LIGHT – The 9th Arts and Crafts Camp in Sarlóspuszta
From August 3 to 9, Sarlóspuszta will become the center of creation and inspiration for a week: this is when the 9th Interdisciplinary Art Camp takes place, with this year’s focus on “LIGHT” – both symbolically and literally.
The camp hosts 207 participants across 11 different artistic sections, immersing them in the world of creative self-expression. The goal: nothing less than expanding the limits of talent, liberating creativity, and exploring new paths. In a nature-centered, inspiring environment, participants not only create, but also build community, gather experiences, and discover new perspectives on themselves.
We are especially delighted that, alongside the foundation’s talent support program, 19 young people from Transylvania will also join the camp with their companions. They participate with the support of the Social and Child Protection Directorates of Harghita and Covasna Counties, further enriching the creative community. We would like to extend our gratitude to CEO Zoltán Elekes, Office Manager Gabriella Fehér, Éva Bálint, Gyöngyi Csog, and Melinda Holló for their dedicated cooperation, which contributes to the realization of a project that provides a lasting and uplifting experience for all of us.
The camp’s success would not be possible without dedicated behind-the-scenes work: the coordinated efforts of foundation staff, junior mentors, development teachers, and volunteers ensure that LIGHT is present not only as a theme, but also as an experience for every participant.
“Through art, we find connection with each other – and with ourselves.” – Andrea Bálint-Orsós, Campleader-mentor, Pécs Group 3
Section Introductions:
Nature Photography Section:
“The Nature Photography section has started this year with great enthusiasm and success. During the camp, our workshop will focus on learning and practicing the basics of retouching. Previous workshop creations and works from last week’s Baksa camp will provide excellent material. In addition, we will photograph the local fields and meadows’ arthropod life in the mornings and spend afternoons retouching the images. As in previous years, we welcome visitors on Wednesday to gain insight into our workshop during an open section. By the end of the week, we hope every participant will have assembled numerous high-quality exhibition pieces.”
Section Leader: Péter Mikics, Mentor, Szeged Group 2
Graphics Section:
“The Graphics section of the 9th Interdisciplinary Art Camp actively supports the work of other art forms, contributing contemporary visual designs to aid the collective creative process. Additionally, we will begin preparing the camp’s publication. Alongside collaborative projects, participants will also work independently in areas such as logo and brand design, poster creation, book and publication layout, photo retouching, and online media design. Students will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of applied graphics and explore a chosen specialty. The versatility of graphics allows for virtually unlimited creative possibilities, so everyone can find an inspiring path.”
Section Leader: Szilvia Fatér, Developer
LEGO Section:
LEGO: Unearthed – A Week Where Creativity Surfaces
For the LEGO team in the Interdisciplinary Art Camp, not only a new season begins, but also new members join, bringing fresh ideas, exciting challenges, and plenty of creations for the children. Throughout the week, we will explore teamwork, creative thinking, and engineering concepts – playfully yet purposefully. This year’s theme, ‘Unearthed’, focuses on discovery and rediscovery. Participants will design and prepare LEGO courses, deepening problem-solving and collaboration skills through individual and group challenges. Midweek, race planning begins: first individually, then in teams, creating LEGO tasks with logical design and execution, including programming. Innovation design is another core focus, where participants develop unique, socially valuable ideas with guidance from AtlasRISE volunteers. Meanwhile, LEGO presentation preparations begin, emphasizing clear, confident, and engaging demonstrations of their collaborative work. The week culminates on Friday with a presentation showcasing children’s self-designed races and innovative projects – a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and heart.”
Section Leader: Tamás Oláh, Mentor, Jászberény Group 2
Media Section:
“A Creative Behind-the-Scenes Adventure with the Media Section
One of the most exciting programs will be the ‘mock live’ morning show, highlighting participants’ creativity, teamwork, and technical skills. The goal is to produce a 10–15 minute lively and entertaining program giving a glimpse into camp life through reports, studio interviews, and humorous segments. The week starts on Sunday afternoon with a collaborative brainstorming session, forming teams of editors, reporters, technicians, and directors. From day one, the show’s style and structure are developed, followed by shooting, studio recordings, editing, animation, and preparation for the premiere. From scripting to reporting, each day elevates the production. The team visits different sections – painters, musicians, and writers – collecting content that truly reflects the camp’s spirit, while studio scenes, interviews, and comedic ‘weather reports’ unfold. This is more than a project; it is a creative learning process offering insight into television production.”
Section Leader: Zsuzsanna Fenyő, Mentor, Kaposvár Group 1
Theatre Section:
“This year, the section saw a change in leadership, but the new leader, Ibolya Matos, aimed to maintain continuity, producing two performances to continue previous traditions. Zoltán Papp noted: ‘Milán Vajda, one of our most loyal and motivated members,’ led the creation of one performance.
The other is directed by Ibolya Matos, guided by two principles: ‘Theatre serves pedagogy,’ meaning that educational value takes priority even when performing for an audience, and that the performances are collective creations, reflecting the participants themselves. Through games, exercises, and discussions, I guide the group to express key thoughts and messages, then offer stage-appropriate ideas. The chosen topic is explored through improvisation, resulting in scenes, texts, and dramaturgy – in short, a fully realized performance.”
