Lívia Paldi – Postcards From Home

As part of GCN’s current Travel issue, we talk to members of the Irish LGBT+ community abroad and new members of our queer family who have made a new home in Ireland.

Lívia is originally from Budapest, Hungary.

Why did you move to Ireland?

I moved to take up the position of Curator of Visual Arts at Project Arts Centre.

What do you love about your new city?

I am still learning it.

What do you miss about your hometown?

Friends, family and the specific humour. And also my library and living standards.

What do you not miss?

It’s a bit more complicated. I opted for leaving to be able to continue working in the arts in an institutional set up. The prevailing toxic political climate, the crackdown on civil society, free press, the growing gendered hate speech, the propaganda against the vulnerable as well as the government-hijacked cultural environment resulted in a shrinking space available for critical thinking and work. Being away gives a distance that can also be used for supporting those working back home. But I need to emphasize that this is not an exclusive of Hungary unfortunately.

And finally, rate your queer scene. Anything different/similar?

I haven’t really been part of any scenes. It has always been more about individuals.

Lívia curated Active Archive – Slow Institution: The Long Goodbye. It is an extensive research initiative that delves into the Project Arts Centre’s 50 year history, looking at the imagined futures and proposals for transformation recorded in their archives. It runs until March 30 and admission is free.

Look out for more Postcards From Home featuring postcards from the Irish LGBT+ community abroad and from new members to our queer family who have made a new home in Ireland inside the current issue of GCN.