Mobile studios - Travelling interdisciplinary platform for contemporary performing and visual arts

Project facts

Project promoter:
Foundation 'Association Informbureau'
Project Number:
BG08-0030
Target groups
Roma,
Young adults
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€94,420
Final project cost:
€90,843
From EEA Grants:
€ 69,495
The project is carried out in:
София (столица) / Sofia (stolitsa)

Description

Regional cities in Bulgaria as administrative centres concentrate large number of artists and creative organizations that contribute to their extensive and active cultural life. During the studies and analyzes of cultural environment of the country, it appears that the lack of operating theatres in or near the smaller towns leads to a decrease in interest in contemporary arts, lack of catalyst in channeling the talents of teenagers and unable to present the works of local artists. Extremely rarely is a platform for presenting the culture of minority groups to be provided. The main objective is to increase interest and demand for contemporary art in smaller settlements. The most successful formula is the event to be held in the town where they live and it can easily meet them and incorporate. The other important factor is to ensure equal access for all potential visitors – a programme of events with free admission. The idea is to bring artists working in the field of contemporary and visual arts and also provide platform for local artists to express. The project encompasses the creation of mobile studios which represent a travelling art platform to visit 3 towns and use their town environment for artistic interventions. A permanent programme of professional actors presenting contemporary performing and visual arts will be included. At the same time an opportunity will be given trough an open invitation to local talents, including those of Roma origin, to present their art to their fellow-citizens. As a result a sustainable, developing and multiform network of contacts will be developed among the presenting guest and local artists and the consumers of contemporary performing and visual arts. The project will be targeted at minority groups living in and around the selected settlements, families with children and young people.

Summary of project results

The main objective of the project proposal is to enable the population in small urban areas (with the agglomeration around them) who do not have constant access to contemporary performing and visual arts, to experience innovative artistic approaches and practices, and have opportunity to see and hear their talented fellow citizens who submit personal projects in the field of contemporary art. In this sense, the project achieved its objective of presentation of contemporary arts and culture and contribution to cultural diversity. The impact of the implementation of the project include: enrichment of cultural life in Samokov, Radomir and Ihtiman through an innovative approach of presenting and reaching the general public of contemporary performing and visual arts; аccess to isolated social groups and minorities to cultural events, such as meet them with innovative artistic approaches and practices that turned them from isolated / passive observers into active participants in cultural events; possibility of creative expression of artists from Samokov and Radomir Ihtiman, for this purpose was created a suitable environment for their meeting with the audience; presentation of cultural manifolds and characteristics of minority groups in the country; an innovative and sustainable platform is created in an open urban environment, which contributes to a broader presentation of the performing arts and promote cultural exchange and dialogue presentation of cultural identity and cultural diversity. Established contacts between visiting and local artists will have a lasting impact on the work of both groups by generating new ideas. Additional local artists received advice from the already manifest in different scenes guests and permanent artists were able to look at art through the lens of "young" colleagues. Institutional sustainability: The municipal administrations in the three cities will develop their cultural program for the coming years based on visitor activity and the willingness of citizens to consume and participate in contemporary performing arts. Sustainability of the investment: Physical built will be used for the conduct of future events of a similar nature.

Summary of bilateral results