Enchanted by the Arts in Rome

The Hungarian Academy in Rome has recently welcomed lovers of various arts with a vibrant and engaging program. An exhibition titled “Echoes of Rome” showcased works by the Academy’s visual arts scholarship holders, while another show, “Outcomes of Hope”—connected to the 2025 Holy Year—presented the valuable results of a deeply spiritual creative process. In addition to these exhibitions, the Academy’s magnificent building also served as the venue for the Musica Eterna Roma international choral festival and competition.

On 12 June 2025, the annual exhibition of the visual arts scholarship holders of the Hungarian Academy in Rome opened under the title “Echoes of Rome.” The Academy’s Visual Arts Scholarship is part of a tradition that has been present in the institution’s life since 1927. Its golden age was marked by the artistic movement known as the Roman School (1927–1948). The Academy’s scholarship recipients spend one month in the Eternal City, during which they carry out the work plan outlined in their application, gather inspiration, and prepare the artworks that will be presented to the Roman public at the scholarship exhibition. The richness of this year’s exhibition clearly shows that the innovations introduced this year have significantly contributed to the artists’ creative development. A key expectation was collaborative work and the cultivation of a shared creative community. The opening concluded with a reception and a spectacular light show, which was met with great enthusiasm by the Roman audience. The latter was not only enjoyed by the invited guests at the opening, but also by thousands of passersby on Lungotevere—one of the city’s busiest boulevards. The exhibition, open to the public until 28 August 2025, was realized with the support of the National Cultural Fund of Hungary (NKA).

The exhibition “Outcomes of Hope”, which opened on 6 June 2025, centers on the Contemporary Collection of the Studio of Young Industrial Artists Association (FISE). The exhibition also forms part of the 2025 Holy Year, announced by Pope Francis under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Visitors are invited to explore works of applied art that are the deeply inspired and hope-filled results of meaningful creative processes. The core of the exhibition is drawn from FISE—one of Hungary’s most active organizations dedicated to applied arts and design—which celebrates its 43rd anniversary this year. In addition to FISE’s contributions, the exhibition also features works by numerous internationally recognized designers. The show remains open to the public until 28 August 2025.

On 17 July 2025, the Hungarian Academy in Rome hosted the Musica Eterna Roma international choral festival and competition, organized by InChoral (Austria) and Your InChoral & Meeting Music (Germany). The event brought together choirs from all over the world. Following rehearsals, professional workshops, and music education programs, participants took part in a series of competitive performances. The festival concluded with a gala concert and awards ceremony held in the Academy’s prestigious Liszt Hall. The artistic director of the festival is Hungarian Gábor Hollerung, who is, among other things, the principal conductor of the Budafok Dohnányi Orchestra, musical advisor to the Philharmonia Singers Tel Aviv, and a returning guest conductor for numerous foreign orchestras. He is a committed advocate for the education of young conductors and regularly leads masterclasses both in Hungary and abroad. His “Sing & Joy” project brings together choirs from around the world to perform in cities such as Cincinnati, Malta, Taipei, and Vienna. He introduced a groundbreaking artistic concept for choral competitions, known globally as MUSICA MUNDI. He also established InChoral, a non-profit organization that supports the development of choirs through festivals and competitions. This year’s edition of Musica Eterna Roma—which had several strong connections to Hungary—was met with resounding success.

Source of pictures: Facebook page of Collegium Hungaricum Roma and "FISE - Fiatal Iparművészek Stúdiója Egyesület"