Best of Budapest & Hungary

Memories Group, specialized in the distribution of Hungarian giftware, announced a competition at the beginning of the year, jointly with Hungarian Souvenirs Kft. and the Hungarian University of Fine Arts (MKE). The prizes have recently been awarded to the winners.

The competition was announced for the students of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts (MKE), with the objective of promoting the creation of graphic designs which are aimed at presenting Budapest’s characteristic, and outstanding tourist attractions of the students’ choice. The competition was part of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office’s University innovation ecosystem competition. As one of Hungary’s leading giftware chain stores, Memories Group offers high-quality, mostly self-made products to Budapest visitors. Following this trend, the best student design plans will be produced as souvenirs targeting mainly foreign tourists in the age group of 18-30. The basis of the art pieces will be Hungarian folk-, cultural-, and scientific traditions, hungaricums, and exemplary Hungarian figures in order to boost the country’s image. Even though tourism sector is severely affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, the artists hope that their devoted work will pay off in the next touristic season.

More than 50 “youthful, creative, high-quality” works have been submitted to the HUF 600,000 competition. The best were selected by the jury comprised of the university’s lecturers, and product development experts. Due to the pandemic, the award ceremony was postponed to October 7.

WINNERS

• 1st place: Sophie Magalashvili – Zsolnay Porcelain (HUF 300.000)
• 2nd place: Krisztián Tőrincsi – 'The Vertically Striped' (HUF 200.000)
• 3rd place: Dániel Sárosi – ‘Coat of Arms and Gun’ (HUF 100.000)

Award certificate winners: Anna Drabik, Enikő Lénárd, Viktória Mezei, Rebeka Míra Nagy, Júlia Pothárn, Krisztián Tőrincsi, Adrienn Umlauf