„…With good cheer and prosperity …”

„God Bless the Hungarians with good cheer and prosperity!” This is the introductory plea of the Hungarian National Anthem.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental value of all democratic societies. Free speech is the basis of this event organized now the 12th time offering anybody a chance to exercise his or her democratic right irrespective of employment, age, national or minority affiliation. What was inconceivable 23 years ago is a natural right today in our flourishing country pursuing the principles of democracy and the Rule of Law. On the contrary, wherever censorship or narrowing of the democratic sweep gags or hinders larger or smaller groups or even masses of citizens in expressing their dissident views, such conditions typify dictatorship and oppression.

Luckily for us, Hungarians, this period has disappeared for good! Expressions such as „censorship”, „denunciator”, „dictatorship”, „personality cult”, „agitprop”, „centralized power and cultural policy” describe situations that we do not need to face ever again, though we must, by all means, have a clear understanding of their meaning. Nevertheless, our communication this year evokes the bogus optimism of a period of our history built on totalitarian power. Our intention is to lend thereby more impetus to our agenda of assuring equal conditions to each and every member of our society in exercising their right of free speech.

Along with the umbrella topic our exhibition also hosts the winners of the ARC+ topic. The owner of this topic is our main sponsor ELMŰ-ÉMÁSZ. What can we achieve with creative energy? – was the question raised by the giant of the energy provider industry in the topic of „Hungarian spirit”.

Albert Szent-Györgyi, Dénes Gábor, János Bolyai and Ernő Rubik are just some of the well-known names from among the Hungarian geniuses. Perhaps these names have contributed to the stereotype of the „ingenious Hungarians”. However, not all unique ideas and brilliant innovations find their way to the general public. This part of our exhibition is dedicated to great talents creating in privacy and anonymity.

A separate strand in the fabric of this exhibition is the collection of cover pages of weekly paper HVG published in the past 20 years.

Dear visitor, welcome to this intellectual playground, recreational area and spiritual tavern for pacifists. Let the exhibits evoke consentient nod or smile on your face!

Source: arcmagazin.hu