Leopold Bloom Foundation was established in 1999, although its idea was already born in 1995. During its operation until 2009 the Foundation initiated and realized several exhibitions, events, cultural and public activities connected to Bloomsday (including the arrangement of the Leopold Bloom Award), moreover it also functioned as the publisher of the journal Leopold Bloom.
"The central philosophy and inspiration of the Foundation was the metaphor of "bloomism", which simultaneously referred to (1) the wanderings of Joyce and the attitude of being homeless, (2) the experience and practice of cultural and artistic provocations in the local milieu, moreover (3) the aim of joining in the international networks of the avantgarde and assemblage scene." (Péter Abajkovics)
Leopold Bloom Art Foundation
Mary Mc Loughlin and John Ward established the Leopold Bloom Foundation with the goal of supporting the Leopold Bloom Art Award, founded in 2011. Leopold Bloom Art Award supports contemporary visual artists in Hungary and their presence in the international art scene. Even though this Award - realized through the cooperation of Maurice Ward Group and ACAX - does not have a direct connection to the happenings in Szombathely, it does resemble their philosophy: the Award aims to propagate "bloomism", and the philosophy of the freedom and autonomy of creative work. More info: http://www.leopoldbloomaward.com/
