Five years after its closure the Tárt Kapu Galéria reopened its doors. It stands proudly in Budapest’s Inner Ferencváros district. This gallery is a beacon of hope for those with mental illnesses. It showcases art created during art therapy sessions. The Tárt Kapu Galéria first opened in 2004 within the National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology. It was supported by Lilly Hungária Kft. The gallery’s mission was to exhibit art brut pieces. These works were made during therapeutic sessions. The exhibitions attracted great interest from professionals. They also attracted the general public contemporary artists and collectors. The OPNI’s closure in 2007 meant the Tárt Kapu Galéria also closed. Its mission was interrupted.
After five years of enforced silence the Tárt Kapu Galéria is reborn. The Gyógyfoglalkoztatásért Alapítvány played a key role in its revival. Budapest’s District IX Ferencváros local government also provided support. So did the ESZSZK Merényi Gusztáv Hospital. The gallery’s reopening was a momentous occasion. Its official opening was on March 8th at 5 pm. Dr Bácskai János the mayor of Budapest’s District IX Ferencváros presided. Other notable figures were also present. These included Dr Horvát Szabolcs president of the Gyógyfoglalkoztatásért Alapítvány. Prof Dr Váli-Nagy István director of the United Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus Hospital was there. So was Dr Gazdag Gábor the site director of the ESZSZK Merényi Gusztáv Hospital. Prof Dr Nagy Zoltán former director of the National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology opened the exhibition. He is also the director of the National Institute of Neurosciences.
A second opening was held on March 12th. This was due to high public interest. Plesznivy Edit the chief curator of the Hungarian National Gallery attended. Roskó Gábor an esteemed artist and Munkácsy Prize winner was also there. Komáromi Erzsébet Katalin a textile artist and art therapist spoke. Tóth Eszter an art historian was also present.
The Tárt Kapu Galéria aims to represent Hungarian art brut and outsider art on an international level. It aims to place it within a European context. It’s a new art venue in the city. It will enrich Budapest’s art and social life. It will have four pillars: an exhibition space an art workshop. It also has professional and community programs. The Tárt Kapu Galéria’s program showcases Hungarian art brut. It places the art in a socio-cultural context. It promotes responsible thinking about development and the future. The gallery aims to be open to the general public. It seeks to bring the artistic world of people with mental illness closer to everyday life. It’s a unique gallery in Hungary. The Tárt Kapu Galéria’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come.