State Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office János Lázár delivered a speech at the opening of the 59th Vásárhely Autumn Exhibition, highlighting the Government’s commitment to a number of cultural initiatives.

János Lázár explained that the Government’s objective is to give opportunities not only to those who have been in the focus of attention in the past two decades, but also to those who have been marginalised, due to disadvantages and not lack of talent. He added that the Government’s task is to provide a framework of equal opportunities to artists.

The renovation of the building of the Hungarian Music Academy will be finished by 23 October 2013 and the Government is going to decide on additional financial aid to the institution, the State Secretary said, adding that the Music Academy will host one of the outstanding events organised to honour the centenary of Hungarian-born British conductor Sir Georg Solti.

Furthermore, government support worth HUF 500 million will be provided for the creation of an institution which will showcase contemporary Hungarian classical music.

The State Secretary also said that the Government would like the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts to become an engine of cultural life. To this end, several pieces of legislation will be decided on in the near future.

Finally, he also noted that on 25 October a major Cézanne exhibition will open at the Museum of Fine Arts.

(Prime Minister's Office)