“What is Intermedia?” That’s the question many ask when first encountering the Interm\u00e9dia Tansz\u00e9k. Here at the Interm\u00e9dia Tansz\u00e9k, art transcends traditional boundaries. It embraces new media.
The Interm\u00e9dia Tansz\u00e9k is part of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts. The university itself has deep roots. It was founded in 1871. This department, however, is more recent. It emerged in the early 1990s.
Specifically, the Intermedia Department was founded in 1990. Three years later in 1993, its program documentation gained approval. The university welcomed its first students in 1993. By 1998, the first media artist diplomas were awarded.
The Interm\u00e9dia Tansz\u00e9k developed alongside similar European initiatives. Its beginnings were uniquely Hungarian. In 1990, Hungary faced a massive shift. It was reprogramming its political and economic systems. This transformation demanded creative and swift action. The Interm\u00e9dia Tansz\u00e9k embraced this need. It fostered interdisciplinary skills. It bridged cultural traditions and emerging novelties.
The Intermedia program spans five years. Its core is the artistic use of new media. Theory and practice are united here. Science, technology, and art are viewed holistically. The Interm\u00e9dia Tansz\u00e9k does not favor one approach. It interprets and teaches all directions.
The mission of Intermedia extends artistic training. It includes art forms from the 20th century. Photography, kinetic and electronic arts are all explored. Multimedia, installation, and new communication techniques find a home here. The aim is to cultivate active and creative participants. They will shape the cultural spheres of the information society.
Students gain a shared understanding of artistic expression. They learn both traditional and new techniques. They become creators, not just users, of new technical media. They study the history of Hungarian and global culture. They understand the impact of artistic and scientific changes.
The Intermedia program blends theory, practice, and general knowledge. The curriculum is updated each academic year. This ensures its relevance. The five-year course culminates in a media studies diploma.
Mikl\u00f3s Petern\u00e1k and J\u00e1nos Sug\u00e1r previously headed the department. Szabolcs KissP\u00e1l is the current head.
Publications document the department’s journey. “Intermedia,” edited by Ilona Barab\u00e1s, covers its early years. Another “Intermedia” catalogue appeared in 1999. These publications offer insights into the department’s evolution.
The Interm\u00e9dia Tansz\u00e9k continues to evolve. It adapts to the ever-changing landscape of art and technology. It remains a vital center for artistic exploration in Budapest. It encourages students to push boundaries. It helps them redefine what art can be in the 21st century. As you stand here, consider the possibilities. What will the next generation of media artists create?