The Holtzer–Horváth–Lindberg Foundation aims to shed light on the rich and layered history of synagogues across the territory of former historic Hungary. The call welcomes photographic submissions featuring synagogues that today serve new functions or remain out of use, capturing their transformation and present condition while reflecting on their historical legacy.
“Our call to university students seeks to revive the legacy of the former Holtzer Foundation, which operated at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and supported outstanding students,” said Krisztina Frauhammer, President of the Foundation. “We have renewed this tradition and now announce a competition each year on a different theme. Prizes will be awarded to the photographers of the three best entries.”
Krisztina Frauhammer added that the Foundation is seeking photographs that reveal traces of Jewish religious life still discernible in these buildings. “Through these images, we aim to explore where – and to what extent – the spiritual and communal heritage of former Jewish communities remains visible today.”
How do converted synagogues balance their new functions with their original religious character? To what extent can the material and visual traces of Jewish culture still be recognized in buildings that now serve entirely different purposes? These are among the questions the Holtzer–Horváth–Lindberg Foundation invites applicants to explore through their photographic submissions.
Participants will receive support in the form of access to relevant literature.
All submissions should include:
- The name of the photographer
- Year of birth
- Place of residence
- Email address
- Name of educational institution
- Field of study (program)
- Year of study
- The exact title of the submitted work
- A brief description (maximum five lines) of the synagogue depicted in the photographic documentation
- The locations and the dates when the photographs were taken
- 1–5 digital works, submitted in both JPG and TIF formats, with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi
The three best entries will receive the following prizes: HUF 150,000 (first place), HUF 100,000 (second place), and HUF 50,000 (third place).
Submissions – whether individual photographs or photo montages – will be evaluated by a panel of professional photographers.
All materials must be submitted by May 4, 2026, to hhl-alapitvany@hotmail.com.
Source: SZTEinfo
Archival photograph: Postcard depicting the Szeged Synagogue
