Not just a place... Local centre of culture, the Vigadó – a case study from Kisújszállás

Abstract

Hungary – despite its relatively small size – has for decades faced significant regional development disparities. The external and internal peripheries are in a difficult situation, and it can be noted that the involvement and local use of external financial resources, which have been steadily decreasing, has not generated any substantial development in recent years. It should be recognised that development should be based on the application/use of local, endogenous resources, in which culture (in the broad sense) must play a key role. The present study examined Kisújszállás, the “cultural capital” of the traditional Nagykunság (Greater Cumania), an inner peripheral region, and in particular the emblematic building of the municipality, the renewed, multifunctional Vigadó, and its role in local culture. It was found that in the eight years since its reopening, despite external and unexpected difficulties, the Vigadó has played a prominent role in organising and communicating culture in the town. Moreover, it can be said that the building and the Vigadó, which has since become a brand, not only plays a prominent role in culture, but also, according to urban development literature, could become a point of resilience for the city, which sees culture as a major development direction.