"Leaven of the City"

A new colorful mural decorates the façade of the fire brigade station on Károly körút in downtown Budapest thanking the people of the capital for their togetherness.

"We wanted to reflect on the epidemic sweeping around the world with a work of art that strengthens our togetherness, our community in Budapest, so at our request, the work of artist Victoria Hitka was painted on the wall of the Fifth District Fire Brigade by the Colorful City Group to remind us all of our lives together," the Budapest City Branding Nonprofit Ltd. (BVA) says in a social media message.

The title of the work of art, addressed to the citizens of the capital, says "You are the leaven of the city."

BVA points out in a statement that the epidemiological situation has had the greatest impact on metropolitan life, generating the most tensions here, both at the individual and social level. The capital's urban image company wanted to use the image to display a message of solidarity and belonging.

As they wrote, the painting entitled 'Even a leaven can be a bridge’ now has a particularly important message, as the city has come together, the inhabitants have survived the past months together. The epidemic united generations, brought together neighbors, city dwellers in need of help, and new communities and groups were formed and friendships were forged.

The work, painted by artists from the Colorful City Group on a 420-square-meter wall surface using about 180 liters of paint, was completed in 12 days.