Burgas 2019 Bid Book EN by Burgas2019

BURGAS 2019

CULTURAL COLLIDER

Burgas candidate for European Capital of Culture 2019 Bid book / October 2013

For decades art and culture have been part of the ‘business card’ of Burgas. This is not something that previous mayors or I myself have done, neither is done by any other particular person. This intellectual-bohemian aura of the city is not a product of an organised campaign. This is just the way Burgas is – inspiring, picturesque, sometimes nostalgic, but more often modern and active, avant-garde. The initiative ‘European capital of culture’ is one of the highest stages where we could promote the rich cultural diversity and historical heritage of our region(1). In fact, I am very proud that we are applying as a region and I am grateful for all the support of our friends from the 13 municipalities in the Burgas District(2). I am convinced that this camaraderie will be appreciated and 2019 will be our year! Lately, our city has been called ‘The most European city in Bulgaria’. I do not like labels, but I have to admit that I don’t mind this one in particular. The communication with our European friends and with the world is something that comes naturally to Burgas. As a seaside city, it has always been cosmopolitan and open-minded, but it has also kept its own style and atmosphere to this day. The Municipality of Burgas has had substantial experience in implementing partnership projects with local authorities, cultural institutes and artists from around Europe. In this area, we have always received generous assistance from foreign diplomats, staying with us, for which I am very grateful. In arts, as in everything else, it is important to ‘pay it forward’, so that there is always movement and continuity. That is why I am very happy that in the recent years, the young generation is extremely active and has charged the cultural atmosphere of the city with a lot of energy. My opinion and the opinion of the Burgas community is that we can, we want to and deserve to be the European capital of culture in 2019. The road to get there is not a competition. Culture should bring us together, not divide us. I wish good luck to all the candidates but I am convinced that Burgas would be the city to represent Bulgaria in the best possible way in 2019!

Dimitar Nikolov

Chairman of the ‘Association for culture development of Burgas city and region’ and Mayor of the Municipality of Burgas

(1) da stane: In this application the word ‘region’ is used in the meaning of ‘the extended spatial location of something’ (2) da stane: In this application the word ‘district’ is used in the meaning of ‘a region marked off for administrative or other purposes’

We will tell you something about us which you won’t find in any books, textbooks or analytical reports, but in real life. We’re leki (literally – light, also meaning easy-going, relaxed). To be leki here has nothing to do with how much you weigh, but is a state of mind which words cannot explain. A state of mind you won’t find anywhere else in Bulgaria. To show you what it means to be leki, we’ll have to take you for a walk down our streets, where we’ll meet friends at every corner and we’ll hear all kinds of different languages. We’ll grab a bite at a local seaside cafe, where we’ll listen to the seagull caws and discuss the local gossip. We’ll tell you how life happens even without following the original plan, because in the end we’ll meet on a bench, at an event or out for a dinner. We are hospitable and broad-minded to everything distant. So, without too much hassle, we’ll invite you to our home and in a year’s time we’re sure you won’t be able to deny the sneaky feeling that you’ve become somewhat leki. Like us. So we asked ourselves, what is the most valuable thing to share with you in order to achieve this? And the answer is simple - we’ll give you a sense of cosiness through our culture. It is our advantage that will blossom before your eyes to prove you our belief that this is the place for European capital of culture in 2019.

Contents

Basic principles

Structure of the programme for the event

Organisation and financing of the event

City infrastructure

Communication strategy

Evaluation and monitoring of the event

Additional information

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59 67

Annex 1: Cultural programme details Annex 2: Financial details

Basic principles

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

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‘The sea brings together all things from afar’ John Exarch, Bulgarian medieval author

Ivo Bistrichki’s art installation Turn On The City festival

1. Why does the city which you represent wish to take part in the competition for the title of European Capital of Culture?

Situated on the crossroad of several different civilisations, with its favourable location and open-minded people, Burgas is one of the few cities in Bulgaria which has gradually fulfilled their ideas for development. Burgas has enough courage to demonstrate the will and strive for sustainable development. Twice awarded ‘The best Bulgarian city to live in’(3), it is often referred to as a city of arts, poets and artists, a city of young talents and the birth place of world-renowned artists, Burgas has many advantages and characteristic features, inherent to a European cultural centre. If we become the European capital of culture (ECoC), we’ll outdo our progress so far, we’ll stand among the European and world elite and we’ll reach a new dimension in our development, both as a city and a society. This is what motivates us to bid for a European capital of culture in 2019.

Burgas: Population: 212,902 Territory: 253,644 km2 Burgas district: Population: 409,018 Territory: 7,748.1 km2 Municipalities: Burgas, Aytos, Karnobat, Sungurlare, Ruen, Kameno, Sredets, Nessebar, Pomorie, Sozopol, Primorsko, Tsarevo and Malko Tarnovo Tourist visits in the region in 2012: 1,174,455 (data from the National Statistics Institute)

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(3) The best Bulgarian city to live in is an initiative of 24 Hours newspaper and Darik Radio, which aims to find the best city to live in in Bulgaria based on specific criteria.

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What, for it, would be the main challenge of this nomination? Burgas welcomes challenges – they help in achieving its ambitions and finding recognition as a city which always gives its best. The people in Burgas love their city and applaud new ideas. One of the notions behind this application is to share with the citizens and visitors of Burgas art from around the world and its contemporary tendencies, and to do all this as a shared experience. One of the notions behind this application is to bring the citizens and visitors of Burgas closer to world art examples and contemporary tendencies and to do it as a shared experience. In the recent years there was a decrease in the creative potential of the city. One of the main challenges and a big wish for us is to rediscover and create new opportunities, so that Burgas can become a desired residence for European and world artists. This dream of ours is shared by everyone in the region. They have declared their support for the bid of Burgas 2019 from the very beginning and this has successfully led through the preparation process. What are the city’s objectives for the year in question? The objectives we identify ourselves by nominating Burgas and the region for European capital of culture in 2019 are: - To stimulate participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable development of the city; - To improve the quality of life in the city and the region; - To use the rich potential of the territories in the district and their natural connectivity as a basis for a beneficial partnership between Burgas and the cities in the region and with the other European cities, regions, countries; - To confirm the role of culture as a driving force in the processes of general renewal and sustainable development of Burgas. We expect culture to be a driving force for entrepreneurship and in cultural and creative industries, thus stimulating competitiveness and development of the whole region. And last, but not least, we would like to share with the citizens of Europe how special and beautiful our city is and to attract a lot of new friends. Here is what stands behind each of these objectives:

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Bogoridi Street one of the pedestrian areas in Burgas

The City The objective we have set ourselves is to stimulate involvement and participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable development of the city. In the beginning of the 20th century Burgas ranked second in Bulgaria in relative growth rate and development. The city very quickly gained the image of a commercial-industrial centre, a cosmopolitan seat with connections via land, air and water. The construction of the sea port, which was opened in 1903, boosted the economic development of the city. Over 150 industrial companies were established in Burgas at that time. The newer history of the city, during the industrialisation in the 50’s and 60’s of the 20th century, includes the expansion and modernisation of the port, the construction of the airport and the oil refinery. The city underwent new changes with the transition to market economy at the end of the 20th century, and especially after the country became 7

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a member of the European Union (EU) in 2007. In terms of economic development the city is one of the leaders in the country. Burgas District has the highest GDP in the Southeastern Region. The GDP per capita for the period 2001-2009 is high (10.8%) and exceeds the average in the country. The index GDP per capita increases by one percentage point compared to the average annual European levels during this period. The leading place of the city and the region and the favourable dynamics of these indicators strengthen the potential for future development of high economic activity. Some of the produces are unique or defining the sectors in the country – dark and light petrol products, chemical fibres, plastic and other chemical products, shipbuilding, ventilation and cleaning equipment, cargo carriage-building, fish processing industry. The city of Burgas has a dominating role in the economic dynamics in the district. Burgas is the biggest and most important industrial, commercial, transport and tourist centre in Southeastern Bulgaria. It is recognized for its extremely favourable tourist-geographical location and good transport connectivity, which is only improved by the Black Sea outlet. The development of the international commercial links and tourism is significantly aided by the proximity of Turkey, Greece, Romania, and Russia, as well as of the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, which connect us to the Mediterranean countries. The Municipality of Burgas ranks second among Bulgarian municipalities in economic potential. There are 10,965 companies registered here. In the private sector, these are mostly in the following branches: industry, construction, transport, commerce. All this makes the district an economic leader in the country, and the city of Burgas – an important development centre of the district with a radius of 150 km. In recent years, industry has given up its leading position in the district economy in favour of the services, while there is a slight increase in the income shares from commerce and tourism. The number of companies with foreign shares in Burgas District at the moment is 408. The direct foreign investments in the private sector for the past 4 years amount to 1 billion Euro. The biggest share (22.7%) is held by companies

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from Great Britain, followed by Russia (11.3%), Turkey and Germany. Burgas has a typical role as an allocation centre for tourists towards nearby resorts to the north and south of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. A large portion of the tourists do not stay in the city – this may be due to underdeveloped tourist infrastructure or low popularity of local attractions. The cultural traditions and rich historical heritage are prerequisites for overcoming this problem and for the development of alternative types of tourism in Burgas, such as cultural, festival and conventional. In the past few years, Burgas has won a few prestigious titles – ‘Best city to do business in’ (2009), ‘The greenest city in Bulgaria’ (2011), first award for Contributions in the development of tourism in the country (2012). The potential of Burgas for development is undoubtedly related to the sea, to opportunities for developing tourism, encouraging education, participation of business, scientific research and innovations. In its strategic documentation, the

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in Burgas District – 51% of the district population is concentrated here. This is the most dynamically growing municipality in the district with the lowest unemployment rate. The population(4) of Burgas is 200,271, which are 94% of the municipality population – 212,302 people, and have the following age structure: • 0 to 15 years – 29,491 people or 13.85%; • 15 to 64 years– 151,877 people or 71.33%; • Over 65 years – 31,534 or 14.81 %.

