On the 23rd of July, 2025, the Valley of Arts Festival’s PajtaMozgó will welcome a special mini-conference dedicated to exploring fresh approaches to connecting audiences and artists. The event, titled “Engaging Audiences: From Observation to Participation in Artistic Processes,” is organised within the PRODUCTION³ project, a collaboration among cultural organisations from Portugal, Serbia, and Hungary, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme. The project is coordinated by the Valley of Arts (Művészetek Völgye) Festival.
The PRODUCTION³ project aims to respond to the evolving needs of audiences and to offer new opportunities for linking art and society. During the mini-conference, participants will collectively explore how audiences can become active contributors in artistic processes—even as creative partners.
HÉTFA Research Institute supports the participating organisations by providing research expertise related to productions. Through audience surveys and expert interviews, it helps develop sustainable long-term strategies. The shared goal is to bring creators, organisers, and audiences closer together by strengthening and deepening their relationships.
The day will feature two roundtable discussions. The first, titled “Redefining Audience Engagement” brings together cultural event organisers to share their experiences with audience-centred design and the role of interactive experiences, with special attention to how art can shape communities and strengthen social bonds.
The second panel, titled “Creating with Connection” focuses on participatory art and community creation practices. Portuguese, Serbian, and Hungarian artists will share their experiences of how audiences can become active collaborators in artistic processes.
This event aims to inspire and provide practical examples for those who wish to experience art not merely as spectators but as active participants—whether they are creators, organisers, or committed audience members.
The detailed programme can be found here.
Photo credit: Mea Tót