Lili Stern has been appointed the new director of Trafó

The Budapest Assembly has appointed Lili Stern as the new director of Trafó House of Contemporary Arts for a five-year term starting in January. Stern's candidacy received strong support from the professional jury, with seven out of eight members backing her. Barna Judit, a city representative, emphasized Stern's familiarity with Trafó and her potential to attract new audiences while maintaining the institution's multidisciplinary character. The director position became vacant after Katalin Erdődi's departure. Other candidates included notable figures from the arts community, but one application was disqualified for formal reasons. The selection process sparked debate over transparency, leading to a canceled public forum due to concerns about fairness among candidates. Trafó has been a key venue for contemporary performing and visual arts since its opening in 1998, showcasing international artists and providing opportunities for local creators.