The lighthouse Port of Burgas

city defines its vision as: - A key city in the Black Sea area with modern environment and developed port complex; - Dynamic and economically strong cultural centre; - Innovative and creative city; - A city of intelligent development. The People The objective we have set ourselves is to improve the quality of life in the city and the region. According to the latest census data of 2011, the population of Burgas District is 415,817 people, while the population of under 20 years of age is 82,553 or almost 20% of the total population. In regards to the demographic structure Burgas District balances the negative trends of depopulation in the peripheral village municipalities and aging of population through a positive population growth. These results put the district among those with good potential for economic development. The Municipality of Burgas is the largest one (4) Data from the National Statistical Institute from the 2011 census

According to the data from a sociological study, prepared in collaboration with the Citizens Movement ‘DNES’ and Agency ‘ESTAT’ in the period 12-20 September 2012 the question ‘To what degree do you share the opinion that Burgas is a good place to live in?’ was answered positively by 77% of the participants in the questionnaire (‘completely’ or ‘to a great extent’). This percentage is extremely high and there is a positive increase since 2011. The people who agreed with the statement were mostly young and educated, students and people with higher incomes, whereas those who disagree were middle-aged people with lower income, with secondary or lower education and unemployed people. The migration attitudes among the municipality population are relatively low. Data from different studies show that the dynamic development of The Municipality of Burgas is more likely to attract population from other parts of the district or neighbouring cities and regions. The people who have plans to move away from Burgas into another city were 19% for 2012 and 17% for 2011. In 2009 The Municipality of Burgas started the initiative called ‘Return to Burgas’ which was aimed at the long-term return of Burgas citizens, who have left the city. An equally important part of this project is maintaining active con-

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nects with Burgas citizens, who do not live here, but through their skills, experience, contacts and emotional connection with their hometown, would contribute to Burgas in different spheres – art, business, politics, etc. Education The Municipality of Burgas has an extensive school network, structured while taking into consideration the social-economic, geographic and demographic features, as well as the perspectives for their development. On the territory of the municipality there are 35 kindergartens with 7,547 children. The total number of students is 25,153, of which 7,472 are aged between 1 and 4. In Burgas there are two universities with 9,403 students and four colleges with over 3,000 students. These are the basic highlights in the educational policy: - Encompassing all children and students, subject to compulsory education; - Improving the quality of education at all stages; - Improving and upgrading the education infrastructure through sustainable financing; - Foreign languages education in the specialised schools and classes in the general schools. The trends of labour market in the Municipality of Burgas are more conducive than the average ones in the country. This shows the potential of the municipality and the city for future social-economic development. The processes which will activate during the ECoC will contribute for improving the quality of life in the district. It will also help people realise they are the leaders in those processes. The Territories We’ll use the rich potential of the whole region and their natural connectivity as a promoter of a beneficial partnership between Burgas, the cities in the region and the other European cities, regions, countries. Burgas District is rich in history and traditions, invaluable archaeological heritage and beautiful nature. Here, you can observe unique and representative communities and ecosystems, which are extremely valuable in regards to their biolog-

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ical diversity – meadow marshes, turf swamps and lakes, old oak forests, Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean plant communities, sand dunes and other unique habitats, some of them in protected territories. All this is an important factor and a condition for the development of alternative tourism and other activities. Burgas is one of the few European cities, surrounded by wet zones of ornithological importance. The three lakes, situated around the city – Atanasovsko, Burgasko and Mandrensko - provide suitable nesting places for a number of rare representatives of the ornithology fauna. We are situated on the Via Pontica route – the path of the migratory birds between the warm south countries and Europe, which makes us an attractive place for bird lovers both local and from abroad. The tourist attractiveness of the region is also facilitated by the favourable natural climate conditions. The climate in Burgas and the region is characterised as moist subtropical with marine and continental influence. The average air temperature during the summer reaches 22.7°C in July, whereas maximum day temperature of over 20°C can be experienced as late as November. In the winter, the continental influence is more obvious, but even then the climate stays a lot milder in comparison to the inner parts of the country. All this makes our city an attractive and preferred place throughout the year – that’s true both for us, its citizens, and for our guests. An irrefutable advantage of Burgas is its natural connectivity with all municipalities in the district – Sozopol, Nessebar, Tsarevo, Malko Tarnovo, Pomorie, Primorsko, Aytos, Kameno, Sredets, Karnobat, Ruen, Sungurlare. All 13 municipalities support each other in their development effort – they literally share a common life. The Culture The objective we have set ourselves is to establish the role of culture as a driving force in the processes of general renewal and sustainable development of Burgas. It is important to point out that culture is not only a communal good, satisfying the needs of both individual and society alike, but also an active tool, contributing to the economic growth of

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Spirit of Burgas festival

cities, to the creation of new jobs and to the social closeness, as well as to the local and regional development. The products and services in the cultural sphere have special characteristics, differentiating them from other products and services, which should be considered in the development and application of EU policies. The role of culture in Burgas has always been significant, that is why we find multiple traces throughout history and a potential for future development. Burgas is known for its rich cultural and creative life. In the city there are organised music, theatre, film, literature and dance events, competitions, carnivals, folklore fests, national holiday celebrations, folklore traditions and customs recreations. There is certain seasonality in the events, the active season being during the summer, but there are events throughout the year – for example, on the Day of Burgas, December 6th, the streets and squares of the city bustle with life. The multitude of events attracts more and more tourists in the city, both from around the

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country and from abroad. Some of the events in the cultural programme are the first of its kind in Southeastern Europe like the Sand Sculpture Festival, the National Song Competition ‘Burgas and the Sea’, the International Folklore Festival, the music festival ‘Spirit of Burgas’, the National Children Song Competition ‘Melodious Lark’, the International Cinema Festival Sofia Film Fest ‘At the Beach’, the Theatre Festival ‘At the Beach’, the National Flowers Exhibition with International Participation ‘Flora Burgas’, the Arts Festival ‘Turn on the City’, the ‘Reading Man’ Festival, the ‘Sea of Science’ Festival. Many of the cultural events in the city are initiated and supported by the public sector, some are financed under European projects, but in recent years, independent NGO organisations have started to participate more actively as initiators and co-organisers of a large part of the city events and festivals. This contributes to the more active involvement of youth. There is a wide range of activities in the cultural field in Burgas - museum, theatre, exhibition, musical, educational and community centre activities. The city has a well-developed museum network. Since 2000, the Burgas Museum was turned into a regional museum, working on the territory of e three districts – Burgas, Sliven and Yambol. It’s the biggest museum in Southeastern Bulgaria with ethnographic, natural scientific, archaeological and historical artefacts. The city also has a theatre, puppet theatre, philharmonic hall, opera and ballet, summer theatre, cultural centre ‘Sea Casino’, a regional library and community centres. The activities in the cultural calendar of the Municipality of Burgas are mostly carried out in public buildings (government and municipal ones), and in recent years they are purposefully taken out in the urban areas. Most of the cultural buildings are concentrated in the close-knit city centre, near the basic communications and are suitably accessible by foot.

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2. Explain the concept of the programme which would be launched if the city was nominated European Capital of Culture? Cultural development of Burgas ‘In those beautiful years Burgas was an artistic city. There was a special atmosphere in the city and in the theatre itself. It had put together an amazing group. It was no wonder that every premiere was attended by visitors from all parts of the country, from the capital and often also foreigners from the docked ships. Here, the port had its own life. Sаilors from all ends of the world came ashore here. Foreign languages were heard everywhere on the streets.’ Ivan Radoev talking about the Burgas Theatre, 1957-1960. Ivan Radoev is a Bulgarian playwright, poet and journalist. He has won a distinguished lifetime achievement award, given by the International Academy of Arts in Paris. In order to introduce you to our idea, we will first go back in time. Bulgaria after the Liberation (1878) was a young patriarchal country, which was seeing the current arts for the first time. Burgas was no exception from these tendencies. However, the

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conservative and suspicious society was still not ready to react adequately to the changes. People’s curiosity and senses were only turned towards events which would bring secure revenues (e.g. the first film screening in Burgas happened only a few years after the brothers Lumiere’s). The economic growth in the beginning of 20th century however brought about a tangible change. Burgas bloomed into a colourful crossroad between continuity and bright avant-garde, between a still slumbering consciousness and a wide awake identity, between the Orient and the West. Understanding of culture started to change. It acquired an entertaining nature as well. Instead of being an unilateral agent of education, culture started building its own spaces and features. Besides these developments, we can only start talking about culture in its current meaning after the beginning of the second half of 20th century. In the 50’s, it could already be seen how the single acts of innovation slowly turned into whole movements. The Burgas Drama Theatre introduced a new model of work. In times when the positions in the theatre were assigned by the government, it was called the ‘Theatre of the fellow-minded’. The reason for this was the need to break stereotypes. The participation of young artists and authors in the process of creating modern theatre became more and more tolerated. Between 1957 and 1960 the theatre in Burgas achieved success, which led to changes in the way of management of theatre productions in the whole country. The city and the sea inspired artists, poets and writers. The fruit of this inspiration turned into world-class artworks. Georgi Baev (1924-2007) who was born and lived in Burgas is among the most famous Bulgarian maritime artists. Petya Dubarova (1962-1979) and Hristo Fotev (19342002) are among the poets of Burgas who are spoken of with pride far and wide. National competitions for poetry and literature not only carry their names but bear the breeze of their poetic souls even today. This whole atmosphere and creative intensity strengthens Burgas as a cultural landmark in Bulgaria – a city of big artists and modern events. Fine arts, music, dance and cinema – all of them have had their innovators here. And they left be-

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“Strings”, choreography by Petya Stoykova Dune Dance Company

hind eternal art, followers and sweet memories in the hearts of people. After the changes in the Eastern Block, all processes died out. However, this stagnation started to break towards the end of the 90’s. The first actions and events of independent art in Burgas started to appear (such as Dance Company ‘Dune’). Despite the lack of support and sponsors, they stubbornly kept their spark from fading out and slowly caused a ripple of motion, regardless of the slower pace. Revival of the culture dynamics after the stagnation. The year of 2007 turned out to be the starting point in the revival of Burgas in cultural and social sense. The EU membership of Bulgaria and the active strive towards change by the local government caused the beginning of a ‘new culture wave’. The entire attitude towards culture,

as part of the city life and development, changed. Long-term culture projects were initiated; there were investments in the reconstruction and building of a cultural infrastructure. Burgas rediscovered its cultural potential. Thoughts and ideas towards realising this potential started circulating among the local government and the citizens, in the independent cultural industry and among the citizens with an appetite for culture, as well as those who satisfy this appetite. That is why we have chosen to refer to Burgas as a mechanism whose elements work towards one common goal – to accelerate its movement. Introducing new practices and relationships All important highlights briefly listed above also led to a new way of making the parts of the machine ‘click’. This put in motion the cultural development - art became accessible, perceptible and tangible, when it came out on the streets and 13

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STENOGRAFFIKA a legal graffitti wall along the seaside promenade Burgas

closer to people. Burgas started hosting more and more visiting projects, which refreshed the possibilities for cultural tourism. Big cultural projects were developed in the city and the surrounding area. The local government started working with the independent culture industry. Important and needed infrastructural improvements were started. Directors, actors, musicians, painters, dancers – artists from all areas became symbols and ambassadors of the local energy, openness and creativity. Cultural institutions and their life The cultural infrastructure in Burgas and the region has existed for a long time but in recent years it was additionally renovated. This way, it meets even more adequately the increasing need of spaces, which can host projects of different genres. At the same time the cultural institutions started working more and more actively with the creative industry, opening for partnerships and actions. This increased the pace of demand not only from the audiences but also from the distributors and producers. In turn that created a need for the cultural infrastructure to grow, to draw new participants and new ways of management in order to reach the audiences. Festivals – the start of turning Burgas into a cultural tourism destination Burgas has earned the title of a festival city. The reason is the multitude of interesting and large-scale events in different areas. Some of them don’t exist anywhere else in Bulgaria. Such is for example the ‘Festival of sand sculptures’, which led to the creation of local schools for

sand sculpture. Festivals are essential for a city, especially when it has the ambitions to develop tourism activities. They are an intermediary between art and audience and have that special power, capable of putting together people from different ages, nationalities, preferences and ideas. Since its start in 2008 the music festival ‘Spirit of Burgas’ has turned into one of the trademarks of the city. Each year, it attracts a large international audience and offers a stage to world-famous artists. The arts festival ‘Turn on the city’ opened a wide door for modern art, and in addition refreshed the city environment and life with projects such as Roller Fest and the construction of the legal graffiti wall STENOGRAFFIKA – they both found a cosy permanent place in the annual rhythm of Burgas. At the same time, the national and international festivals with a long standing tradition still keep their strong positions. The national competition for popular song ‘Burgas and the Sea’, founded in 1973 continues to fill the Summer Theatre. It has produced over 300 new songs and a multitude of popular artists. The international folklore festival, first organised in 1965, has brought to Burgas throughout the years close to 440 folklore groups and over 18 thousand participants from around the world. The theatre festival ‘At the beach’ has been the host of theatre groups from Paris, Bucharest, Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Skopje, as well as to some of the most significant theatre plays on Bulgarian stage. In 1984, Sozopol hosted the first edition of the Art festival ‘Apollonia’. Every year, for ten days it packs in the small, ancient, colourful streets

