As part of the Csontváry Culture Connects Programme, elective courses will be available nationwide from February, allowing university students to earn credits by attending cultural events. Széchenyi István University has joined this initiative in partnership with the Győr National Theatre, the Győr Ballet, the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Rómer Flóris Museum of Art and History.

Launched at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the Culture Connects Programme aims to provide students with direct experiences that broaden their understanding of cultural heritage, strengthen their national identity, and offer international students insights into Hungarian culture. Completion of the elective course within this programme requires participation in cultural events, which, at Széchenyi István University, will be facilitated through collaboration with the Győr National Theatre, the Győr Ballet, the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Rómer Flóris Museum of Art and History.

Participants of the Ceremonial Signing: László Velekei, Director of the Győr Ballet; Dr. Zsolt Kovács, Vice President for General and Educational Affairs at Széchenyi István University; Irén Novák, Deputy State Secretary for Arts and Community Education; Géza Fűke, Director of the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra; Zoltán Székely, Director of the Rómer Flóris Museum of Art and History; and Gábor Bakos-Kiss, Director of the Győr National Theatre. (Photo: András Adorján)

The Győr National Theatre was the first regional venue to host the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement on 27 January. At the event, Irén Novák, Deputy State Secretary for Arts and Community Education, highlighted that the cultural administration is launching the course as a pilot programme in the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic year at 11 universities across Hungary, in partnership with 44 cultural institutions.

"In recent years, we have targeted all age groups to promote Hungarian culture: the Vitéz László Programme was introduced for nursery school children, the Lázár Ervin Programme for primary school pupils, and the KULTUP – Growing into Culture Programme for secondary school students. Now, Culture Connects is designed specifically for university students. They represent the future intellectual elite, and this programme offers them a value-based alternative. Beyond recreation, cultural experiences can inspire them, provide motivation, and broaden their knowledge," she emphasized.

Dr Zsolt Kovács, Vice-President for General and Educational Affairs at Széchenyi István University, stated that joining the programme was an obvious decision, given that Győr is one of Hungary's most culturally vibrant cities. He also pointed out that the University, with approximately 15,000 students, including 1,000 international students, forms the region’s most significant youth community. "As a University engaged in teaching and research across eleven scientific disciplines, one of our core principles is to equip our students with valuable knowledge that enables them to become top experts in their respective fields. At the same time, we strive to offer them high-quality social and cultural programmes, as well as sports opportunities, making their years here truly unforgettable. Through this programme, our students will gain insight into the finest aspects of Győr’s artistic scene while earning academic credits. It is an excellent opportunity, and we extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Innovation for making it possible," he stated.

Gábor Bakos-Kiss, Director of the Győr National Theatre, described the initiative as a long-awaited and highly significant programme, which the cultural institutions of Győr were eager to support."Our theatre is one of the flagships of the KULTUP Programme. Last season, we reached 48 towns, and several of our performances have been presented as exemplary to participating institutions. Our collaboration with Széchenyi István University has been outstanding, and through the Culture Connects Programme, we are strengthening these ties while increasingly involving students," he emphasized.

Zoltán Székely, Director of the Rómer Flóris Museum of Art and History, highlighted that the programme allows them to engage more effectively with university students. "As an institution with a regional scope in Győr-Moson-Sopron County, we offer a wide range of activities beyond exhibitions, including concerts, public education programmes, workshops and literary evenings. We are preparing guided tours for young people, helping them explore the history of the region while also introducing them to our extensive and diverse art collections," he explained. He expressed his hope that this initiative would encourage many students to become regular museum visitors.