KÉK launched the Vacant program in 2012 to find innovative solutions for the community reuse of empty properties in Budapest. From this initiative grew the Open! Festival of Vacant Shops, which has since evolved into an independent programme and continues to operate actively.
The aim of the programme is to support projects that enhance urban quality of life, strengthen social cohesion, and boost the local economy. We connect these grassroots initiatives with property owners who wish to breathe new life into their vacant spaces – involving the community in the process.
To this day, countless retail spaces in Budapest remain unused, often burdened by unclear ownership and complex bureaucracy. These empty spaces not only detract from the city's appearance but also represent wasted opportunities for both the owners and the city. The goal of Open! is to facilitate the use of these spaces, simplify regulatory and administrative barriers, and forge connections between owners and potential tenants – following a cooperative model beneficial to all parties involved.
The festival is not just an event but also a methodology: the lessons learned from previous editions are continuously documented and made public to allow others to apply them.
Who is it for?
Property Owners
Owners of retail spaces in Budapest who provide space for selected projects free of charge for 4-6 weeks. During this time, their shop is revitalized, they can meet potential tenants directly, and significantly increase the chance of leasing.
Space Seekers
Initiators, creators, and entrepreneurs who apply for the festival with their ideas. The selected projects participate in a free mentoring programme, then can use the designated retail space without rent for 4-6 weeks. During this period, they have the opportunity to test themselves, try out their ideas, and gain firsthand experience of running a business.
The Open! festival has been organized multiple times over the past years, largely upon municipal request. In 2021 and 2023, we collaborated with the Erzsébetváros Municipality, and in 2026 we plan the next edition in cooperation with the Józsefváros Municipality.