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the energy of tens of cultural projects and artists, who can discuss, be inspired and exchange ideas. In the region of Burgas, festival life is the irreplaceable engine of cultural dynamics, of attracting audiences and transforming non-conventional city and rural spaces in stages for cultural events. In recent years, experience has shown that exactly these kinds of events are the best way to reach the local audience and are also the most sought-after by artists, especially if they are concentrated in the summer season. Maintaining the already existing festivals and developing new ones, regardless of what their focus is – modern art, border forms or alternative spaces, is the way to new audiences and developing the cultural and creative industry. What are we missing? The city has the potential to turn into a sustainable centre for the cultural industry in the region, and in Europe as a whole. That is why we believe that with suitable tuning of the engine, we will achieve the desired effect – a modern and cultured Burgas. Admitting what we are missing will allow us to easily correct the speed of development. There are a few elements which can fill up the niches to turn the city into a mechanism with ‘sustainable dynamics’. We will create a favourable climate for the functioning of independent cultural spaces, we will open the existing cultural infrastructure to more independent projects; we will start new educational programmes in the areas of art, science and information technologies; we will make the audience look for knowledge through culture; we will identify sites and routes for cultural tourism and last, but not least, we will turn the audience from observers into participants. Tuning up and shifting to higher gear Burgas has to rediscover its strengths, to speed up the processes and tune up the proper machine parts, namely – audience, cultural and creative industry, infrastructure, information. It is important that the private sector, represented by businesses, patrons and funds understand they have the important role of the engine in this acceleration.

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Our dream is to wake up in the future in a European city which is not only ambitious but truly advanced, full of diversity and opportunities. We dream that Burgas will be a centre for artists returning home, for professionals touring around the world, for active citizens, for knowledge and creativity. We dream of a Burgas which clearly and distinctively, stands out on the cultural map of Europe. Movement as acceleration Why did movement turn into the central idea of our concept? We looked around us and saw it (the movement) in every single part of the city and the region. That is why we will use its presence to create, perceive and interact with the cultural environment. With the help of a few steps we will turn movement into acceleration: - Residences for visiting artists who will import/export creative potential to and from the city and will stimulate the intercultural dialogue; - Overlapping a multitude of different routes throughout the region with various events and projects, so that taking in the extensive region in its rich diversity will turn into a cultural journey for all the senses; - Integrating all types of transport in the city and the region and turning them into an instrument of the cultural programme, as well as looking for alternative means of transport; - Viewing travelling as a way of life; - Following and analysing the reasons forming the different cultures in the region through the migration of people; - The natural features of the environment in a region, that is fuelled by wind and water and naturally welcomes the idea of movement; - Sport as a type of movement which can have an active cultural role; - Linking the local industry with the cultural one.

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CULTURAL COLLIDER

Sche me of the Cultural c ollider and disp layed Streams and Spheres.

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BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Cultural Collider In order to achieve our dream and help Burgas and the region to develop their potential through our selection as ECoC, we created a mechanism which we called Cultural Collider. Our concept is inspired by The Large Hadron Collider at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). Its purpose is to study the results of colliding accelerated flows of protons and ions. Following the model of the Large Hadron Collider, our Cultural Collider will function through Flows, Spheres and Projects. Briefly explained, the Flows will be sped up in the Cultural Collider in order to collide in the Spheres and produce the Projects. The cyclic nature of the model creates a state which we called ‘sustainable dynamics’. We take the Flows to be the composite particles of the cultural environment which we want to influence. We have divided them into: Cultural industry, Social innovation and Knowledge. Our idea is to ‘accelerate’ them so that they will create a blast’ of cultural collisions, which will lead to different new forms and projects. The Spheres are the places where the Flows will be colliding. They will serve as ‘detectors’, through which we will study the influences on the environment and the society in the future. We called these Spheres: City, Territories and dimensions, Creative flows, People, Next step. The Projects are a product of the collisions and will serve as the instruments of our concept. The most important objective of the Cultural Collider is to create a sustainable and dynamic environment and to accelerate the already existing mechanisms. This will improve even further the link Burgas and the region have with Europe and its citizens. It will also work towards bringing together communities and ethnicities, audiences and artists, cities and cultural places. The Cultural Collider will function at its best in Burgas because of the unique combination of natural advantages in the region, the cultural-historical intensity, the appurtenance of every municipality, the city environment, the people’s potential and the feeling of being a local. All

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these things give the city and the region the ideal combination of factors to accelerate the collider. Structure of the Cultural Collider 1. Flows We are looking at the cultural environment of Burgas as a combination of cultural industry, social innovation and knowledge. These exact elements when put together in our collider would give productive results. The flows merge the energy which runs through it. That energy progressively increases and with every cycle the results from the collisions are transferred to another level. 1.1 Cultural and creative industry The cultural and creative industry is a symbiosis between culture, business, education and new technologies. In a developed cultural industry there are conditions for a competitive environment which facilitates the development and adds value to creativity. This additionally widens the horizon of the audience and stimulates the participation of the public sector. The cultural industry is closely linked with the other industries in the area and has a long-lasting economic influence. Even though in Burgas it is only in its beginner stage, the preparation and realization of the city as a ECoC will push forward the creative mobility. This will be a clear sign for the professionals to come and settle here permanently. Beside this, the quality of products will improve, there will be a larger cultural production which will create and cultivate a wider audience. This, quite naturally, will influence the quality of life of the local population. • artists The environment is of extreme importance for creativity. It stimulates, inspires, elates and supports. That is why, one of the main functions of our concept and its implementation is to improve the creativity climate. The accelerated Cultural and creative industry flow will create new conditions and improve the already existing ones: - Involvement in the new and already existing cultural institutions; - A creative field in the multitude of cultural projects with a production aspect; - International exchange and creative resi-

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

dences; - Collaborations with European artists; - Participation in educational processes; - Increased social involvement and responsibility; If we succeed to permanently give the artists a different kind of inspiration that will lead to more opportunities for work on new projects. This will increase the involvement in the new resident and creative spaces. The cultural product will have a bigger chance to go out on a world stage, becoming more recognisable. • products Ensuring suitable living conditions for a cultural product is extremely important for creativity. Production is what leads to an industry boom and its distribution offers us opportunities for competitiveness and prestige. Burgas and the region need to export intellectual and material creative products, produced here, in order to position themselves as a favourable environment for creativity. On the other hand, this environment will be a prerequisite for the city and the region to host many other visiting projects, events and participants. We will amend the lack of an adequate level of high-quality production by accelerating the presence of suitable components. This means a more adequate infrastructure, better knowledge of creativity and competitiveness. • Infrastructure(5) The cultural infrastructure contains all types of possible cultural spaces. It is the epicentre of any cultural environment and is the basics for the normal functioning of the industry. • audiences and access ‘Burgas is rarely visited by world examples of culture and contemporary art, which denies us knowledge about the level of arts in the world in general.’ Petya Stoykova, choreographer, Dune Dance A large part of the population in the region has a limited access to diverse culture and art which makes it impossible to form a personal taste or a consumption model. By placing its bid for ECoC 2019 Burgas strives to correct this and give the people a chance to experience unknown and colourful types and genres of art, to feel, breathe and even touch it. Sometimes it is not high art that is needed but just art – any kind of art. Accelerating the Cultural and creative industry 18

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“Strings”, choreography by Petya Stoykova Dune Dance Company

(5) Special attention is given to infrastructure in other parts of the application form, that is why the text here is so concise.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

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flow, we will make the audiences aware of the colours, sound and taste of the city. • communication Using an environment analysis of Burgas and the district, we found a low level of involvement in the sphere of cultural management and communication. The saturated supply of cultural products before, during and after 2019 will create a need for more professionals in these fields. A specific approach is needed which will take into consideration the environment and will communicate with the audience in a newer, more suitable way. That is why there is a need for a stronger, more adequate and current way to access information regarding every aspect of the cultural life. 1.2 Social innovation ‘You didn’t ask me what can make me come back to Burgas? Well, the weather is nice and there is sea everywhere around the world. But what makes you come back to a certain place is the attitude of people and the friends you make there. People matter more than anything. You might even put it this way: Come to Burgas and be a part of our culture!’ Jim Beggs, UK architect, working and living in Burgas

Residential complex Burgas

What do we do best? Some people say that people from Burgas are chauvinists. You will easily hear among people or in the media phrases, based on charts and conclusions that ‘Burgas is the best city to live in Bulgaria’ or ‘Burgas is the fastest growing city in the country’. This undoubtedly gives us confidence. It is, however, questionable that everyone is so gullible that they would blindly believe that we are ahead of the other large Bulgarian cities in so many different categories. Despite the relatively low tangibility of cultural competitiveness, these acknowledgements are a protection, a kind of a safety mechanism, which manages to preserve our unity. Our plans go a long way beyond the simple unity around a definition or a title. We want our city and our area to be a product of our unity, a product of the main actors – the people. There is a newly created positive energy in the city, which ‘fuels’ the engine of social development. 19

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

There are more and more projects which are publicly open for discussion in a consultation process. This increases the level of transparency in the work of the local government. It also increases the confidence and self-esteem of people, they believe that their opinion matters and influences the common good. That is why we want to accelerate this flow and create an increased interest of the audiences to encourage them to get involved in the process, forming our environment. This is a way to build an active and constructive civil society. The social innovation will provide Burgas with stable grounds where the cultural processes can be sown and grown; and we will keep accelerating them even more. 1.3 Knowledge Knowledge is power. It reaches new worlds and through it, society grows and changes. Through knowledge we can erase the borders of impossibility and make our dreams come true. Culture and art are based on knowledge. Knowledge is a way of communication, which guarantees a community with higher requirements of its cultural life, a better understanding of art and a more intense cultural environment. In order to influence the knowledge management, we will use art as its carrier. We will define all structures and places, which transfer or create knowledge: cultural institutions, educational institutions, independent art and culture organizations. We will offer them different methods for alternative and interesting communication in the form of games, forums, workshops, art-therapy. Modernization of the school education programmes, diversifying the curriculum, introducing innovations and interactivity would help develop the cultural environment. Children, as an engine of social growth, could be a strong motivation for their parents to be more active. In the end, it is exactly the children of today who will be the audience of tomorrow and the consumers of art in 2019 and afterwards. They will, most insistently of all, make the rest of society participate in the exchange of knowledge. Knowledge should be managed in such a way that it comes from unexpected sources, be spon-

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taneous, interactive, intriguing and bringing enjoyment. People should be instilled with a desire, a demand, which, in combination with the offered knowledge, will have a synergetic and generating effect; this is the objective of the Cultural Collider. • creating, innovations If there were no innovations, we would probably still be drawing on cave walls. They have always moved us forward – further ahead than anyone else before us has ever imagined. We need new, unexpected, intellectual sparks which inspire new cultural or technological movements. Innovations also induce the active intellectual environment, attract artists and audience and act as magnets for business clusters. Children are the most spontaneous and lack the thought limitation which comes with age; that is why their innovations are one of the main engines for cultural development. • sharing knowledge Knowledge and culture cannot be accumulated in separate drawers. They gain meaning when they are shared. This can happen either in an organised way or spontaneously – in buildings, on squares or by the sea. It is important to put together people who are consciously involved with knowledge with those who are not really looking for anything in particular. • learning When we accelerate the belief that culture and art are a natural part of life, knowledge will be accepted without prejudice. The collider will create and cultivate a more curious audience with the help of active provocations. • dissemination It is important that dissemination and management of knowledge is done in a way which guarantees sustainability of cultural processes. This will also ensure a transparency and publicity. There is a need for professional critics which will mediate between citizen’s art, knowledge and awareness. 2. Spheres These are the places where the flows of the Cultural Collider will meet and produce the cultural products, projects and interactions. They can be multi-genre, in a specific field or contrib-

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

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opportunities for unusual spaces – both physical and virtual. • Creative Flow This sphere is an expression of the creative process and it puts artists in an environment, in which the collision of their distinctive expressive means will form innovative products. It is a demonstration of the free movement of artists, values and products. The creative energy from every field of culture and art genre will make this sphere burst with life. • Next Step This is an attempt to see into the future and answer questions like ‘Now what?’. This is our way to use culture to prevent conflicts and to disarm critical situations.

