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Description
The project proposal develops a series of solutions to serious social problems of the villages, such as social and cultural isolation, through a number of specific cultural activities, consistent with the needs of local people, which improve the access to culture of these discriminated groups. The project activities include: realization of cultural-artistic residencies and organization of cultural-artistic events in 6 remote villages in Northwestern Bulgaria, in which the local population will have the opportunity to interact with young creative people and through the means of art to overcome the identified problems. Ideas Factory Association is an initiator of the project and has more than 10 years of experience developing different initiatives, related to social and cultural entrepreneurship in rural and peripheral regions. Some of them are Baba Residence, Social Innovation Challenge and EMPATHEAST. The current project proposal develops a brand new initiative, whose idea is to build upon the achievements of Baba Residence project, which has been to 14 villages so far, by purposeful actions answering the needs of local dwellers through the access to diverse cultural events. The selected villages, part of the most rapidly depopulating region in Bulgaria - Northwestern - will turn into attractive places for young and creative people, who will devote their time, energy and creative potential to enliven them and turn them into inspiring, joyful areas, where people communicate and share common values. The project partners are: Vidin Fund Chitalishta, Vratsa municipality and the Icelandic cultural organization Gullkistan.
Summary of project results
The overall objective of the project proposal "Revitalization of villages through creative activities" is aimed at strengthening the social and economic development of 6 villages in the administrative districts of Vidin and Vratsa (Northwestern Planning Region), through the implementation of cultural and artistic residencies, cultural events, the international cultural and social forum "Empathist", as well as through the introduction of a sustainable model for cultural entrepreneurship in local community centers.
The activities were aimed at organizing and conducting 18 innovative cultural and artistic residencies and 6 integrated interdisciplinary cultural events in 6 settlements in peripheral regions of Northwestern Bulgaria. The goal is to breathe new life into the villages and attract new audiences. Also, to ensure sustainable improvement of access to arts and culture in small settlements in the Vidin and Vratsa districts, by conducting residencies of artists and creators in these remote areas, organizing complex cultural and artistic events and introducing a cultural and entrepreneurial model in local community centers.
The project managed to expand and deepen the cooperation between Bulgaria, Iceland and other European countries, through training, an international forum "Empathist", exchange of experience in the implementation of cultural and artistic residencies and in the implementation of a model for cultural entrepreneurship.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership with the Gullkistan Center for Creativity has developed into a very organic, friendly and fruitful international partnership. The two parties shared the same mindset regarding inclusive and participatory approaches and the conviction in the key role of culture and art (and the artists themselves) in processes leading to the cultural and economic revitalization of small settlements. In addition to this, the Partner team added their experience to further improve the creative events and artist residencies organised in the villages.