Association of Hungarian Folk Artists

Established in 1982, the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists (also known as Népművészeti Egyesületek Szövetsége, or NESZ) is committed to the preservation and promotion of Hungary's rich traditional arts and crafts. With approximately 70 member organizations across Hungary and neighboring regions, NESZ encompasses nearly 5,000 members, uniting artisans to emphasize the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary society.

A fundamental aspect of NESZ's mission is the support of master artisans while ensuring that the values of traditional folk crafts are accessible and teachable to young people. Through a variety of successful initiatives, NESZ provides opportunities for younger generations to engage with these crafts, thereby safeguarding and promoting Hungary's diverse and rich cultural heritage.

Since 1987, NESZ has organized the esteemed Festival of Folk Arts (Mesterségek Ünnepe), an annual 3-4 day event held at the Royal Castle in Budapest. The festival showcases the talents of over a thousand artisans, attracting participants and guests from around the globe and celebrating the vibrancy of traditional craftsmanship.

Among its various honors, NESZ collaborates with the Tulipán Foundation to present the Innovation Award, recognizing folk artists who skillfully reinterpret traditional practices. Each year, a jury of experts selects three honorees from the artisans participating in the festival, with the awards presented during the festival's official ceremony.