Dance with fire

ute to the implementation of innovative practices in Burgas and the region. When the accelerated Flows collide, we will get as an end product a rich programme of innovative events, interesting collaboration topics on European and world level and we will involve the citizens in these processes. The spheres of the collider are: • People People are the particles we want to accelerate in order to achieve new forms of interaction in culture. They are both the means and objective of our cultural programme. • City This sphere deals with the distinctive features of the city environment, its problems and the different solutions through culture. We will look at the processes which affect the growth rate of the city organism. • Territories and dimensions This sphere deals with different distinctive areas, roads, layers. It will look for the links between them and create routes. It will find new

Expected results Our nomination will be used to accelerate the creation of suitable conditions on all levels of public life. This will lead to a complete, working system which will serve the city, the people and the whole country, namely it will: - Accelerate the processes of culture growth which have already started in Burgas; - Achieve ‘sustainable dynamics’ (a stable foundation for the cultural environment and the active life in it); - Achieve multi-genre experiments which will help us come out of the box and find new levels of cultural interaction; - Lead to symbiosis between the cultural, social, institutional and business sectors; - Apply new methods to reach the widest possible audience, including people who need assistance; - Create conditions for the development and growth of all aspects of the culture as factors for sustainable development; - Develop an efficient mechanism for sustainable financing of the cultural institutes and find forms and sources to finance culture. Which are our audiences / target groups: During the implementation of the programme and in the preliminary stage of preparation we will reach all citizens in the region regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs or social status; we will reach people with special needs and

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

those who do not have regularly intervene with culture (e.g. project Cultural Patronage - see annex 1, page 87). The programme is also aimed at the visitors of Burgas and the district – tourists, whose purpose is recreation, business, culture, conventions visits, administrative needs, sports, temporary residents of the region, permanently resident foreigners, citizens from around the world, visiting the events of the cultural programme of 2019 (e.g. project Big Urban Dictionary - see annex 1, page 82). This concept will be expressed and realised in the structure of the programme for Burgas 2019 which is presented in section II Structure of the programme for the event. 3. Could this programme be summed up by a slogan?(6) The slogan of Burgas 2019 programme is ‘Cultural Collider’. The Cultural Collider is the essence of the concept and the programme which Burgas will offer in 2019, if it is awarded with the title. The Cultural Collider represents the ideas of the concept. This is the way the city will achieve its objectives. Our slogan is a natural extension of the processes flowing in the city and of the vision of Burgas for the future. 4. Which geographical area does the city intend to involve in the ‘European Capital of Culture’ event? Explain this choice. Burgas has included in the initiative the whole Burgas region, which has declared its support through the commitment of the local governments in a special Partnership Memorandum. Burgas is undoubtedly linked to the municipalities which it includes in its bid for European Capital of Culture. This is due to a few reasons: geography, nature, history, culture, traditions and

(6) The answer to this question is optional at the pre-selection stage.

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infrastructure and they cannot be looked at separately. However, as the largest city in the district Burgas is the engine of socio-economic development, which unites, brings closer and attracts all other cities. It is hard to meet a person in the region, regardless from which part, who does not associate themselves with Burgas. This was the main reason behind the decision for a joint bid. Burgas District is the Eastern, sea border of the current territory of EU. Its immediate proximity to the sea has always had an important, even leading, role in the historical, economic and cultural development of the district. Burgas is surrounded by water on all sides – both fresh and saline. West of the coast, there are three lakes, which form the biggest seaside lake group in Bulgaria. It has always been described as unique which is due to its biological diversity. The region includes a multitude of protected territories – nature parks, reserves, protected areas, natural landmarks. This natural environment has presented us with the opportunities to develop seaside recreational tourism, bird watching (‘Poda’ Environmental Centre, ‘Atanasovsko Lake’ Bird watching Hide, ‘Ropotamo’ Environmental Centre) and eco-tourism (‘Strandzha’ Nature Park, Burgas Wet Zones, ‘Rosentes’ Park, eco-route Sredets – Yazovira – Bozhura; Ropotamo, Eastern Balkan Mountain). However, it is not only our nature which is worth noting. History in the region has left a strong trace. Throughout the territory of the whole region, there are unique archaeological findings – ancient village mounts from the neolith age, Thracian sanctuaries and tombs, remains from Roman cities, Byzantine and medieval fortresses, architectural reserves, ethnographic complexes, churches and monasteries. The territory of the region of Burgas has been on the crossroads between ancient civilizations since the end of VII – V millennium B.C. There are sunken villages discovered in the Burgas Bay dated back to the Bronze Age (III millennium B.C.). The multitudes of stone anchors of difference sizes hint at shipbuilding in the bay even during that early age. The copper ingot of Minoan origins, found near Burgas is evidence of the existence of trade links between the Thracians and the Mediterranean world around 15th –13th century B.C. The natural

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

richness and benevolent geographical location of the Burgas coastal areas attracted Greek settlers, who founded Black Sea trade colonies towards the end of the 7th century B.C., the most famous of which are Apollonia Pontika (Sozopol) and Messambria (Nessebar). The notable Apollo Temple was built in Apollonia, which reached its economic and cultural bloom as early as 5th century B.C. The ancient city Deultum was founded in Roman times by soldiers of the roman army. The fortification of its borders with small forts, called ‘burgi’ is connected to the creation of a village in 3th-4th century A.D.; this is the origin of the name Burgas. One of the fort towers of this village still survives today in the Poda area, near the outlet of the Mandrensko Lake into the sea. After the foundation of the First Bulgarian State in 681, its second leader, Khan Tervel annexed a large part of the South Black Sea Coast in the period 708-716. This started the construction of the large border trench ‘Erkesia’ between Bulgaria and Byzantium, whose start was the medieval city Debelt. This is only a small part of our history. Our region houses two of the eleven sites in Bulgaria, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are the Ancient City of Nessebar and the Nestinari custom (Fire ritual originally performed in several villages in the Strandzha Mountains), which has been kept in its original state only in our region. The potential which Burgas and the region have in a cultural aspect is only part of the incentive for

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our joint bid. Regardless of how connected we are, we still need additional improvements in the communications engine. The strive to improve the quality of life and living conditions of the local citizens comes from the desire to change the status of Burgas as a point of origin for active people who often abandon it in the search of something better. We want the whole region to become a preferred destination. And even more – to become a comfortable place to live in every possible aspects. Besides this, our proposal increases the self-esteem and confidence of local communities. It makes them a part of a long-term, ambitious programme which does not discriminate against smaller or larger city. The region is a natural extension of Burgas in a cultural, ethnical and natural-geographic aspect. There are various festivals organised here, such as the ‘Apollonia’ Arts Festival in Sozopol, the ‘Malko Tarnovo Style – From the Source of Strandzha’ Craftsmanship Festival, folklore meets such as the one in Petrova Niva and the Nestinari custom, sporting events such as the International Swimming Marathon in Tsarevo and sailing regattas. The more cultural links, interactions and diversity we have, the more attractive and interesting place we will be. Applying with a joint bid, the whole region strengthens the links between the cities and their citizens. Burgas is a unifying centre which hosts many of the everyday life processes of the local population: the airport where all the tourists land is in

Nessebar

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Burgas; a large part of the schools are in the city; the administrative and trade generators of overall development are also here. We are on the border of the European Union. Here is where the West and the East meet, where the colorful Orient, the Balkan soul and the Western culture live harmoniously. Living near this boundary, we carry the feeling of boundlessness. We, more than anyone else, need to urgently answer the question of current borders – are they just territorial outlines or have their grounds in other types of differences? Culture answers all these questions. Through the accelerated movement of the cultural charge, Burgas and the region will establish themselves as one of the important European creative residences. By becoming ECoC our region will jump over the borders of the usual tourist destination and will enter a new exciting role – that of a cultural unifier and future creative centre in Europe.

The mayors of all municipalities in Burgas region support Burgas 2019

5. Please confirm that you have the support of the local and/or regional political authorities. The support of the administrative district of Burgas was unconditionally given when on 9 May 2012 – the Day of Europe, the mayors of all municipalities in the district (a total of thirteen) signed the Partnership Memorandum, in which they declared their willingness to support the bid of Burgas for European Capital of Culture in 2019. Later on by December 2012, the local governments of the thirteen municipalities took decisions for the establishment of Association for culture development of Burgas city and region(7) (ACDBCR). The Association was founded by the mayors of all 13 municipalities in Burgas District on 20 February 2013. It was registered as non-profit organisation in pub-

(7) The Association is described in detail in Section III, Question 1. (8) The chairman of MC at the moment is Snezhina Madzharova.

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lic interest. The mayor of the Municipality of Burgas, Dimitar Nikolov, was elected chairman of the Association and the mayors of Pomorie, Tsarevo and Malko Tarnovo were elected members of the Board of Directors (BoD). The foundation of the Association was supported also by the Chair of the Municipal Council of Burgas(8) and the District Governor of Burgas by signing the Memorandum. The main objective of the Association is to promote the cities in the region and their cultural, social and economic identity and to work towards preparing the application of Burgas for ECoC in 2019. Burgas 2019 Summer Tour took place in the summer of 2013, within 13 weeks, in the 13 municipalities in Burgas District, including 13 different cultural events. The main objective of this initiative was to promote the bid of Burgas among the wider public of the different municipalities. The realisation of this large-scale campaign would not have been possible if not for the active help and support of all local governments and institutions and clearly shows that their actual involvement is standing firmly behind the bid of Burgas for European Capital of Culture. ‘This is a wonderful idea of the mayor of Burgas, which I support. I am sure we will succeed’, Panayot Reyzi – mayor of Sozopol ‘I truly believe that Burgas is already a capital of culture and that we will finish this undertaking’, Georgi Lapchev – mayor of Tsarevo ‘We have the sufficient qualities to win. The initiative is bound to succeed’, Dimitar Germanov – mayor of Primorsko ‘The mayors of the district united in the largescale project for a regional waste management depot. Now, we will win again’, Stefan Bonev – mayor of Kameno ‘We firmly support the bid of Burgas. The people of the district deserve this.’, Vasil Edrev – mayor of Aytos ‘We will help with rich archaeological findings’, Ivan Zhabov – mayor of Sredets ‘We will help with our sites and traditions in Strandzha’, Iliyan Yanchev – mayor of Malko Tarnovo

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

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If Burgas is awarded European Capital of Culture, this vision and strategy will be fully realised and the development of the city and the region will be stimulated by the cultural collider. 7. To what extent do you plan to forge links with the other city to be nominated European Capital of Culture?(10) In case your city gets the title, do you plan to cooperate with the other bidding cities in your country which have been pre-selected?

