Following the example of similar places in other European countries, the Tűzraktér was set up as an independent arts centre that accepted anybody and everybody that wanted to create, perform or show off. After two years, hundreds of programmes and a name change, the Tűzraktér moved in the summer of 2008 to a former school in Hegedű Street, closer to the city centre.
The artist Zoltán Balla, who is in charge of Tűzraktér, says the new venue - a listed building from the late romantic period to which a modern block is attached - provides appropriate spaces for art exhibitions, dance and theatre performances, concerts and civil programmes.
Visitors are drawn to the Tűzraktér for everything from its Mothers and Infants Club to its Architect's Salon. Importantly, the institution's founders believe that culture is a basic human right, for which one doesn't have to pay.
The Tűzraktér has established many international connections during its short existence with artists from Cuba, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Venezuela, Canada, Slovakia, Romania and Estonia.
"Concentrating on cooperation with different international and Hungarian institutions, we still work for our main aim, supporting young creative people, and bridging social and cultural gaps," the Tűzraktér's management says on their website.
Author: Eszter Götz / Photo: Balázs Mohai (MTI)
