An interview with Adorján Tóth from NUMIX Lab about CODE's mission and vision for the future

On 3 December, the CODE – Digital Experience Centre will host the international professional programme of the NUMIX LAB, which will take place in Austria and Hungary from 1 to 5 December under the motto 'Beyond Boundaries'. As part of this programme, creators, professionals and partners will gather in Veszprém. In our interview ahead of the event, CODE's Chief Operating Officer, Adorján Tóth, talks about the company's origins, its mission, and its unique place in the Hungarian cultural ecosystem. 

My name is Adorján Tóth, and I am responsible for the operation of CODE – Centre of Digital Experiences in Veszprém. CODE was born from the former regional cultural centre, a socialist-realist building called ‘Dimitrov’ after the Veszprém–Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme, connecting the past with the future. Our institution is not simply an exhibition space, but an interdisciplinary, professional laboratory and hub which offers opportunity for digital artists, technology experts, musicians and creative professionals to work together. Our aim is not to provide ready-made answers, but to encourage experimentation, to create and test new content with a research-driven approach. 

CODE consists of three unique spaces: the Hexagon, a hexagonal projection hall offering monumental 360° visuals with spatial  sound; the Studio, a 180° projection space dedicated to 3D content and innovative storytelling; and the Exhibition Space, an interactive area where visitors can actively shape the experience through installations. 

CODE is not only a permanent institution, but also a creative base that continuously supports the development of new content and the collaboration of artistic communities. I believe that the future of cultural experiences lies in visitor involvement, shared moments and innovative formats – and CODE offers a unique example of this in Hungary. 

CODE contributes to the Hungarian cultural ecosystem in a unique way by offering experiences that provide a fresh perspective on Hungary. Rather than presenting ready-made solutions, we take a research-based approach, working through interdisciplinary collaborations. While most institutions primarily rely on traditional exhibition and theatrical formats, at CODE, audiences are not just observers: they can also become active participants. The intersection of technology and art gives rise to novel, interactive modes of engagement that inspire and educate. 

CODE’s long-term mission is to create artistic communities and original content. Every piece presented so far has been created specifically for CODE’s spaces, and our plan is to continuously develop new productions. As a permanent institution, not a pop-up venue, our goal is to connect creative communities, provide them with tools and offer space for experimentation. 

The establishment of CODE has been a huge source of inspiration for artists and professional partners alike, who are excited to have the opportunity to work in a space offering entirely new possibilities. However, producing immersive content is resource-intensive, as it incurs significant costs and requires complex professional collaborations. The Hexagon, our iconic hexagonal 360° projection space, is both inspiring and challenging: its unique format demands specific technical and creative solutions, making the production process more complex, but at the same time, also more rewarding. 

A second challenge lies in distribution and visibility. Although digital culture is a global trend, it is still in its infancy in Hungary, so it is essential to find meaningful ways to connect with audiences. Our goal is not to produce self-serving content, but to create experiences that are truly marketable and resonate with visitors. 

The third challenge is adapting to ongoing technological developments. With hardware and software evolving at a rapid pace, we must ensure that our operations are sustainable in the long term while remaining innovative and relevant.