Section Leader: Ibolya Csapiné Matos, Developer
Felt Section:
“The Felt section connects to the annual theme, and this year is no exception. Light is a particularly interesting topic, especially from the perspective of object creation. We aim to create a giant collaborative artwork, linking both to the theme and to each other. If it’s light, participants will also felt lanterns to their own taste. The camp will also explore the moon’s mystical role in the girls’ lives, with creative activities guided by leather artist Gyöngyi Terényi. We wish every section a joyful, liberating, and creative week!”
Section Leader: Ildikó Nagy, Mentor, Jászberény Group 3
Animation Section:
“This summer, the central theme of the IX Interdisciplinary Arts Camp is light. We gathered in Sarlóspuszta to explore this versatile and inspiring phenomenon through various art forms – videos, photographs, and creative works. Light is not just a technical tool in art; it carries expressive power itself. It shapes how we perceive the world: different lighting effects create shadows, form the visual scene, and set the atmosphere. In the camp, we experiment with this idea using various creative concepts and video techniques.
Each year, the filmmaking section begins with ‘transforming the studio’: the available space undergoes a technical makeover to provide a professional environment for creation. From there, the collaborative work starts. Developing concepts is accompanied by visual brainstorming: storyboards, sketch drafts, and idea walls help participants unfold their thoughts on the theme of light. These visual plans serve as the starting point for short films, scenes, and other visual experiments. The goal of the Interdisciplinary Arts Camp is not only to develop technical skills but also to provide an inspiring environment where we can think together about the world around us – this time from the perspective of light.”
Section Leader: Barnabás Szövényi, mentor
Creative Writing:
“As in previous years, the creative writing section arrived from the one-week camp in Szentes to Sarlóspuszta, now complete with both new and returning members. This year, the theme LIGHT is explored primarily through various literary movements, using symbolist and impressionist poetry throughout the week. At the same time, we also venture into prose, learning some basic narrative concepts. For those interested in seeing the work of the section, a reading evening will showcase the creations produced during the week.”
Section Leader: Izabella Patyi, junior mentor, Szeged Group 3
Chamber Orchestra:
“This year, the Chamber Orchestra rehearsals have again begun at the Interdisciplinary Arts Camp. The rehearsals feature musical works that not only develop the abilities of talented young musicians but also inspire them. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to experience playing together, advance musically, and deepen collaboration. The professional preparation of the Chamber Orchestra is supported by volunteers Attila Szabó and Mrs. Attila Szabó, along with mentor Eszter Hargitai.”
Section Leader: Elemér Fehér, mentor
Csányi Band:
“We have arrived! The Csányi Band came to the IX Interdisciplinary Arts Camp in full force, and we jumped into rehearsals on the very first day. Singers and instrumentalists work in small subgroups, each refining their parts so that by the end of the week, a strong, high-quality performance will come together. This year, we are especially excited to collaborate with the drama section – so music and theater progress hand in hand toward the shared performance. Of course, we also uphold traditions: we will once again perform a piece together with the Chamber Orchestra. Our goal is clear: as a strong, cohesive team, we aim to create a production that we can all be proud of. The work has already begun – let the ideas, rehearsals, and shared experiences flow!”
Section Leader: Andrea Kalla, junior mentor, Jászberény Group 2
Acrylic and Watercolor Section:
“This year, the painting section is richer and larger than ever – the space is filled with the quiet and the buzz of creation. Many new faces have joined, so in the first days we start from the basics: exploring the breath of colors, the delicate balance of still lifes, the lyrical mood of watercolor landscapes, and, when the moment calls, the mysteries of portraiture. Due to the group size, we work in two streams: while one team paints in the intimate space of the studio, the other seeks connection with light and form in nature. This year’s theme – light – comes alive for us, likely in the second half of the week, when we open the path to inspiration with a curated image projection and short presentation. Under the open sky, pastels and watercolors come alive on paper; indoors, acrylics leave energetic traces on the canvas. As every year, the week culminates in a large collaborative work – a testament to creating together. The workshop is supported by two dedicated volunteer painters, Zsolt Moldován and Szonja Konkoly – their presence is inspiration in itself.”
Section Leader: Dominik Heilmann, junior mentor, Mohács Group 2
The highlights of the camp can be viewed in the Gallery
A Week That Connects and Inspires…
“This summer, we once again experienced the power of community, creativity, and the joy of creating together. The camp’s enriching programs provided not only knowledge but lasting experiences – every evening new stories were born, and the week concluded with an unforgettable Farewell Evening celebrating our shared time.
A cherished tradition continued this year: evening open sections where participants could see each other’s work. These occasions were not just presentations but genuine meeting points, where new connections were formed, ideas exchanged, and inspiring conversations sparked.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the Farewell Evening, which this year again captivated everyone. The sections presented their achievements from the week and shared their short- and long-term goals. It was moving to see the camp community sincerely celebrate each other’s successes and enjoy the fruits of their collective work.
This camp once again proved that the secret to success is unity, mutual respect, and valuing each other’s work. And perhaps most importantly: the incomparable joy of creating together.
I hope that every reader can experience this feeling with us. We thank the Csányi Foundation for enabling us to hold the camp and carry it out with excellent quality, providing all the necessary conditions.”
Campleader-mentor: Andrea Bálint-Orsós, Pécs Group 3