Press release: Mesterporta.hu website

In the framework of the Széchenyi-terv (financial support by the Hungarian government) with the help of the Hungarian Ministry of Economics, the Association of the Hungarian Folk Artists’ internet portal (Mesterporta.hu) is ready. The portal was made by C.Enter Kft. (C.Enter Information-Technology Ltd.).
Establishing the portal started in 2002 with the data and materials gathered about the member associations, open workshops, artist houses and the approximately 600 folk artists. Besides, thousands of pictures (collected during the years) also form a part of the database.
The database is two-folded: there is an internal segment containing all the information about the Hungarian Folk Artists and another for external use, which you can visit on the following site: www.mesterporta.hu.

The website was ready in two months. The information-technology ltd C.Enter Kft. provided the association with all the necessary hardware and software equipment, and was liable for the developments. The work went smooth, still converting the electronically stored information so that it complies with the quality of the portal created certain difficulties.
The individual content management system enables the editors to modify the content any time from everywhere with the help of internet connections and a password. Due to its multiple user–multiple layer nature of the system it is possible that one only uploads pictures, while others edit or publish the sites. Besides, the interactive functions and the forum can also be moderated with the help of the content management system.

The Hungarian Folk Artists’ new portal (Mesterporta.hu) opens up possibilities for Hungarian artists to increase their competitiveness, to strengthen their workshops, to create new jobs and to slowly supplant forgery in folk art trade. The Hungarian portal (soon available also in English and German) contains a forum that enables both the artists and everyone interested to find updated information on events, exhibitions, publications, buyers, applications with the consideration process, vocational camps, the everyday life of the artists, workshops, rules and regulations, support and alike.
The best pieces of the artists can be seen in the frame of a continuously updated virtual exhibition. Experts write short essays on certain objects or workshops, helping this way surfers distinguish between original and fake pieces of art.
The folk artist exhibitions organised in Hungary are compiled in a user-friendly way, with an archive where former exhibition contents can be found and a site where artists can trade their goods. This eases the way for entrants.
For those interested in establishing their own workshop the portal gives help in the form of useful advice from the more experienced artists. Besides, it is also continuously checking the different publications and articles linked to handcraft, as well as provides a basis for the collected links to artisan work.
The main aim is that the artisans, associations and civilians receive as much up-to-date information and as fast as possible.
The portal is open and adjusts to all kinds of opinions and remarks.

Hopefully similar to the annually organised Festival of Folk Arts this portal will also contribute to the wider usage and knowledge of the artisan goods.

About Hungarian Folk Artists
The Association of Hungarian Folk Artists comprises 2800 members in 36 associations from all over Hungary. The main aim of the association is to represent the interests of the artists, to keep continuously in touch with the member associations and to ensure information flow among them.
Based on experience, the association truly believes that up-to-date efficient information helps the members and those interested in the artisan field the most, both in Hungary and abroad.
As the folk artisan class is becoming more and more popular nowadays the association encompasses more professionals and folk artists that were first interested in this art on the hobby level but by now would like to live on this profession.

About C.Enter Information-Technology Ltd.
C.Enter Információ-Technológiai Kft. (C.Enter Information Technology Ltd.) started operating in September 1999. The company sells PCs, PC accessories, software, complete systems and the related services. It only sells products the quality of which they themselves can also guarantee. Their client-based policy clearly reflects in the fact that they created their user-friendly website taking the clients’ needs and requests into consideration. You may always check the price lists, the special offers and news on their site.
Through the strong client-based policy the company also aims at helping their partners’ work. It was established in the thought of believing in the distinctive role computer science and information technology bear in a world where people need help and correct partners to work with. All this you may find in C.Enter Kft. because the company strives to find equal chances for everyone, mutual trust following service and partnership to create a world where instead of clients and buyers, only partnership exists.

Contact
Népművészeti Egyesületek Szövetsége (Association of Hungarian Folk Artists)
Gabriella Igyártó – CEO
1011 Budapest, Szilágyi Dezső tér 6.
Tel.: 214-3147
Fax.: 214-3523
E-mail: neszfolk@axelero.hu

C.Enter Kft. (C.Enter Information-Technology Ltd.)
Zoltán Csáki – CEO
1075 Budapest, Kazinczy u. 24-26.
Tel.: 999-4460
Fax.: 999-4462
E-mail: csaki.zoltan@center.hu