vegyeskereskedés is an experimental art project rooted in bricolage, exploring everyday life and community in Józsefváros through language, actions, thoughts, and objects. It creates an open, interactive environment where art becomes a collective process: a way to question, connect, and collaborate. It provokes critical discussions, supports the visibility of queer culture, and brings people together. The term ‘vegyeskereskedés‘ derives from the concept of a community-oriented universal store, where everyone is welcome to engage in conversation and find something for themselves.
The project opened its doors to the public for the first time on March 14 as an open studio concept space, introducing a first show Piece Peace Peas based on the political tension of so-called ‘peace negotiations’.
Glimpse of Piece Peace Peas: pisssssssssss show
History of Vegyeskereskedés
Historically, vegyeskereskedés stores played a crucial role in Hungarian communities, especially in rural areas. They served as essential shops offering food, household goods, and various everyday items before the rise of supermarkets. These stores were community-oriented, often family-run, and maintained strong personal relationships with customers.
With Hungary’s transition to a market economy after 1989, international supermarket chains like Tesco, Lidl, and Spar entered the country and transformed the retail landscape forever. These large retailers brought competitive pricing, a wide range of products, and modern shopping experiences, challenging traditional vegyeskereskedés and small family-run shops.
The Vietnamese and Chinese communities in Hungary has played a significant role in preserving the vegyeskereskedés tradition. After arriving in Hungary during the socialist era, many Vietnamese migrants transitioned into entrepreneurship following the country’s shift to a market economy in 1989. Over time, they established a strong presence in the retail sector, particularly in small grocery stores, convenience shops, and markets.
Bródy Sándor utca 25. (Budapest, 8. kerület)
Our vegyeskereskedés story begins in 2017 when Taras joined William Theodoracopulos in his small painting studio on Víg utca, in Budapest — a former grocery store. That moment was captured by a photographer Déri Miklós.
The word ‘vegyeskereskedés’ is an old-fashioned Hungarian term for a “general store” or “mixed goods shop”, traditionally referring to a small shop selling a variety of items.
The opening of vegyeskereskedés
