This year, we are proud to celebrate the recipients of the Réka Darida Legacy Award, honoring a remarkable group of artists whose work keeps the folk-art traditions of the Carpathian Basin alive. Inspired by Réka Darida’s generosity and deep commitment to Hungarian art and culture, the award was created in her name to support original, research-driven projects that carry her legacy forward.
The Tulipán Foundation works in close partnership with the Carpathian Foundation to make this possible. Each recipient receives support over the course of a full year (January through December 2026) including a monthly stipend and, in some cases, funding for materials or project-related expenses. This support allows the artists to dedicate themselves fully to their craft, deepening their research, refining their techniques, and creating work that reflects both tradition and their own creative vision.
Join us in congratulating this year’s grantees. We look forward to seeing their work come to life, inspiring both their communities and audiences around the world.
Márton Szakács, Leatherworker
Márton is a skilled leatherworker dedicated to preserving Hungary’s equestrian heritage. He will craft a historically inspired saddle and cover reflecting the forms and motifs of the Ottoman frontier era as living tributes to tradition.
Botond Bese, Instrument Maker
Botond is a master instrument maker focused on reviving the Hungarian leather bagpipe. He studies museum instruments and traditional methods, creating replicas that will be featured in masterclasses and live folk performances.
Gabriella Kovács, Felter
Gabriella is an accomplished felter creating a felt art collection inspired by historic Hungarian textiles and symbolic forms in nature. Her work will be showcased in a solo exhibition at the Monád Gallery and accompanied by a digital catalogue.
Enikő Gyöngy, Designer
Enikő is a talented designer exploring the evolution of a rare cloisonné-enamel hat ornament from the Déri Museum. She will reconstruct a period hatpin and reinterpret its motifs in a contemporary jewelry series documented in print and digital form.
Anita Tarcsi-Demeter, Leatherworker & Furrier
Anita will continue her in-depth exploration of traditional Hungarian fur and leather craftsmanship. Her research focuses on regional styles from Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County and Transylvania’s Homoród region, resulting in a winter bridal collection, a reconstructed men’s vest, and modern leather accessories inspired by historical embroidery.
Zita Attalai, Designer
Zita is a celebrated designer reimagining the Szeged slipper, a hallmark of Hungarian folk fashion. She will create ten new pairs inspired by traditional wedding footwear, blending hand and machine embroidery by local artisans.