Magyar Speciális Művészeti Műhely Egyesület

Since our establishment in 1994, the Hungarian Special Arts Workshop Association has been dedicated to fostering artistic expression among intellectually disabled people, enriching their lives through the power of art.

Our mission is clear: to nurture the artistic talents within the community while empowering professionals and educators on the field with innovative tools and techniques. By providing a supportive platform, we enable individuals to hone their skills, showcase their talents, and embrace self-expression and social inclusion.

With a network spanning over a hundred member institutions nationwide and strong collaborations with international disability-focused foundations, we strive to build a strong network of professionals and create impactful opportunities for our community locally and globally.

For over three decades, HSAWA has been at the forefront of cultural and artistic initiatives, challenging societal perceptions and advocating for inclusivity. Our flagship event, the annual Special Arts Festival, shines a spotlight on the diverse talents of disabled artists and educators, attracting hundreds to witness their performances on stage.

But our work doesn't stop there. We host summer art camps, manage the renowned National Colour Music Orchestra, and curate exhibitions at the Special Arts Gallery. Over the past decade, HSAWA has actively engaged in international collaborations, leveraging the Erasmus+ framework to broaden our impact. Through youth exchanges, seminars and training courses, we’ve facilitated meaningful cross-cultural exchanges and shared best practices in disability arts education. Our commitment to international partnerships underscores our belief in the universal value of inclusive arts education and our dedication to creating positive change, and a place to belong. 

Our partner in the Spiral program is the Árpád Göncz Social Institution, that operates as a Day Care Centre for Intellectually Disabled People since 1988 in Budapest. The institution's fundamental principle is to promote artistic development and free expression. By organising community programmes, the institution plays an active role in creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities, promoting social awareness and dialogue. Every year, we host an arts festival to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities and to celebrate their artistic talents and hard work.