Underground festival Pomorie

6. How does the event fit into the long-term cultural development of the city and, where appropriate, of the region? The cultural development of the city is part of the long-term strategy(9) for development of Burgas and the region until 2020. The leading theme of the strategy is the understanding of the geostrategic location of the city and its role as a gravitational centre and an economic development engine. The vision encompasses a strive towards culture and creative development and towards stimulating human capital and innovations – A city, in which people’s potential creates their future. The vision of the city was formulated in a long and open process of socio-economic planning and discussions with the public and is recognised by a wide range of people. It is presented in a short message which builds on top of the already existing strategic objectives of the Municipality of Burgas and includes coordination between the regional development policy of European cities, the cohesion policy for development of territories and the people’s attitude towards realising their potential and achieving a better quality of life.

The Municipality of Burgas has traditionally very good partnerships with Italy in the area of culture and in the last few years it has implemented a few significant join projects with different cities, among which Florence, Ravenna, Livorno and Vinci. In 2009, Burgas mosaic schools participated in the International Festival for Contemporary Mosaic RavennaMosaico, and in October 2013 the Burgas painter Iliya Iliev presented his solo exhibition within the same festival. Again in 2009, a collection of three-dimensional models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions visited our city - a guest exhibition from the museum in the hometown of the artist. In the same year, the Burgas citizens enjoyed for the first time the performance of the world prima Rayna Kabaivanska who came back from Italy to her hometown after a 70 year absence. At the same time, an exhibit, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the genius Italian composer Giacomo Puccini visited Burgas. In 2010, we hosted an exhibition of two contemporary Italian artists – the sculptor Alba Gonzales and the photographer Luca Bracali. Simultaneously, Florence presented an exhibition of 40 artists from Burgas. Burgas craftsmen presented their work at the International Exhibition of Crafts, together with 500 other craftsmen from around the world in Florence. The Municipality of Burgas participated as a partner to the Municipality of Florence in the implementation of two international projects in the sphere of craftsmanship – under the ‘Culture’ Programme of EC and INTERREG IVC of EU. A few years ago, an Italian sculptor took part in the International Sculpture Convention in Burgas and then visited us again with a solo exhibition. The Italian Ambassador for 2012,

(9) There is an integrated plan for city renovation and development of Burgas until 2020 (10) The answer to this question is optional at the pre-selection stage.

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H.E. Stefano Benazzo also presented his models exhibition in Burgas and declared his support for the application of our city for ECoC. A huge contribution to the effective and well-working cultural relations between the Municipality of Burgas and Italy is the work of the honorary consul of Bulgaria in District Tuscany, solicitor Alessandro Buzzoni. This kind of exchange of artists and events is traditional between Burgas and Italy. In this sense, forging links with the Italian city to be nominated ECoC 2019 will be a logical extension of already existing similar partnerships. Our candidacy is supported by several of the Italian candidate cities for the same title. Burgas

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has signed partnership agreements or letters of mutual support with Siena, Piza, Palermo, Ravenna, Perugia, Bergamo, Mantua and Lecce. Specific ideas for join events and initiatives in 2019 were discussed during personal meetings with representatives from most of these cities (meetings in Brussels, October 2012; Plovdiv, June 2013; Mantua, July 2013). To add to this the programme has a special section named Shortcut to Italy, dedicated to the exchange between our two cultures. We believe that through sharing events we can create a feeling of spiritual and almost physical closeness between the nominated cities. Establishing cooperation with every European

Turku Partnerships Partnership Agreements Twin cities Riga

Rotterdam Ghent

Homiel Wroclaw

Miskolc Mantua Florence

Bergamo

Pisa

Sibiu

Rijeka Ravenna

Sienna Perugia

Burgas Lecce

Alexandroupoli

Palermo

Pafos

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city is one of the priorities of our city since we find it important to create a foundation for mutual encouragement in the cultural sphere initiatives. Sharing ideas, exchanging experience and giving constructive criticism are all valuable indexes, showing the willingness of our city to develop in a positive direction. Especially valuable to us are the links with the cities which have already been or are nominated to be European Capitals of Culture – we exchange experience with them and learn from each other. Burgas is in good partner relations with Paphos 2018, Wroclaw 2016, Riga 2014, Turku 2011, Sibiu 2007 and Florence 1986. Regarding the other bidding cities in Bulgaria which have been pre-selected, Burgas is open to collaboration and implementation of join projects, which fit within the strategy for development of cultural and creative industries in the city. Such partnership can only have a positive effect on increasing diversity and forging partnership links which can exist regardless of the bidding for and award of the title European Capital of Culture. 8. Explain how the event could fulfil the criteria listed below. Please substantiate your answer for each of the criteria. (11)

As regards ‘The European Dimension’, how does the city intend to contribute to the following objectives: • to strengthen cooperation between the cultural operators, artists and cities of your country and other Member States, in all cultural sectors One of the long-term objectives of Burgas 2019 is to promote the city on the cultural map of Europe where it is currently less known. This can happen through developing collaborations and encouraging partnerships, including joint projects between artists and cultural institutions in Burgas with those from other European countries. The programme of Burgas 2019 is targeted towards all artists and cultural operators in the (11) This question must be answered in greater detail at the final selection stage

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city, district and the territory of Bulgaria and the European countries. Our Cultural Collider has five spheres, which define the major topics of the programme: People, City, Creative flow, Next step, Territories and dimensions. Each of these topics is expected to include various events and projects, international participation and to aim at active cultural partnership and exchange of ideas. This way, we plan to realise partnering projects between the cities (City), partnerships between the artists and the creative mobility, as well as creative residences (People, Creative flow), synthesis between arts and non-traditional performance places (Territories and dimensions). Some of the most expressive examples of stimulating and developing collaboration are the following projects: On tour – A touring festival for stage/performing arts - accelerates the dissemination of culture throughout the region. Material trails – Craftsmanship workshops, introducing the crafts traditionally practiced in the region; getting to know the surroundings (history, characteristics), mutual education – exchange of techniques, customs, culture. Adding to the traditional atmosphere of the places by introducing modern contemporary design, art and architecture elements. ‘Contemporary art’ Project – A large-scale project which develops a contemporary art programme throughout the year. There is an exhibition part, residences, lectures. It aims to create knowledge of and interest towards contemporary arts. It supports the ambitious infrastructure project to for a Contemporary art Centre in Burgas. Inspired – A series of meetings aiming to inspire, educate and communicate. The mentors are international artists who will share their personal experience and the things that inspire them, at the same time presenting projects and ideas. The Inspired lectures are organised in modules, presenting the spheres of the Collider; there’s also a kids section. We find especially valuable our links with the cities, which have already been or are going to be European capitals of culture. We exchange experience with them, teach each other and will collaborate with them in the future. In the process of preparing the bid of Burgas 2019, at the next 27

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selection stage, we will establish a closer relationship with the chosen city in Italy, which will give us the opportunity to develop more joint projects. • to highlight the richness of cultural diversity in Europe Burgas is a city whose identity was formed by different cultures and ethnical groups – Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Jews, etc. Historical data shows that in the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the city expanded a lot due to the flow of refugees who successfully integrated themselves and brought the uniqueness of their culture in Burgas. Europe is represented by its citizens and in this sense, the cultural diversity manifests itself through the contact between people. The projects we rely on will stimulate meetings between artists and audiences from different countries. They will highlight the abundance of languages, customs and traditions that form Europe and co-exist harmonically on its territory. Here are some examples of projects in our preliminary programme: Pagan feasts – A project presenting the pagan traditions and customs, characteristic for pre-Christian Europe. Each event consists of: presenting the spiritual customs of the different ethnic groups (Thracians, Celts, Vikings, Ancient Greeks, Galls, etc.) by re-enactment, exhibitions, performances; outdoor science-historical presentations (lectures + exhibitions) showing the migration of the different ethnic groups of the continent. Christian customs are viewed as successors of the pagan ones. Read Cyrillic – A project dealing with communication and language, with a stress on the Cyrillic alphabet. It accelerates understanding and communication between different cultures, and it also defines us as a Slavic community. Migrations – A project looking into the different cultures which shape the local community, their origins and traditions, as well as the influences of these communities on the local culture. Travelling spirit – A project, dedicated to people who have turned travelling into a way of life. Lectures, presentations and discussions. Burgas 2019 has the opportunity to improve the intercultural dialogue on a European level – by distributing the diversity of different cultures 28

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and looking for an active feedback the cultural Collider will bring these topics to new dimensions. • to bring the common aspects of European cultures to the fore? The programme of Burgas 2019 will include a lot of events, which unite different European cultures. Art is the common language we all understand regardless of ethnicity or nationality. The idea of a united Europe is based on common values which helps us overcome intolerance and to be open to each other as equal friends and competitors. The common aspects can be found within the intention and ideology of projects such as: 30 years since 1989 – At first glance, this is an event only related to Bulgaria, but on the other hand it connects Bulgaria with the countries from the ex-Eastern Block. In 2019 it will be 30 years from the political changes in Bulgaria. This is a project which looks into the processes, leading to the democratisation and evolution of society. Accompanying events – conferences, lectures, art projects. Easy livin’ – This is a project looking into the easy seaside life - it will highlight the most pleasant and interesting aspects of life, so that the visitors can experience the true spirit of Burgas. It will focus on the common characteristics of everyday life people share in their easy seaside way of living, typical for all South European countries - culinary, sport, recreation, conversation. Can you specify how this event could help to strengthen the city’s links with Europe? Even now Burgas is implementing a lot of joint projects with different cultural and public institutions from member-states of the EU. This contributes to building partner networks, exchange of good practices and excellent cooperation. Burgas hosting ECoC 2019 will present our city with the opportunity to realise its ideas for sustainable development through an active cultural sector and an extensive programme. This will give us the opportunity to partner up with different cultural operators and institutes from European countries – it will lead to a new European culture in Burgas. Besides all this, we

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

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Puzzle - contemporary art festival Burgas

are also planning on building a strong link with the other nominated cities in Bulgaria in order to decentralise and homogenise the Bulgarian cultural environment. Good examples of projects which strengthen our links with Europe include: Import/Export – A project on the subject of cultivating the port with a highlight on the relationship city+sea=port. It contains different modules: discussions and exhibitions with international experience for the socialisation of port territories. It will accelerate the discussion between citizens, specialists and the local government – import/export of knowledge. Waves of ideas – A project that puts culture and science in the spotlight as a way to innovation. It looks into the influence of innovations on the development of society on a global scale. The role of art in popularising innovative technologies. Especially interesting and motivating are the projects, including children. We plan to organize a Children Calcio – kids football camp with children from Burgas and Italy. (12) This question must be answered in greater detail at the final selection stage.

