What does artist in residence mean?
Being an artist in residence at the ICS means you can apply for a period of time to live and work here at the studio in Hungary. Many artists find this a valuable time to experiment and investigate new directions in their work. Many artists come here to complete a specific project or work for a major exhibition or just to be able to work in an environment with other creative artists.

Why have artists in residence?
Many artists work in their own studios, often in isolation. The creative spirit needs contact with other artists to expand and flourish. The influences and inspiration gained from working in a new environment, responding to the surroundings and people can often be life changing. Artist in residence schemes have grown in the last few years with mnay artistiv disciplines recognising their value and need. The ICS was established over 27 years ago to provide such a meeting place of cultures and minds.

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I would like to apply to work at the ICS. How do I do this?
Please email or write for an application form. This is a simple one page form. We need 6 - 10 images of your work (either slides, photos or digital images but we prefer digital by email), your current CV/Resume, a brief biography and the completed application form.

Is the application procedure the same for Artist in Residence and the courses?
Basically yes. You will need to complete an application form whichever scheme you are applying for. There is some extra, more detailed information we need for selecting artists for the Residency programme.

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Who chooses the artists to work at the ICS?
The International Ceramics Studio has a committee of art advisers who discuss and select the artists to work at the studio.

What is the selection criteria?
The most important criteria is the quality of the applicants work and their application. For artists applying for self directed residencies the art committee find it is extremely useful to read the artists proposals for their working period here.

When are artists selected?
The art committee meet several times a year to discuss the applications. For some organised programmes there are deadlines but for self directed residencies, applications can be accepted at any time of the year.

How will you accept my application?
Applications can be either by email or post. We can accept slides, photographs or digital pictures (either ny email or on cd).

Some Residency centres ask to keep applicants' slides. This can be expensive. Will I get my slides back?
We always like to keep some images of applicants on file for future possibilities. In all cases now we scan images of slides for our archive so, yes, you will get your sides back if you need.

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What is a symposium?
The symposium system was established in this part of the world with the aim of bringing artists together to work, to learn from each other and to create cultural links and exchanges during a closed political time. Symposiums were held regularly throughout the former Soviet block, usually for a six week period in the summer months. Some countries are still able to run symposia and this was the founding aim of the International Ceramics Studio - to have a year round programme where artists can work together in a mutually supportive and creative environment.

In my country a symposium is usually a two or three day conference to discuss particular topics. How does this differ to a symposium at the International Ceramics Studio?
Here the symposium is more than a talking shop. It is a prolonged period of intensive practical work where about ten artists will work around a theme, creating work and exchanging ideas, philosophies and practices. There will always be a complimentary series of slide shows and talks by each of the artists.

How do I apply to be part of a symposium?
We require you to complete the studio application form, send 6 - 10 images of your work, your CV or Resume and give a brief description of your work. Application forms can be requested by email from info@icshu.org.

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What is Meeting Masters?
Meeting Masters is a series of demonstrations, workshops and slide talks by guest artists who are working at the studio. These sessions are intended to be Masterclasses. If you are a participant in this program you will be making your own work alongside internationally respected masters who will be pleased to discuss working practice, technique and philosophy with participants. As part of the program the master will give formal demonstrations and lectures. There is no extra charge for these talks and demonstrations. During the porgram you will be living and working in the ICS with 24 hour access to your studio, use of all facilities and access to our impressive collection of contemporary ceramics.

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price information

How does the price structure work?
The prices we charge fall into two categories. One is for special events and may be quoted as an overall figure for the specific length of time of the course. The second is for artists who wish to work here on a residency or for a different length of time - these prices are calculated on a daily basis as most artists will work here for different lengths of time so it is the fairest way to calculate the costs.

How much will it cost me to work at the International Ceramics Studio on a residency?
How much it will cost will depend on how long you intend to stay. The easiest way to calculate this is to decide on how many days you be here for and multiply the daily rate on the website by how many days. (if you intend to be here for a month then the cost in a single room would be 30x9000 = 270,000 Hungarian Forints.

What does the cost include?
The daily rate includes living accommodation, studio rental, use of all studio's facilities, technical support, use of kitchens, bed linen and towels.

What currency are your prices in?
All prices on the website are in Hungarian Forints. We have to do this because of the daily fluctuation in exchange rates. There is a link on the prices pages to a currency converter which calculate how much in your local currency the costs are. For current conversion rates please see The Universal Currency Converter.

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I will be arriving by plane at Budapest airport. What is the best way to get to the Kecskemét studio.
You will be arriving in the new Ferighegy 2 airport or into the refurbished Ferihegy 1. Both airports are near each other and all services operate from both airports. The easiest way to get to Kecskemét is by bus from the Nepliget Bus Sataion or by train from Nyugati Statio. There is a direct fast bus from here to Kecskemét and they have an English speaking booking desk. The journey on this bus is only 75 minutes and the bus station in Kecskemét is only a short walk from the studio. If you have a lot of luggage please let us know in advance and we can arrange for someone to meet you at the station.

Which terminal will I be arriving at?
It depends on which airline you are flying. All MALEV (Hungarian Airlines) flights arrive and depart from terminla 2A. All other flights use terminal 2B for both arrivals and departures. European Union cheap airlines fly into Terminal 1. Flight information can br found on the Budapest Airport website at www.bud.hu

How can I get to the Nepliget Bus Station from the airport?
There are many taxis at the airport but the easiest and cheapest way is to use the Airport Minibus Service. This operates a fixed rate to any destination inBudapest city. When you arrive go to the Minibus Booking desk in the arrivals hall. Details can be found on www.bud.hu

I notice the studio address is a post box. Is it the same as the building address?
No. We have now changed our address both the mailing address and the studio address are the same - H-6000 Kecskemet, Kaplona u. 11., Hungary. After the fall of the Iron Curtain many street names have been changed from the old communist ones so our address has changed several times but we have never moved ! The studio is only a short walk, 300 metres from the main square of the town.

