From a lifeboat to an international springboard – the Godot Institute sends young Hungarian artists to foreign castles, big cities, and new horizons.Mentőcsónakból nemzetközi ugródeszka – a Godot Intézet fiatal magyar művészeket repít külföldi kastélyokba, nagyvárosokba, új távlatokba
A Godot Institute We are delighted to report that its first international artist programme has been successfully carried out in France, the Mentőcsónak Scholarship Within its framework, the institution is further expanding the scholarship, thanks to positive experiences and enthusiastic reception, to provide even more young visual artists with international opportunities.
A Lifeboat scholarship The following new initiatives are added:
– art residency in a French castle
– special prize in Haaga
– and an opportunity to enjoy an inspiring recharge in Marrakesh.
These are all the 2025-s Godot Art Expo They will belong to his main recognitions.
As part of the programme, two young Hungarian artists – Kristóf Szabó (KristofLab) intermedia artist and Gergely Mindák sculptor, the 2024 Godot Art Expo main‑prize winner – could spend ten days in Val d’Aigoual, in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, in a historic castle’s unique setting.
This period offered them deep professional focus, inspiring work, substantive conversations, cultural exchange and closeness to nature – a genuine creative recharge.
The results of the creative work:
– Gergely Mindák created a place‑specific sculpture that harmoniously meshes with the castle and the surrounding landscape.
– Szabó Kristóf (KristofLab) was working on a new exhibition material that directly reflects the experiences gained in France.
Kristof Lab He phrased it as follows: “The castle felt as if I had slipped into a film – at once peaceful and surreal. Everywhere I ran into inspiration: the mountains, the village, the quiet workshops and creative spaces. One does not only work here, but re‑examines why one creates. It was ten days, but an enduring experience.”
Gergely Mindák this is how it is remembered: “I hadn’t expected the landscape to capture me so profoundly. Val d’Aigoual feels as if one steps back into another era – the cliffs, the lush vegetation, the wild cacti and the crystal‑clear streams all contribute something to the creative state. There I didn’t make only a sculpture, but a work that is organically connected to the landscape and has now become part of that environment. And this feeling is a rare gift.
Both artists have already returned to Hungary and are readily available for interview or media appearance.
the Lifeboat scholarship Anita Földes and András Derdák the initiative was launched to create new, cross‑border opportunities for emerging artists. The Godot Institute, acting as a professional partner, has participated in the project and has long been a dedicated advocate for the support of young contemporary visual artists – a role it now wishes to further strengthen on an international level.
Borbála Laczkovich, the chief curator of the Godot Institute added: "It is a rare thing in the art world to have the chance of a true retreat. We have not only given two young talents time and space, but have opened a door to the world. With the Mentor Boat scholarship we send this message: Hungarian young artists belong on the international stage – and we will do everything to help them get there."
The promising start of the Mentor Boat scholarship leads us on a longer journey – our aim remains unchanged: to make young artists visible and valued even in the international arena. We create inspiring venues at various points across the globe where creation, contemplation and meeting provide the opportunity for talent to unfold.
Media contact, interview scheduling: Laczkovich Borbála
application announcement here: https://www.godot.hu/post/opencall2025
📞 +36 70 386 8668
