Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture program and Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd. conclude strategic cooperation agreement

The strategic cooperation is important for both parties and can bring significant mutual benefits. The common goals are aided by an agreement signed by Alíz Markovits, CEO of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Ltd., and Dr. Attila Simon, CEO of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd., in the presence of Tibor Navracsics, government commissioner responsible for the implementation of the VEB2023 ECC program, on May 5, 2022.

The primary goal of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture program is to expand the cultural offer, diversity and international dimension of the region, so that locals and visitors can access the widest possible range of cultural life. This can also be excellently supported by the mission of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory including the nurturing, preservation and transmission of regional, Hungarian and European cultural values, in particular fine arts values, to future generations.

Both organizations are convinced that the program is a unique opportunity to build the image not only of the region, but of the whole of Hungary. By working together for common goals, they can help the success of the ECC program and the business goals of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory even more effectively, therefore they help and support the other party’s cultural - artistic - strategic goals as much as possible. The VEB2023 ECC and the Herend Porcelain Manufactory cooperate in the preparation for the ECC programs and in the projects related to the ECC programs that require their participation and strengthen, support and, where possible, share each other’s international cultural partnership as well as support each other’s communication and continuously seek further opportunities for effective cooperation.

Regarding the signing of the strategic cooperation, Alíz Markovits said that in order to succeed in the cultural year starting on January 21, 2023, she considers it important that the VEB2023 ECC has the Herend Porcelain Manufactory, one of the most significant companies in the highly positioned domestic creative industry, as a strategic partner behind its program. She emphasized: “With the strategic cooperation of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory and the VEB2023 ECC, we can mutually strengthen each other’s goals so that as many visitors as possible get to know not only the cultural and tourist values ​​of the Veszprém-Bakony-Balaton region, but also the rich traditions of fine arts and creative industries. If visitors can meet the heritage of Herend, they will take even more positive memories of the Veszprém-Bakony-Balaton region and Hungary at the same time.” In conclusion, the CEO of the VEB2023 ECC program emphasized that “the agreement just signed will not only support the series of cultural events, it will also contribute to keep the region at the forefront of Europe’s key cultural clusters in the long run.”

Dr. Attila Simon, CEO of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd. emphasized the importance of cooperation and added: “The Herend Porcelain Manufactory is a culture- and value-creating community whose mission is to preserve and pass on centuries-old values, where beauty, uniqueness, and high quality are part of everyday life and there is a clearly defined path for the community, namely to preserve the manufactory and craft values, to pay attention to traditions, to prefer always handcrafted porcelain-making, to constantly innovate, to surprise the world in creating style while being ahead of others, and to ensure the development of the Company and its creative community through its operation.”

The Herend Porcelain Manufactory opened about 150 Herend porcelain art exhibitions in the last ten years both in Hungary and abroad, thus significantly contributing to a positive country image.

The Herend Porcelain Manufactory has been part of the Hungarian Heritage since 2001 and is the only member of the French luxury industry association Comité Colbert among European porcelain manufactories. Herend porcelain is the only Hungaricum (Hungary’s national treasure) of Veszprém County.

Dr. Attila Simon emphasized: “The strategic cooperation with the European Capital of Culture program provides an opportunity to show the world the unique value of the Herend brand as a world leader in the porcelain industry today, while cultural programs provide an opportunity to build relationship capital and trust capital based on it, which will lead to measurable business results.”