interactive workshops and the Conductor Game. Focuses on creativity over technical skill in music education.

PICTURES

Discover the creative scenes of our courses, capturing moments of artistic innovation and teamwork.

Partners / sponsor

This project was realized through the collaboration of Shoshin Theatre Association (RO), Levegő – Vazduh – Air (RS), and KM28 (DE), under the leadership of I.T.E.M Oktatási és Kulturális Alapítvány, with financial support from the Erasmus+ Programme.