Conversation with Attila Ledényi about the arts, patrons and collectors
MúzeumCafé 17.
Attila Ledényi and his agency, EDGE Communications, represent an important link between institutions, artists, patrons and collectors. Through special events, publications and broad professional support, EDGE is a pillar of the art world, having participated in such major exhibitions as the Kunsthalle’s Masterpieces – 400 years of French Painting, Modem’s Aba Novák retrospective in Debrecen and the presentation of internationally renowned Hungarian photographers at the Ernst Museum. The agency’s own publication, which deals with both private and company collections – whether in Hungary or abroad – and related exhibitions in contemporary galleries, has already appeared half a dozen times. Its Art Collectors’ Club, established last year, has founded a scholarship, the Amadeus Prize, with the aim of providing support for young, talented artists. The first art project undertaken by EDGE Communications was connected with MEO – Contemporary Art Collection in northern Budapest. It was clear that there is no point in organising a great exhibition without any publicity undertaken in a professional way, otherwise news of the event will not reach those potentially interested. There are positive examples in terms of major institutions as well, including Budapest’s Fine Arts Museum and Modem in Debrecen. The arts are particularly suited for specialist types of publicity. Masterpieces – 400 years of French Painting, for example, drew 3000 visitors to the Kunsthalle over a period of two months. Interestingly, the exhibition’s original title would have been Light and Shade. Attila Ledényi graduated from the College of Commerce and Catering in 1988 and a few years later obtained a diploma in public relations at the College of Foreign Trade. Thirteen years ago, after undertaking study trips abroad, he established his agency.