How We Can Preserve Our Culture and Hungarian Identity in the Shadow of War – The Cultural Mission and Activities of the Munkácsy Mihály Hungarian House

Type of Abstract (select): Individual Presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
In the shadow of war, the preservation of national culture and identity gains heightened significance, particularly in regions where Hungarian communities have formed indigenous populations for centuries. The Munkácsy Mihály Hungarian House (MMMH) stands as one of Subcarpathia’s foremost cultural institutions, providing a dedicated space for cultural, artistic, and community-building programs that serve the local Hungarian population. Our mission centers on safeguarding and transmitting the intellectual and cultural heritage bequeathed to us by previous generations, while actively nurturing Hungarian identity.
Bearing the name of the internationally renowned painter Mihály Munkácsy, the institution not only honors his artistic legacy but also creates a visual and intellectual framework for cultural memory. At the same time, the center functions as an important instrument of cultural diplomacy, fostering international dialogue and mutual understanding. Its programs encompass a broad spectrum of arts, folk traditions, education, music, film, and community events, thereby contributing to the preservation of the national language and cultural continuity.
Alongside the MMMH, our additional institutions—such as the Erdélyi Béla Memorial and Creative House, the Beregszentmiklós Sculpture Park and Creative House, the Horváth Anna Museum, and several guesthouses—form a comprehensive cultural network dedicated to maintaining a continuous Hungarian cultural presence in Subcarpathia.
This presentation examines how these institutions support the preservation of Hungarian identity amid the challenges of wartime circumstances. Special emphasis is placed on the understanding that culture and art constitute a borderless realm: they enable free expression, build bridges across communities, and facilitate deeper mutual understanding, thereby enriching and advancing our shared world. For this reason, the protection and transmission of our own cultural heritage remain essential.



Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
I have been working as an educator and homeroom teacher for ten years, and I serve as the coordinator of the Munkács “GENIUS” Talent Point, organizing programs to nurture young talents. Since 2021, I have been a cultural manager at the Munkácsy Mihály Hungarian House, overseeing the operation of affiliated museums and creative houses, and leading programs aimed at preserving and promoting Hungarian cultural identity. I also serve as the Executive President of the Transcarpathian Hungarian Scout Association and as a board member of the Transcarpathian Hungarian Cultural Association, Munkács Chapter. I hold master’s level degrees in biology, ecology, and psychology. Currently, I am a Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Program scholar in Cleveland at the Hungarian Media Foundation.