9. Explain how the event could meet the criteria listed below. Please substantiate your answer for each of the criteria.(12) As regards ‘City and Citizens’, how does the city intend to ensure that the programme for the event: • attracts the interest of the population at European level; A significant part of the programme we have planned is focused towards not just the local audience but also towards the visitors of the city. Many of the events planned will establish links with the Italian city-host and the Italian culture in general. Some of the projects will develop innovative ideas; some are inspired by local traditions and folklore. Even with traditional types of art, we will be looking for innovative forms of presenting it. Besides the dynamic cultural programme, Burgas and the region can offer marvellous conditions for different kinds of tourism. 29

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Some of the archaeological and natural landmarks will be used as arena for the events in the cultural programme. Burgas will develop its communication campaign, in order to promote the programme of ECoC 2019 by targeting different groups and disseminating information, including partners in different projects, on which the city is currently working. The programme will also be promoted by a network of tour operators which will include certain events as the main highlight of the tourist packages they offer. An example of bringing our city closer to the European citizens, through the concession of a unique archaeological experimental field is Archaeological residences Aqua Calidae, which is attractive for young specialists and students. This project encourages professional and academic exchange and attracts young people from Europe. • encourages the participation of artists, stakeholders in the socio-cultural scene and the inhabitants of the city, its surroundings and the area involved in the programme, The preparation of the bid of Burgas for ECoC in 2019 motivated a wide range of experts and citizens to participate in the consultative process of the initiative. In the summer of 2013, Burgas 2019 Summer Tour took place, which besides the organization of cultural events at non-traditional places, also included a very active dialogue with different audiences on the territory of the whole district, as well as with visitors of Burgas and the region. Our Facebook page is spreading information about the preparation of the proposal and the relevant events. It also provides a forum for the citizens to share their suggestions and ideas. The project for the programme of ECoC 2019 is prepared with the active participation of representatives of the independent cultural sector in the city; a platform was created for consultations and discussions regarding the separate spheres and elements of the programme. The goal is to encompass as many artists, producers, authors and distributors as possible and to publicise their opinion and ideas. By opening a discussion about the programme towards people of different competences will encourage them to participate. Often, the non-gov30

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ernment sector, producing cultural services and products, brings innovation. In order to keep up with the trends, the cultural and creative industries experiment with new spaces, use new technologies, new audiences, new channels for information and models of consumption. The ways to experience art constantly change shape, while the borders between artists and consumers are blurred by the development of participatory technologies. At this selection stage, we have defined the conceptual frame and criteria which the projects in our programme should meet. That is why we have planned for a lot of the projects to be implemented via an open invitation at the next stage. This will encourage a maximum degree of participation of unlimited number of artists and will bring an even larger diversity into the programme. The Cultural Collider offers original projects, overcoming the traditional borders in the arts and the classical division between artists and audience, professionals and amateurs, participants and observers. We expect that this type of innovation will attract new audiences and will provoke the artists. Here are some examples of such projects: Urban sound exchange – An audio stock of city sounds will be collected within a month, which will be announced in advance. For this purpose, everyone willing to participate, may record sounds they associate with Burgas. During the next stage, mix-engineers, musicians and music producers will create ‘The Music of Burgas’. Jazz & Co. – Jazz festival in Burgas. Headliners are invited; jam sessions among professionals and amateurs. City routes – A system of connected city spaces with an added culture value, which will be visited with a guide. Local and foreign tourists will be able to sign up for a tour, specifically designed according to their interests. Mentorship – Meeting with successful Burgasians in an educational environment. The project has two aspects: meeting famous people from Burgas and a programme for finding mentors. It will take place during the academic year. • is sustainable and an integral part of the long-term cultural and social development of the city?

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The cultural and creative industries are part of the overall Strategy for development of Burgas. The election of Burgas for ECoC in 2019 and the implementation of the event will stimulate the socio-economic development of the city, while we also expect improvements of the city infrastructure, increase in tourism, better social inclusion, improved labour market and increased competitiveness of businesses. Burgas ECoC 2019 will accelerate the processes of elaboration of a long-term plan for the development of cultural and creative industries; it will stimulate the independent cultural sector, as well as promote investments in culture. The concept of the Cultural Collider contains the idea of sustainability – a large part of the projects planned have the potential to become regular and expand in time. Some of the examples of such events include: Archaeological residences Aqua Calidae; Project for the digital arts in a city environment; ‘Contemporary art’ Project, Waves of ideas; Design Academy; Inspired (see annex 1, page 82-91). The process of preparing the bid is an example of passing over the stereotypes in the communication with the independent cultural sector and promises a successful future collaboration. This will significantly help the cultural environment of Burgas and will be one achieved objective.

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Fireter Street Theater Turn On The City festival

10. How does the city plan to get involved in or create synergies with the cultural activities supported by the European Institutions? We have noticed a few important trends in the cultural policies of the EU in the last two decades: - A new focus on the growing cross-border migration and the increasing mixture of different ethnical, religious, language and other groups in society, that serves as a prerequisite and an opportunity to enrich the European culture through the policies of intercultural dialogue; - Transferring the accent from culture as a common good and achievement to interpreting it as a factor for economic growth and a field for economic activity, offering services and products, generating income and creating jobs (a growing development of the concepts of creative and cultural and creative industries in the official documents of the EU and in the statistical analyses); - A gradual integration of cultural policies in all other EU policies and establishing the concept, that unless cultural problems are dealt with, EU will not completely achieve its goal for unit31

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ed Europe. The data of the EC for the programme period 2007-2013 shows planned expenses on cultural activities of 6 billion euro or 1.7% of the total European budget. Of this, 3 billion euro are allocated for protection of culture heritage, 2.2 billion euro are meant for developing the cultural infrastructure and 775 million euro – to support the improvement of cultural services. For the next programme period 2014 – 2020 the EC is developing a new programme entitled ‘Creative Europe’ which is based on the experience and success of the ‘Culture’ and ‘MEDIA’ programmes, lending support to the cultural and audio-visual sectors for over 20 years now. The proposed budget for the ‘Creative Europe’ programme is increased by 34% compared to the current levels of financing. During its preparation for ECoC in 2019, and also upon implementation of its programme, Burgas will be looking for cross-sections between the different policies and programmes of EU and the main objectives of its concept. Sustainable development requires work on social and economic cohesion, protecting the environment and working on the development of the urban areas. We have proven our skills in building partnerships in different areas and with various organisations. Burgas takes part in many projects at a European level and will continue to look for synergies between the different EU policies and the programme, prepared for ECoC in 2019. The Municipality of Burgas is already working on projects funded under the territorial cooperation programmes with partners from the EU: a project for establishing the role of culture and culture heritage in regional policies and for sustainability of tourism (Programme Interreg IV C); project ‘The role of innovation services on the tourism market in support of regional development’ (Interreg IV C). Burgas will continue to look for cooperation under the programmes, financed by the objectives ‘Investing in growth and jobs’ and ‘European territorial cooperation’ of the Cohesion policy. There can also be synergies between the Programmes for European Territorial Cooperation and the Programmes for European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), which foresee a purposeful co-financing of projects for 32

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transnational partnerships under the European Social Fund (ESF). The strategic location of Burgas will allow us to take advantage of the opportunities, offered for partnerships through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), the Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme, as well as the South East Europe Operational Programme. In the implementation of its programme for ECoC, Burgas will also make use of the opportunities for synergies with the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme, mostly regarding the Social Innovation and Creativity priority. Synergy and coordination will be ensured with: - Framework Programme ‘Erasmus for all’ and the ‘Jean Monnet’ Programme - Burgas will continue to look for opportunities for coordination and synergy with the EU programmes for the next programme period 2014-2020, related to the integration of different minority groups, mostly Roma. We will continue to build on our experience in the area of Roma integration, the work of the Roma educational mediators, youth leaders and students in primary schools for more effective measures for integration, for early prevention of school dropout, for social activity of students and youths. Part of the events and projects in the ECoC 2019 programme are planned to involve partners in general discussion platforms and events (for example, projects like Material trails; Sea soul; Archaeological residences Aqua Calidae; ‘Contemporary art’ Project; The Sound of Classics; Outdoor photo-shooting session with the Italian capital of culture; Routes; Rewind; 30 Years since 1989; Event of the Year: Burgas is a stage - see annex 1, page 82-91). The programme also envisages mobility support of artists and special residences.

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Painting on wheels Turn On The City festival

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to allow accessibility for people with disabilities An important target group of the Collider is young people and children. They have specific needs and interests and their realisation as future active people and citizens is of special significance. We will offer educational-entertaining events which will help them find their place in society (e.g. projects Mentorship, Music science, Kids lab - - see annex 1, page 83, 90, 91). In the past few years, most of the events are organised outdoors – not only at the already existing summer stages but everywhere around the city. The idea that culture and art should be easily accessible to everyone is set in the foundations of our programme. In the course of its development, there will be new events, encouraging the participation of all social groups.

11. Are some parts of the programme designed for particular target groups (young people, minorities, etc.)? Specify the relevant parts of the programme planned for the event.

12. What contacts has the city or the body responsible for preparing the event established, or what contacts does it intend to establish, with:

People are the main participants in our Cultural Collider, which is why our concept is mainly dealing with social innovation. The projects will attract different target groups and audiences, among which also fall people without any access to art. For example in the Territories and dimensions Sphere, there is a project called Cultural patronage. This is a project which will be presenting various culture products in social establishments, hospitals and homes for disabled people. The Cultural Patronage will produce events and types of realization, which will bring art to the people who have dificulties getting access to art. This includes initiatives, connected to work with marginalised groups as well. Until 3-4 years ago, one of the untapped audiences in the cultural life of Burgas was the disabled people – most of the culture events were organised indoors and the accessibility to the cultural institutions was not well organised. In its development, the city is putting special efforts to solve the accessibility problems, whereas some of the art will go outside and many of the culture buildings are being renovated and reconstructed

Name some operators with whom cooperation is envisaged and specify the type of exchanges in question.(13)

(13) The answer to this question is optional at the pre-selection stage

• cultural operators in the city? The city and the region are actively involved in the preparation of the bid of Burgas 2019. Different formal and informal meetings were organised in the process of preparation, with the cultural institutions, independent organisations, universities and individual artists. In the beginning of 2013 over 100 representatives of the Burgas cultural community voted YES to the combined bid of Burgas and the region, supporting the Partnership Memorandum, signed earlier by the mayors of the 13 municipalities in the Burgas District. In this way, they expressed their willingness to actively participate in the preparation of the bid. Among those who supported the bid of Burgas were representatives of the Burgas architects, craftsmen, painters, the local photography community, the graffiti community, the directors of the Burgas Opera, the drama and puppet theatres, the library, museum, galleries, art 33

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schools, universities and non-government organisations working in the culture sphere. Tens of events were realised with them to support Burgas 2019. A workgroup with representatives of the Municipality of Burgas and the independent cultural sector developed a programme to finance independent culture projects – an important step on the way to cooperation. The experience of the local cultural operators, their knowledge of the features of the region and most importantly their involvement will be extremely useful at every single stage of the application, as well as with the realisation of the culture programme for 2019. ‘Burgas is living its renaissance and deserves to be the European Capital of Culture. I support this bid’, Hristina Arsenova, director – State Puppet Theatre – Burgas ‘I support the bid of our city – Burgas has always had its creative bohemia, a special atmosphere in which the creative spirit has lived, created and interpreted in its own way so many messages to people’, Natalia Kotseva, director – Regional Library ‘P. K. Yavorov’ ‘The bid of Burgas is an example that when we have one common shared idea, when people outgrow their convictions – political or personal – and unite around an idea, this is the stronger suit and it helps creation, instead of destruction’, Kamen Kalev, film director • cultural operators based outside the city? Burgas has always been open to partnerships with cultural operators from the region, as well as from other cities in the country. One of the most interesting events in the city in the last few years have been happening because of such partnerships – the festival Spirit of Burgas, dance workshop Dance It, Tattoo Fest Burgas, Burgas 2019 Summer Tour, Children Fair, Fortissimo Fest and many others. The cultural operators from the country feel welcome in Burgas and often share that the cooperation and support they find here in the implementation of their events, cannot be compared to any other city in Bulgaria – this makes them want to come back again and again. Burgas has established good partnership links with many of them; these links will be solid basis for further join work at every stage of the preparation and realisation of the events leading to and in 2019. 34

