Introduction

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. THE SITE WILL REMAIN AS A RECORD OF OUR WONDERFUL MEETING.

From time to time ISPA presents regional meetings to address issues of interest in a defined region. These meetings occur in addition to our regular January and June Congresses, which deal with topics of a more global nature. ISPA regional meetings have taken place in Budapest, Beijing and Riga.

Ten year after our first regional meeting in Budapest, you are invited to return to a region with roots that go back to the 5th century – and joined the European Union only two years ago! This dynamic spectrum of contrasts is what makes Hungary as unique as their language – which sounds like nothing else on earth! The official Hungarian website describes Hungarians as follows:

“So we are not extra-terrestrials. We learnt and became tempered in the tormenting storms of the world: you can experience a particular organic link between the old and new, between history and the present-day in this country, which is still keenly safeguarding its traditions, culture and arts, but was always perceptive to what is new, different and the future.”

We are invited by generous hosts to gather with our EU colleagues to discuss the arts in Europe: the global perspective and the future of this legacy. Or as Géza Kovács put it: “...is our continent really and old tired woman - and nobody is willing to abduct her, or is she still a desirable and luxuriant lady?”

For the cost of your flight and accommodation only, you will be stimulated by vibrant debate, inspired by fine music in one of the great new performance spaces of the world, visit a 17th century Mediterranean artist town on the Danube (Szentendre), and be wined and dined on a boat cruise along the Danube! All in the company of our EU friends.