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Do I need a visa to work at the ICS?
It depends on which country you are from and how long you will be staying here. For example citizens of the United States and most other countries can stay here for 90 days without a visa while citizens from Great Britain can stay for 6 months. Since Hungary joined the European Union visa and travel conditions have changed so for an up to date information list please consult your embassy in the home country or click here.

I plan to stay for more than my visa free time. What must I do?
If you require a visa or will be staying for a longer time than you may without a visa please visit the Hungarian Embassy web pages for information or contact the Embassy or Consulate of Hungary in your home country.

I want to bring some electrical equipment with me. Can you please tell me if it will work?
The standard voltage in Hungary is 220 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz. European standard plugs are used with two round pins. Visitors from USA may have the most problems with voltage differences.

What is the time difference in Hungary?
Hungary is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1)

Do I need to carry identification with me?
At all times you should carry some form of identification with you. You are required to produce your passport if requested by the police.

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What is the currency in Hungary?
The currency is the Hungarian Forint.

Will I be able to change money easily?
There are many banks which offer currency exchange facilities as well as independent exchange offices and ATM machines on the streets or in the larger supermarkets. Visa, Mastercard, Delta and Electron are the most common cards accepted in the machines. There are three banks and several cash machines within five minutes walk of the studio.

Can I use my credit or debit cards?
Many shops, supermarkets, hotels and restuarants accept Visa and Mastercard but AMEX is not so common outside of Budapest. We have had artists experience difficulties with certain cards, especially from USA. Most European cards have a gold security memory chip on the front. These will be accepted in most places. If your card does not have such a chip then it is not guaranteed to work. You will usually be required to input your pin number into a machine at most supermarket checkouts. Occasionally you will also be asked for your passport or similar identification.

I always like to try local foods whenever I am visiting a country. What is Hungarian food like?
Hungarian cuisine is one of the best in the world and you will find many traditional reataurants serving Hungarian dishes, especially the reknowned 'Goulash'. Many dishes are quite spicy with paprika, for which this part of the world is reknown.

Are their many restaurants in Kecskemét?
Kecskemét is the fifth largest town in Hungary and has a lively restuarant and bar culture, especialy during the summer months when the restaurants can open their gardens and terraces. International cuisine is popular in every town, with many Greek, Italian, French, Belgian, Chinese and Turkish restaurants. On your arrival at the studio we will give you information and town maps.

How do the prices for meals in restuarants compare with Western europe?
Prices for meals vary widely but on average a main course will cost between 1000 and 2500 HUF. Some cheaper cafes and restuarants offer a set menu for between 500 and 700 HUF. More upmarket popular restaurants are usually at the top end of the scale with an excellent main course costing about 1500 - 2000 HUF.

What are the most popular drinks in Hungary?
Wines and spirits are popular throughout the country especially the Baracks Palinka (Apricot Brandy) for which Kercskemét is famous. Other spirits you should try are Korte Palinka (Pear Brandy) and Unicum, an aperitif unique to Hungary. Wines are grown in many areas of the country and excellent wines are produced in Tokaji, Eger, Villany, Szekszard and around lake Balaton. You should also try the many superb beers available in both draught and bottle. If you are driving please remember that you are not allowed to drink any alchohol at all.

How will understand the menu?
Virtually all restuarants and cafes will have menus in English and German, many will also have Italian, Spanish and French version available. Sometimes they lose a bit in translation - but that's the fun of being in a different country.

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Will my cell phone work?
Hungary has a modern telecommunications system. In addition to the usual postal and public telephone systems, GSM mobile phones can be used throughout the country operated by the three service providers Westel, Pannon and Vodaphone. All these companies have partner agreements with most other European providers. Please contact your GSM provider for more information.

Can I buy international calling cards?
International calling cards are available at most news-stands and post offices. These are a pre-paid card (usually 2000 or 5000 forints) which give cheap rate telephone access from public call boxes. We usually carry a stock in our office so its easy and cheap to phones from the call boxes in the studio.

I will want to access my email while I am in the studio. Will I be able to?
Internet and email facilities are available at the studio for a small cost of 1000 HUF per week. We have 24 hour Broadband access and a computer terminal in our library for artists' use. Alternatively you can use one of the many internet cafes in the town or throughout the country.

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What sort of clothes should I bring?
Weather in summer is very warm and enjoyable (often in the high 20's or low 30's centigrade) but it can get cool in the evenings so please also bring warmer clothes if you intend to walk or sit outside.

I have heard the winters can be cold. What is it like to work in the studios?
Winter can be extremely cold, often down to -10 in the day. All the studio facilities are heated and any restaurant or shops you go to will be heated too so it is often better to wear lighter clothing with a warm overcoat.

Is there anywhere I can find out detailed information about the weather there?
For up to date weather information you can visit the Hungarian Meteorology Office website.

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Do I tip a waiter like I would at home in the US?
A service charge is usually not included in the bill at restaurants, bars and cafes but most waiters, bar assistants, taxi drivers etc will expect a tip usually of around 10%. Many service workers here, like in most other countries are poorly paid and may rely on gratuities to earn a respectable wage. Tipping is your perogative however as a reward for good service.

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