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Dream-houses laboratory Burgas

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

‘It is no accident when I say that lately I feel part of the Burgas theatre group because I’ve been acting in Burgas more often than in Sofia or anywhere else. The city moves forward, it has a direction…’, Vasil Mihaylov, actor ‘Incredible audience, amazing place, I’m enamoured by the atmosphere. Burgas has everything to be European Capital of Culture’, Teodosii Spasov, world-renowned musician ‘Burgas should be not just European Capital of Culture, but a World Capital of Culture, because it is a beautiful city and deserves it’, Ivo Papazov – Ibryama, world class clarinet player ‘The role of the audience for the success of Burgas’ bid for capital of culture is extremely important, and the audience in the Burgas region is incredible. This place inspires me’, Desi Dobreva, singer • cultural operators based outside the country? Burgas is extremely reliant on already established links with international partners in the field of culture but at the same time it is constantly looking for opportunities for new contacts. A number of projects in the cultural programme for 2019 are targeted precisely at developing cooperation with cultural operators, art people and cities outside Bulgaria: On Tour; Material Trails; Sea Soul; Pattern Generator; Archaeological Residences Aqua Calidae; Project for the Digital Arts in a City Environment; Stage Fever; ‘Contemporary art’ Project; Pagan Feasts; Read Cyrillic, Migrations; Interests Fair; Easy Livin’; Outdoor photo-shooting session with the Italian capital of culture; Sea Cinema; Rewind; Inspired; 30 years since 1989, Waves of Ideas; Kids Lab; Event of the Year: Burgas ia stage - see annex 1, page 8291). Burgas 2019 has also received support from the Czech Cultural Centre, the Polish Cultural Centre, the Italian Embassy in Bulgaria and the ‘Vinci’ Museum in Italy. World-renowned people like the vocalist of Mr Big – Eric Martin, the vocalist of Deep Purple and Rainbow – Joe Lynn Turner, the Ukrainian author Yuri Andrukhovych, the Italian photographer Giovanni Smorti and a number of sculptors from different countries – participants in the Sand Sculptures Festival, as well as dancers from around the world. We plan on establishing links with cultural op-

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erators from the port cities in Europe in order to form a creative network, studying culture specifics near water sources. 13. In what way is the proposed project innovative?

In their study of the field of organisational sociology and management, Isar and Anheier show that ‘creativity and innovation are born of crossing social, cultural and political efforts and, more often, at the border and periphery, than in the centre of the systems, regardless if it concerns political persons, organisations or professions.’ (Isar & Anheier 2010: 5, citing Nelson & Winter 1982; Pettigrew & Fenton 2000). According to the same authors, the foundations and non-government organisations in general are a possible source both of innovation and conservation, in their role as a ‘small but significant buffer between the trends of centralising global art and media markets’ (Isar & Anheier 2010: 14, citing Leat 2010) . Innovation in the proposed concept and programme of the bid of Burgas for ECoC in 2019 is developed in a few directions: • Innovation approach: Innovation in the sphere of cultural and creative activities, examined in the widest and most flexible way. Here, we include everything, related to creating, storing, producing, distributing, perceiving, studying and education, non-conventional cultural products, art works and practices, which are characterised with a non-standard and innovative approach. • Innovation regarding fine arts practices and forms of expressions: We are looking for synergies, while going as close as possible to synthesising art or uniting opportunities for art and science, architecture, design, technology, pedagogy, education and protecting the environment. • Innovation regarding artists: We will mobilise the energy of both renowned artists and those still looking for a way to a bigger stage. We will provide them with an inspiring environment, in which the border between professionals and 35

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amateurs will fade away, and with conditions for high mobility. • Innovation regarding the places for project realisation: We intend to acquire new spaces in the city and outside to use as places of action. • Innovation regarding social effect: We are looking for the role of art as a generator of new cultural and social effects of solidarity, which will manifest themselves on different levels: city, district, Bulgaria, Europe. The Cultural Collider is an innovative format, born in Burgas, but its function can be applied in any city that wishes to develop sustainably in the future. It leads to processes that fuel themselves, develop and establish new methods of communication, living and movement. 14. If the city in question is awarded the title of European Capital of Culture, what would be the medium- and long-term effects of the event from a social, cultural and urban point of view? Do the municipal authorities intend to make a public declaration of intent concerning the period following the year of the event?

One of the objectives of the Municipality of Burgas, regardless of the outcome of its bid for ECoC 2019, is to develop ‘Strategy for developing cultural and creative industries in Burgas’ which will outline the long-term development of this region. This will happen with the participation of all interested parties: cultural organisations, cultural institutions, non-government organisations, business, tourism industry, representatives of the universities and the local government. In this sense, the long-term strategy will be supported by the municipality authorities who will thus declare their continuing support for the development of culture. The medium- and long-term effects of Burgas ECoC 2019 will be present in every Sphere of our Collider: City The event will have tangible effects in the

form of restored, renovated or newly created infrastructure for culture and art, as well as modernised urban environment. The tourism infrastructure of the city will also be expanded, and the quality of services and their supply will be improved as a result of our election. The renovated infrastructure will stimulate the economic growth and will increase the volume and quality of tourism supply and services in the region. Undoubtedly, it is expected that winning this prestigious title we’ll attract the attention of businesses with long-term investments and will help develop the cultural and creative industries in the region. People This is possibly the sphere which will receive the most important long-term effect – improved quality of life through valuable and accessible culture, leading to a social closeness and development of the local community. Another positive effect will be the provision of a methodology and a better opportunity for in-

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Territories and dimensions As a result of the realisation of Burgas ECoC 2019, undoubtedly the creative dialogue and culture distribution will be developed and partnerships will be reinforced not only throughout the region, but also with the city, chosen for ECoC in Italy. It is not considered separately from the bid of the city but will be included in the cultural programme with its resources. The local artists, who will participate in the programme, will have the opportunity to perform and exhibit in front of new audiences. The district will increase its popularity and the cultural and tourism supply will be enriched and increased in other cities outside Burgas.

Collage by M. Sarbova, architect

dependent and non-government organisations to participate in the supply and production of culture, for stimulation of volunteering and encouraging new projects in the sphere of education. The European self-esteem that the citizens will acquire from their meeting with interesting artists and the possibility to be an audience for different artistic performances should not be ignored, either. This will lead to the realisation of a cultural identity and to social development.

Next step Forums will be created which will be used in the search of formulae for solving problems in culture, for encouraging social innovation and for expert cooperation towards the successful development of the city. The projects, realised during the hosting of ECoC by Burgas will ‘act as a catalyst in the formation of different social networks’, using ‘structural niches’ (Sedita, 2008) in the city environment, where new forms of cooperation, resources, new products and experiences will be developed. The expected longterm effect consists of turning Burgas and the region in a more attractive place for its citizens and visitors, giving them an important role in the creation of this change.

Creative flow Burgas ECoC 2019 will stimulate creativity and the development of the cultural and creative industries. The effect of the programme, which will include projects highlighting partnerships with Bulgarian and foreign organisations will encourage the international mobility of artists and will increase the exchange of art works; it will also lead to progress in the local creativity and competitiveness.

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Malko Tarnovo declares its support to Burgas 2019 by writing Burgas 2019 with fire

15. How was this application designed and prepared?

If we had to use three words to describe the road we have walked in the preparation of our bid they would be – motivation, openness and partnerships. The beginning The Municipality of Burgas declared its intention to apply for European Capital of Culture in 2008. As any beginning, the first years were mostly spent in searching, studying and looking – outwards, towards the cities which have already been capitals of culture and inwards – in search of who we are and why we believe we deserve this title. Unification of the region One of the crucial points in the preparation of the bid was at the beginning of 2012 when 38

(14) This process is described in greater detail in Question 5, section I

the mayor of Burgas appealed to the other municipalities in the district to support Burgas for European Capital of Culture with the clear idea that it is exactly the wealth of the whole region what will give us an advantage. On May 9, 2012 – the Day of Europe, the mayors of the thirteen municipalities in Burgas District signed a Partnership Memorandum, thus declaring their support of the initiative. In the beginning of 2013, the relationship between the municipalities was made even stronger through the incorporation of Association for culture development of Burgas city and region(14), members of which are the mayors of the municipalities in the region. The main objective of the Association is to promote the towns in the region and their identity in a cultural, social and economic aspects and to work towards receiving the nomination of ECoC. A workgroup was created, consisting of experts from the thirteen municipalities, including those working in the fields of culture, European policies, marketing and advertising. This group became the nucleus which has been moving forward the things that had to be organised. Initially, the

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ECoC initiative had to be made understandable and acceptable by the common people. Also, attracting the independent cultural community was of extreme importance for the bid preparation and most of all the concept and programme development. The support of the cultural community Gradually the idea of a joint Burgas bid made a lot of people enthusiastic and they started believing that Burgas can become European Capital of Culture and more importantly, started initiating actions in this direction. In 2012 and 2013 almost 200 cultural figures – artists, representatives of independent organisations, cultural institutions, event organisers voted ‘YES’ for the Burgas bid, placing their names and signatures under those of the mayors in the Partnership Memorandum. A number of them also recorded video messages, answering the question ‘Why Burgas?’. The ideas to organise events to support Burgas 2019 started to literally hail on us. In 2012-2013 there was hardly a cultural event in the city which was not under the aegis ‘Burgas – candidate city for European Capital of Culture’, regardless of who the initiators were. The support of the whole community When in 2008 the mayor of Burgas announced that our city will participate in the bidding for capital of culture, some of the Burgas citizens reacted with lack of understanding and some – with doubt. There were few back then, who immediately started dreaming about this and imagining what we and our city would be like in more than 10 years. Only in a few years, however, there were so many positive changes in the city and it started developing so rapidly, that even the most sceptical of people started thinking that we have a real chance at being nominated. They started believing that we can achieve anything if we all take action and get involved. Towards the end of 2012 the Municipality of Burgas announced a competition for a logo of the city bid, which would be used as a symbol at all initiatives, related to the preparation of the city and the area for ECoC. There was an extremely high interest shown towards this competition – over 150 logo proposition from 76 participants were received. The selection was extremely hard

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and competitive, besides the jury, citizens were also included. After long discussions and controversial opinions, the result was: Burgas chose its logo; but equally important was the fact that for the first time there was a dialogue between institutions, artistic community and citizens on the subject ‘Burgas – European Capital of Culture’. And if in 2012 there was hardly a person who didn’t know about Burgas 2019, in 2013 there is hardly a person who doesn’t believe we are the city which deserves this title. On 31 October 2012 the citizens of three seaside cities from the region, using seashells, spelled out ‘Burgas 2019’ on their beaches. Malko Tarnovo did the same but with fire at the ‘Mishkova Niva’ archaeological site, which is symbolic for the whole region. At their own initiative, in March 2013, students from Burgas organised a street action, during which they spelled out Burgas 2019 with their bodies. Graffiti with the distinctive logo of the bid started popping up. One citizen sent to the Municipality of Burgas a picture, which shows that she had put the Burgas bid logo on specially designed jar labels for homemade jam. More and more people have started writing and sharing information about Burgas 2019 on the internet and especially in the social networks. At their own initiative, Burgas citizens created Facebook pages, dedicated to the bid and some shot amateur video clips, dedicated to it. A Burgas citizen who is currently studying in England, decided to create 3D models of all key buildings and sites in Burgas and share them in Google Earth so that, according to him ‘in 2019, it will be easier for the visitors of our city to find their way’. In October 2012 the Municipality of Burgas created an official Facebook page of Burgas ECoC 2019 – Facebook/Burgas 2019, which is updated daily with information and citizens can comment, share ideas, pictures and videos. Our Youtube channel was also launched and an e-mail address was registered where we collect ideas for projects, events, etc. The media also participate actively and help inform people regarding the bid. Burgas 2019 is mentioned almost daily in all regional newspapers and internet issues. The most popular monthly cultural guide of the city ‘Look! Burgas’ has dedicated to Burgas 2019 three of its pages in every issue. Art people and institutions are more and more sought after for 39

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city a unique National Geographic photo exhibition and dedicated it to the cause. At its own initiative, it placed in a visible place, a massive board, featuring the Burgas 2019 logo and colourful handprints of the people supporting the bid. Lukoil sponsors the ‘Burgas and the Sea’ Festival. Over 50 local companies with different activity have sent letters of support to the mayor of Burgas, in which they express willingness to cooperate in the preparation and realisation of the initiative. Similar sentiments were received from these institutions - Maritime Administration, Border Police, Fire Fighting Station, etc. Burgas 2019 has literally overtaken the city …and is advancing in the area more and more convincingly.

