V4 AI Symposium Budapest: Exploring Artificial Intelligence’s Cultural Impact in Central Europe
Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping Central European culture at this groundbreaking international symposium hosted by one of Budapest’s most prestigious design universities.
Are you interested in the intersection of technology, culture, and regional identity? On September 12, 2025, the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) in Budapest is hosting a fascinating symposium that explores how artificial intelligence is transforming cultural representation across Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
What Makes This Symposium Unique?
The V4 Symposium on the Cultural Impact of AI brings together leading researchers, philosophers, and visual culture experts from all four Visegrad countries to address critical questions about AI’s role in preserving and representing Central European heritage.
This isn’t just another tech conference – it’s a deep dive into how AI systems are currently underrepresenting the rich cultural traditions of Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, and what can be done to create more culturally informed AI frameworks.
Key Topics and Discussions
The symposium will tackle several pressing issues that affect how Central European culture appears (or doesn’t appear) in AI-generated content:
Cultural Heritage Distortion
- How AI-generated images override regional cultural heritage
- The lack of Central European visual culture in global AI models
- Misrepresentation of local communities in generated content
Gender and Identity Issues
- Homogenization of female representations in AI-generated images
- The impact of biased data sets on regional identity
Business and Technology Applications
- Whether personalized AI tools make Central Europe more vulnerable
- How smaller businesses can use AI for international market entry
- The potential of AI tools like automatic translation and educational entertainment
Artistic and Critical Applications
- How artists are using AI image-generating tools critically
- Developing ethical frameworks for AI in creative industries
World-Class Speakers and Experts
The symposium features eight distinguished speakers from across the V4 region:
Best deals of Budapest
From Hungary:
- Dr. Brigitta Iványi-Bitter – MOME lecturer and AI researcher
- Dr. Anna Keszeg – MOME visual culture expert
From Slovakia:
- Prof. Dr. Arkadiusz Marcinkowski – Academy of Fine Arts, Banská Bystrica
- Dr. Alžbeta Kuchtová – Slovak Academy of Sciences
From Poland:
- Dr. Ania Malinowska – University of Silesia
- Dr. Michał Krzykawski – University of Silesia
From Czech Republic:
- Lukáš Záhoř – Fameplay, Czech Video Center
- Katerina Markova – PhD Candidate, University of Pardubice, Centre for Ethics
Complete Daily Schedule
Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (CEST)
Language: English throughout
Detailed Program:
- 9:00-9:15 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Morning Session: AI’s Cultural Impact and Regional Representation
- 12:15-1:10 PM: Lunch Break
- Afternoon Session: Designing Cultural Futures with AI
- 4:30-5:15 PM: Concluding Panel – Politics and AI
- 5:30-5:45 PM: Closing Remarks & Networking
- 6:00 PM: Program End
Why This Matters for Visitors to Budapest
This symposium represents Budapest’s position at the forefront of digital humanities and AI ethics research. MOME has been one of the first institutions globally to initiate professional dialogue about how AI shapes the future of design, creation, and communication.
For tourists interested in:
- Technology and innovation
- Cultural preservation
- Academic discourse
- International cooperation
- Central European studies
This event offers unique insights into how one of Europe’s most dynamic regions is addressing the challenges of the digital age.
About MOME and the Research Project
The Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design is Hungary’s premier institution for art, design, and creative technologies. The symposium is part of a larger research and development project led by MOME’s Heritage in Motion Lab, which specifically examines how Hungarian, Slovak, Polish, and Czech languages and visual heritage are underrepresented in generative AI systems.
This research program addresses the global phenomenon of cultural homogenization affecting regions with limited digital resources, working to develop culturally and ethically sound AI frameworks.
International Support and Recognition
The event is funded by the International Visegrad Fund, demonstrating its significance for regional cooperation. The Fund’s mission is to advance sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe, making this symposium a key diplomatic and academic initiative.
The project is co-financed by the governments of all four V4 countries, highlighting the collaborative commitment to addressing AI’s cultural impact.
Practical Information for Attendees
Registration and Attendance
- Cost: Completely free of charge
- Registration: Mandatory – register at the official website
- Location: MOME campus, Budapest
- Duration: Full day event (9 AM – 6 PM)
Who Should Attend?
- Researchers and academics in digital humanities, AI ethics, or cultural studies
- Technology professionals interested in cultural AI applications
- Artists and designers working with AI tools
- Cultural heritage professionals
- Students in relevant fields
- Anyone curious about AI’s impact on regional culture
Perfect Timing for Budapest Visitors
September is an ideal time to visit Budapest, with comfortable temperatures and the city’s academic year just beginning. You can easily combine attending this symposium with:
- Exploring MOME’s campus and design exhibitions
- Visiting Budapest’s museums and cultural sites
- Experiencing the city’s vibrant café culture
- Enjoying early autumn weather in the city’s beautiful parks
Ongoing Impact and Future Developments
This symposium is just the beginning. MOME will be launching a podcast series starting in September 2025 that continues exploring these themes. The university regularly hosts conferences and incorporates AI and cultural heritage topics into its curriculum.
The research conducted through this project will likely influence:
- AI development policies in Central Europe
- Cultural preservation strategies
- International cooperation frameworks
- Educational approaches to AI ethics
How to Participate
Registration is essential and can be completed online through MOME’s official channels. Given the high-caliber speakers and the timely topic, early registration is recommended.
The symposium represents a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research while experiencing Budapest’s dynamic academic environment. Whether you’re a professional in the field or simply curious about how technology intersects with culture, this event offers valuable insights into one of the most important conversations of our digital age.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a groundbreaking discussion that’s shaping the future of AI and cultural representation in Central Europe!
Related news
