Folk tradition vs. VR
The Virtual Hungarian Heritage House invites those who are interested with the help of the most modern technology into a dimension where they can walk around in the National Folk Art Exhibition’s halls, examine selected artworks of applied folk arts from unique and viewpoints never seen before, or even get ton the stage together with the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble’s dancers for a couple of minutes.
While formulating the project, it was the Hungarian Heritage House’ primary concern to reach the hard to engage Y and Z generations through their usual communications devices, and for young people to be able to discover the beauty of our traditions through their own medium. However, we hope that we can offer everyone, without age limits, a new kind of perspective and experience which has the passing on of values at its centre. The Virtual Hungarian Heritage House consists of three thematic parts: the 16th National Folk Art Exhibition, the selected objects of the Hungarian Applied Folk Arts Museum, and three productions of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.
16th National Folk Art Exhibition
The exhibition’s invitees are those who had outstanding achievements at the national tenders in 2015, as well as distinguished workshops and schools whose professional aura affects the whole country in an exemplary manner. The exhibition is held every five years, and the most elaborate artisanal artworks of recent years are presented, whose creators drew inspiration from Hungarian folk art for their motifs and design, and which were made for the 21st century man.
On the jury’s advice, nearly 1700 artworks by approximately 450 artisans and artisan communities were selected for the exhibition in the categories of embroidery, costumes, lace, woven goods, felt, leather, wood, horns and bones, musical instruments, pottery, iron and metal, straw, husk, mats, wicker, toys, jewellery, dyed eggs and gingerbread.
Living folk art
On our living folk art site, visitors can marvel at the 14th National Folk Art Exhibition’s halls and artworks. *You can “turn around” in 360° in the halls with the help of the cursor.
Selected objects of the Hungarian Folk Applied Arts Museum
Among our processed exhibition objects, you can view up close a marvellous angel statue, a meticulously crafted saddle, a pair of perfectly sewn matyó slippers, and a carved box so characteristic of Somogy shepherd art. Besides these fine works of art, there’s also a drinking vessel carved from wood and a jug from 1951.
A premiere is always preceded by great expectations, a performance full of beautiful dresses and atmospheres by great excitement, and a challenge for two virtuoso dancers by vibration.
You can experience all of this first hand now, since we’ve brought you three 1.5 minute long dance excerpts in which you’re in the centre. You can dance together with the members of the Ensemble, and you can experience what it’s like to stand in the middle of the stage underneath the spotlights as a member of the team.
You can choose from three productions: one from Kalotaszeg, one that uses sticks, and one with behind-the-scenes secrets too.
Have fun!
