The Summit of the Independents – OFF 2027 kick-off day / November 8, 2025

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With the conclusion of the fifth edition of OFF-Biennale and building on the organization’s ten years of experience, preparations for the 2027 edition have begun. As one of the first steps in this process, OFF is organizing a professional and community event aimed at mapping the current operational frameworks, challenges, and possible directions for development of the independent, self-organized contemporary art ecosystem in Hungary and the region. The event will also provide a platform for cultural organisations and their representatives to discuss opportunities for collaboration in order to strengthen the visibility and social relevance of the critical, progressive art scene.

Since 2015, OFF has employed various organizational and operational models. In the current situation of the cultural sector—marked by increasing shortages of resources, systemic institutional deficiencies, fragmentation within the civil sphere, and the bleak prospects of long-term planning—OFF intends to return to the mission of its first edition. Accordingly, in the coming period the focus will be on bringing together and amplifying the energies of the independent contemporary art scene. OFF will seek to do this by providing space for projects of independent artists, art professionals, groups, and organizations; as well as for dialogue, free creation, cooperation, and mutual support. In addition, OFF will aim to foster the international networking of the local artistic and professional community and help it reach wider audiences.

Date: November 8 , 2025 / 10:00 — 19:00

Place: aqb Foyer, Budapest

*Please note that the event will be held in Hungarian!

PROGRAM

10:00–10:30 — Registration, arrivals
10:30–11:00 — Icebreaker with Timi Török
11:00–12:30 – OFF Block: Past, Future, Participation
Where does OFF stand today, and where are we heading?
In the OFF Block, we’ll share the plans for the next year and a half, introduce the new operational framework, and discuss opportunities for participation and open calls.
12:30–12:45 — Coffee break
12:45–14:00 — Panel discussion
Rethinking collaborations — between institutions and civil actors
How can institutions and independent players work together today as truly equal partners within the cultural ecosystem?
What new models and modes of operation can support collective thinking, sustainable dialogue, and interconnected work?
Our panelists:
• Katalin Erdődi (Trafó)
• Nikolett Erőss (Budapest Gallery)
• Péter Forgács (FreeSZFE)
• Attila Menesi (Kontextus Program)
• Luca Petrányi (Useless Galeri)
14:00–15:00 — Lunch break
15:00–17:30 – Self-organization, collaboration, community building – practical workshop with The School of Public Life
Social change begins within communities — in groups where roles are clear, decisions are made democratically, and goals are shared.
In September, the School of Public Life presented its Group Organizing Handbook, which condenses more than ten years of training experience and serves as the foundation for this workshop.
The organization’s mission is to make the knowledge and tools necessary for self-organization accessible to everyone. As a movement-based background institution, it supports activists and civil organizations in working more effectively through trainings, strategic planning, participatory research, and publications.
17:30–18:00 — Coffee break
18:00–19:00 — Independence in the film sector — experiences and lessons learned
What possibilities exist today for independent operation in the film industry?
Together with the team of the Budapest International Film Festival (BIFF), we’ll discuss how it’s possible to create and sustain a truly independent yet internationally relevant cultural event in Hungary today.
The BIFF – Budapest International Film Festival is Hungary’s newest international film festival, now taking place for the second time.