Sunday 22 January 2012

"To remove him after decades of devoted, tireless and inspiring leadership is a blow to contemporary artists across the globe, and especially for the artists in Hungary whom he has championed year after year"

As a funder and former producer of contemporary dance in the U.S, I have admired Gyuri Szabo's vision, leadership, and commitment to open dialogue and exchange as head of Trafo Contemporary Art House.
Trafo and Gyuri are synonymous - it is because of Gyuri and his outstanding team that Trafo became known as an important hub for contemporary performance and expression - not only in Budapest, but also in numerous countries around the world. 
His advocacy for artists opened up so many possibilities, creating opportunity and breaking down barriers. 
To remove him after decades of devoted, tireless and inspiring leadership is a blow to contemporary artists across the globe, and especially for the artists in Hungary whom he has championed year after year. 
While change is always difficult, this change is needless and damaging and will not move Trafo, Hungary, or the contemporary performance field forward - it will instead be a giant and misguided leap backwards.

Sara C. Nash, Funder/Producer, Boston, MA