Meet Nikolett Arabadzsov,
Niki, a Budapest native with Bulgarian and Hungarian roots, has always been drawn to the arts. After completing her studies in Scotland, her early career took her to Singapore and then London, where she worked in marketing for top asset managers. Approaching her 30s, Niki decided it was time to return to Budapest to pursue her long-time dream of working in the arts. Now, she balances her time between GIST Impact, which measures the societal and environmental impacts of companies and investment portfolios, and a contemporary gallery in Budapest called The Space.
“The Hungarian art gallery scene is incredibly impressive, making it tough to narrow down my favourites! What charges me most is spending time in galleries, auction houses, and museums. I get a thrill from hunting for treasures in charity shops, second-hand stores, vintage markets, or flea markets—the more chaotic, the better.”
We chatted with Niki to discover her top art and creative spots in Budapest to explore. Here are her go-to spots where not only the art shines, but you’ll also meet friendly faces eager to share insights about the vibrant Hungarian art scene.
The Space
I am probably biased here, but this place is a real hidden gem, a flat in a secessionist house in Buda with lavish stained-glass windows. This is an exhibition space, education space, community space and art management office all at once. The gallery’s artists are impressive right from the start: upholsterer Gabriella Hajnal, artists Csaba Fürjesi and Judit Horváth Lóczi, painters Márta Kiss and Kata Koleszár. It says it all that the gallery opened nearly 2 years ago, and already got the opportunity to exhibit at Arco Madrid this year. I am proud to work with the gallery’s owner Linda Berczi, who is a well established art director on the Hungarian art scene. Come visit me here when in Budapest!
Gallery East of Eden
The gallery, a haven for contemporary painting and photography enthusiasts, also welcomes the allure of collectible design and digital art. Visitors can anticipate an engaging experience, not just with the captivating artworks, but also with the gallery’s owner, Barna Erdesz. With a background steeped in the art world from New York to Budapest, Erdesz brings a wealth of stories and insights. His narratives are so compelling, you’ll find yourself wanting to linger for hours in this intimate, one-room gallery.
SÍN Arts Centre
Located a bit further from the city centre, this production house features four spacious dance studios dedicated to contemporary performing arts. It offers artists a creative space for development. Recently, I went to see a SUB.LAB.PRO performance here that blended sacred dances and ritualistic movements with contemporary forms, exploring the purpose of dance in modern society. I was left speechless by the experience—since then, it’s all I can talk about!
ARTCORE Antik & Design
My top spots to visit wouldn’t be complete without at least one space from Budapest renowned Falk Miksa street, where the biggest auction houses are located along with some fine-quality antique shops and gorgeous galleries. If this street could tell stories… To highlight one, ARTCORE has some real unique art deco, Bauhaus, mid-century style furniture that I have decorated at least 10 of my imaginary houses with. They also have a warehouse a bit further out the town, the pieces are real candy for the eye.
Art Quarter Budapest
Housed in the uniquely restored former Haggenmacher brewery, this institution is both a contemporary art exhibition space and a studio space. The complex is home to a number of Hungarian artists and creative businesses, an international artist-in-residence programme, a unique experimental music studio and a non-profit gallery, the aqb Project Space. A true cultural melting pot of the international creative community has been created in Budapest, comprising artists, musicians, dancers and practitioners in the applied arts. The aqb focuses both on the local community and audience when organising its artistic and cultural programmes, while working to build international networks.
Apollo Gallery
I am going to be ridiculous here and list a gallery space that hasn’t even opened yet, but based on the creators of the gallery this is quickly going to become the art hotspot in town, so I feel the need to put this on the map already. It is planned to fill a gap by being a unique cultural hub and art space where all can discover outstanding Hungarian and international contemporary art. The gallery will be representing influential art through thoughtfully curated exhibitions of established and emerging artists. Don’t miss it when it opens in September!
Interview by Peigi Mackillop | @peigicatriona
