The VAA are proud to share the inspiring outcomes of our collaboration with Talent Deserves a Chance – a partnership that continues to demonstrate how creativity, mentorship, and opportunity can transform young lives. This year’s Art Market Budapest offered a compelling example of what becomes possible when young people in state care are given the tools, support, and belief they deserve.
A Breakthrough Moment at Art Market Budapest 2025
The Talent Deserves a Chance stand drew continuous attention from visitors, collectors, and fellow artists. Approximately 12 works were sold, with several purchased immediately – an impressive achievement in such a competitive contemporary art environment. For gallerists and arts professionals, the response made something very clear: authentic voices resonate.
The exhibition curation was led by Karen van Hoey Smith, VAA Mentor, whose support with artist engagement and professional guidance helped strengthen the collaborative framework behind the programme. She was joined by Dr. Anikó Boda, artist-mentor and Senior Coordinator of the initiative, whose year-long involvement has been central to the young artists’ growth.
A Creative Journey That Extends Beyond the Studio
For the participating young people – aged 8 to 18 – the programme is far more than a series of art classes. It is a rare space for expression, development, and connection.
Launched in 2021, the Talent Deserves a Chance programme aims to support children in state care through art therapy and creative development, helping them move closer to their personal goals through artistic practice. During the 2024–2025 season, and in collaboration with contemporary artists and the Bolyai Children’s Home, more than 20 young people were given the opportunity to explore their talent and develop their confidence through art.
Karen explains: “Talent Deserves a Chance is currently based in Budapest, Hungary. Children aged 8–18 in state care have the opportunity to work with an artist mentor and use art for expression and learning art practice skills in a dedicated studio. They paint together, talk about things, create together, and then their artwork gets put into the Budapest Art Fair. The money goes directly to the children, which is interesting. Some pieces sold immediately, and someone even asked to buy more from a child’s studio.”
For many of the children, this was the first time their work had been shown publicly, let alone purchased by collectors. 100% of the proceeds of art sales are given to the children in their own bank account, for their future. That validation can be life-changing.
Dr. Anikó Boda reflected: “I learned just as much as the kids themselves. Their extraordinary stories opened a world I had never encountered before. I hope I could contribute to their wellbeing through drawing and painting together, even if they don’t become professional artists. The world needs more part-time artists to make it a more peaceful place.”
Her words capture the programme’s heart: artistic development is important, but emotional expression and community are just as vital.
Why the Work Resonated with Visitors and Collectors
What stood out at the fair was not just the young artists’ courage and creativity – it was the quality and authenticity of their work. Many pieces displayed a bold, introspective energy that collectors increasingly seek: raw honesty, unfiltered by formal expectations. This authenticity made the stand one of the quiet highlights of the fair.
For arts professionals, this reinforces a growing truth: social impact and artistic merit are not separate conversations. Programmes like this demonstrate that meaningful mentorship can produce work worthy of major platforms.
Shared Values Creating Shared Impact
Senior Coordinator Kinga highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our partnership with the VAA is founded on shared values and genuine inspiration. Karen’s dedication reaffirmed our belief that providing artistic education and long-term support for children in care is of vital importance.”
To reinforce the VAA’s commitment, VAA Director Shirley-Ann O’Neill shared a heartfelt reflection: “At the VAA, we see every day how creativity can rebuild confidence, shape identity, and open new possibilities. Watching these young artists step into the international art world with such courage and honesty has been deeply moving. We are truly honoured to stand beside Talent Deserves a Chance as they give underprivileged young people not only the tools to create, but the belief that their voices deserve to be seen and celebrated.”
Through this collaboration, the initiative not only reached an international audience but also strengthened the professional structures surrounding these young artists – ensuring the programme’s impact extends far beyond a single event.
The children’s artworks were later featured at an auction on 13th November at Lena & Roselly Gallery in Budapest, with all proceeds reinvested into supporting the programme and expanding opportunities for underprivileged young people in care.
Looking Forward
We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the entire Talent Deserves a Chance team for their commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence, and community for vulnerable young people. This partnership has shown that when mentorship meets opportunity, remarkable things can happen.
We look forward to supporting the next steps of this inspiring initiative and to witnessing the continued growth of young artists who now see a place for themselves in the creative world.
Creativity grows where people believe in it, and thanks to this programme, young people were given that opportunity.