Description
The purpose of our project is to show variegation, familiarize Hungarian, Roma and Scandinavian folk music and dance, form an international co-operation regarding cultural fields, involve local institutions and organizations and to generate collaborations; the project benefits from the initiatives of local residents as well. Project activities: 1.) Folklore camp in Besenyszög, 2.) Musical workshop in Iceland, 3.) Professional platform in Iceland, 4.) Performance at the Reykjavík Cultural Night (Menningarnótt), 5.) Dance - music production for the audience + photo. The target group consists of those residents of the Great Hungarian Plain and Iceland who are interested in Hungarian and Scandinavian folklore - mainly in cultural topics rooted in music, dance and mythology -, and who join the program as an audience. The performers, who constitute the active participant segment, are selected within this group: 44 Hungarian participants, children and adult musicians, folk dancers and traditionalists (Romani included), and 10 Icelandic residents who are musicians or professionals in Scandinavian and Hungarian culture. We aim at an extensive range from the age of 10 to the active senior citizens. A series of programs are going to be brought to an effect which includes the introduction of the culture and traditions of two countries and three milieus (Hungarian, Icelandic and Romani) - its unconventionality lies within the transactors preparing with special programs beside tradition making program elements. The presentation of the cultural legacy and folklore tradition of the regions and civil organizations are the axis of priority, which is connected to those program elements that strengthen the communication between generations, support the year of voluntary work and address topics that strengthen the understanding between cultures and the European identity. The donor partner of the project is the Icelandic Hungarian Cultural Society.
Summary of project results
The purpose of the project was to show cultural diversity, familiarize Hungarian, Roma and Scandinavian folk music and dance, form an international co-operation regarding cultural fields. A folklore camp was established where participants got acquainted with traditions through lectures, crafts and dance-house together with Icelandic participants. The depth of intercultural dialogue was further strengthened by the journey to Iceland where people living there could have a taste of the Hungarian culture, whereas the Hungarian participants learnt the background of the Scandinavian mythology. They gave a concert in the cathedral of Dómkirkjan, presented the „On the road of our ancestors” performance at the Reykjavík Cultural Festival. During professional platforms, they involved the Icelandic population in such interactive activities as photo exhibition, performances and workshops. The project made it possible to produce a further performance shown in several surrounding settlements. The two-part performance was created jointly with the Icelandic partners, based on the topic of the world of tradition. The marketing leaflet Kul-TÚRA was also created to present the results of the project. The project was crowned by a project closing event where the Ambassador of Norway to Hungary Olav Berstad also attended.
Summary of bilateral results
The depth of intercultural dialogue was strengthened by the journey to Iceland where people living there could have a taste of the Hungarian culture, whereas the Hungarian participants learnt the background of the Scandinavian mythology. The project, bridging geographical boundaries, successfully presented the different cultural circles, understood its differences, strengthened mutual acceptance, and deepened links, and created further plans between donor and project partners.