Burgas 2019 Summer Tour Theodosii Spasov’s concert in Gramatikovo village

interviews in radio and television do discuss the subject. Materials on Burgas 2019 are published in national media and even in media, published in English. The Municipality of Burgas puts the bid logo on all its promotional materials – gradually Burgas 2019 turns up everywhere – calendars, bags, t-shirts, playing cards, magnifying glasses, pencils, Frisbees, beach balls and what not. A graffiti painted bus started driving around the streets of the city and the region, which besides the bid logo, shows the most distinctive features of the culture and cultural life of the city – The Sand Sculptures Festival, the biggest musical event in Bulgaria Spirit of Burgas, the folklore festival, as well as the cinema, theatre, ballet, literature, music and fine arts. There are advertising boards at train stations, at the airport, at the entrance of the city, in galleries and cultural and shopping centres. Businesses have become more and more interested in the Burgas 2019 campaign and have shown initiative to participate in it. In the summer of 2013 Mall Galleria Burgas brought to the 40

The culmination – Burgas 2019 Summer Tour In the summer of 2013, something unprecedented for Bulgaria happened – the administrative units of a district showed in practice, that they can work together efficiently, when there is a common cause. Between 6 July and 22 September, Burgas 2019 Summer Tour took place – 13 events, 13 performers, at 13 different places in 13 municipalities. The summer tour attracted an audience of almost 20,000 people – local residents in the different municipalities and their visitors, who travelled all summer from city to city, especially for the events. Unknown country places in the region were explored, such as Ichmyata (Sungurlare), Begliktash (Primorsko), Deultum (Sredets), Gengera (Aytos). Worldrenowned artists such as Ivo Papazov – Ybryama and Teodosii Spasov performed live in front of an audience who never thought these performers would ever visit their cities. The residents of Burgas District not only understood but also felt what it is like to be a part of a bigger cause such as Burgas 2019. In the specifically prepared feedback form, we asked the audience of Burgas 2019 Summer Tour what they thought of the tour and the bid and also what they imagine would happen in 2019. We also asked them why they thought Burgas should be nominated for ECoC. Here are some of the responses: ‘The city is well-organised and cosy. Sea is life. Burgas makes artists and art! Nothing else is needed – it’s a big project for a beautiful city!’

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‘The spirit and life of Burgas a soaked with culture. It’s the birthplace of a lot of people of the art. It will suit the city and the city is suitable to be ECoC.’ ‘Every day it becomes better, cleaner and more beautiful.’ ‘Burgas is already a capital of culture. In 2019 it will gain an international recognition.’ ‘Because it is the fastest growing and most beautiful city in recent years.’ ‘Burgas has been giving Bulgaria people of culture and arts for years. It has traditions in more than one of the arts. It already has the necessary conditions. It is thirsty for culture.’ ‘Because it’s my hometown and recently a lot of efforts have been put into developing culture.’ ‘The cultural spirit of the city has to be awakened. People need this.’ ‘I don’t know but I would help accomplish this incredible initiative.’ ‘Our city has been a capital of culture for a long time already, now that it has a European image, things follow naturally. Whether we are nominated or not – it’s subjective.’ Burgas 2019 and Europe During the preparation, the bid of Burgas for ECoC was presented outside the borders of the country – in a number of European cities: Prague (‘Bulgaria in Eastern Moravia’ meeting, June 2012), Berlin (a meeting in the Bulgarian Cultural Institute, November 2012), Sibiu (March 2013), Turku (June 2013), Bergamo (July 2013), Vilnius (October 2013). The bid was also presented within the international forum in Burgas with visitors from Greece, Cyprus, Latvia and Sweden (December 2013), as well as at a meeting regarding the bid with representatives from Wroclaw (March 2013). Ideas and experience were exchanged during these meetings. Burgas paid special attention to its links with the candidate cities for ECoC from Italy. In 2013, Burgas signed partnership agreements or exchanged letters of mutual support with Siena, Piza, Palermo, Ravenna, Perugia, Bergamo, Mantua and Lecce. Developing the concept and the program for 2019 The concept and the program for 2019 have combined all those ideas, notions, realisations 41

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Yoga lesson in the Sea garden Burgas

and conclusions, conceived in the process of preparation, as well as all initiatives related to the Burgas bid for ECoC. The concept of Burgas 2019 is the result of an in-depth analysis of all that we are and all that we dream about as citizens of Burgas and Europe. We were also supported by the people, working with culture, the institutions, the business representatives and the media. The local NGO ‘Hamalogika’ was the one which dove into the difficult task of going back into the past of Burgas, looking at its present and imagining its future. The NGO has united artists and supporters of art development in urban environment and through social innovation. Their team analysed all opinions, given during the numerous discussions, informal meetings and questionnaires, published online or sent in the post. That is how ‘Hamalogika’ became one of the most trusted and strongest partners of ACDBCR and added an important highlight to the whole process of the bid preparation. Through environment analysis and the joint efforts of everyone who participated in the process, the concept of our Cultural Collider was conceived. 42

Structure of the programme for the event

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider Structure of the programme for the event

Fantomat Art installation by Venelin Shurelov Turn on the City festival

1. What structure does the city intend to give to the year’s programme if it is designated ‘European Capital of Culture’ (guidelines, general theme of the event)? How long does the programme last?(15)

The main concept of the programme is described in detail in part I. Basic principles, question 2. Here, we will outline the structure of the programme which in turn is presented in Appendix No. 1. Structure of the programme We have planned a bold, exciting, shared and memorable 2019. We will create new sustainable projects whose culmination is in the year of ECoC. The events in 2019 are divided as follows: - Events, specific to the year of ECoC – they will form the concept framework of the Burgas 2019 project and will contain the main topics and objections, while at the same time allow for additions and improvements in the fol-

lowing stage of the bid; - Join projects with Italy. At the next stage, the programme will be improved by: - An open call for projects; - Joint projects with the other candidate cities in Bulgaria aiming at long-term cooperation; - Events, traditional for the city and the region. Principles for the selection of events: The events included in the programme will be chosen using a few main principles: A. They study the common European links and processes 30 years since 1989 - At first glance, this is an event only related to Bulgaria, but on the other hand it connects Bulgaria with the countries from the ex-Eastern Block. In 2019 it will be 30 years from the political changes in Bulgaria. This is a project which looks into the processes, leading to the democratisation and evolution of society. Accompanying events – conferences, lectures,

(15) This question must be answered in greater detail at the final selection stage.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

art projects. Migrations - A project looking into the different cultures which shape the local community, their origins and traditions, as well as the influences of these communities on the local culture. Pagan feasts - A project presenting the pagan traditions and customs, characteristic for pre-Christian Europe. Each event consists of: presenting the spiritual customs of the different ethnic groups (Thracians, Celts, Vikings, Ancient Greeks, Galls, etc.) by re-enactment, exhibitions, performances; outdoor science-historical presentations (lectures + exhibitions) showing the migration of the different ethnic groups of the continent. Christian customs are viewed as successors of the pagan ones. Rewind - A project involving the distinctive architecture of Burgas – lost, existing, subject to protection. B. They provide sustainable results or mechanisms which will work towards their achievement Examples: Mapping - A data base with a Geographic Information System platform mapping the infrastructure of Burgas. It has to be accessible to independent project, including international ones. An inclusion of the updated culture programme at the different places is planned. Waves of ideas - A project which puts culture and science in the spotlight as a way to innovation. It looks into the influence of innovations on the development of society on a global scale. The role of art in popularising innovative technologies. Import/export - A project on the subject of cultivating the port with a highlight on the relationship city+sea=port. It contains different modules: discussions and exhibitions with international experience in the socialisation of port territories. It will accelerate the discussion between citizens, specialists and the local government – import/export of knowledge. Culture patronage – If you cannot get to culture, culture will come to you. Design academy - A design academy working in different directions – product design, graphic design, fashion design, etc. The academy will in-

Structure of the programme for the event

vite visiting lecturers who are professionals from the country and from around Europe. A non-formal type of education, generating a high-quality, aesthetic change in the city environment. C. They interact directly with the Flows – Cultural industry, Social innovation and Knowledge Examples: Interest fair - A project presenting clubs and organisations. It aims to allow them to get to know each other and their members, to provoke future collaborations, including at an international level. Culture patronage - If you cannot get to culture, culture will come to you. Read Cyrillic - A project dealing with communication and language, with a stress on the Cyrillic alphabet. It accelerates understanding and communication between different cultures, and it also defines us as a Slavic community. D. They correspond to the topics of the Sphere Examples: Easy livin’ - This is a project looking into the easy seaside life – it will highlight the most pleasant and interesting aspects of life, so that the visitors can experience the true spirit of Burgas. It will focus on the common characteristics of everyday life people share in their easy seaside way of living, typical for all South European countries – culinary, sport, recreation, conversation. (Sphere People) ‘Contemporary Art’ Project - A large-scale project which develops a contemporary art programme throughout the year. There will be exhibitions, residences, lectures. It aims to create knowledge of and interest towards contemporary arts. It supports the ambitious infrastructure project for a Contemporary Arts Centre in Burgas. (Sphere Creative flow) Urban patchwork - A project to improve certain urban spaces with a highlight on common spaces, residential areas and neighbourhoods in Burgas, through artistic actions. It makes the environment more functional, aesthetic and inspiring. (Sphere City) Routes - An interesting and personalised 45

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider Structure of the programme for the event

way to take in an area in its entirety and diversity; it combines usefulness with pleasure – culture with sport, culinary challenges, recreation, conversation, adventures and many more. (Sphere Territories and dimensions) Waves of ideas - A project which puts culture and science in the spotlight as a way to innovation. It looks into the influence of innovations on the development of society on a global scale. The role of art in popularising innovative technologies. (Sphere Next step) E. They fill the existing lapses in the cultural diversity or are innovative in the environment Examples: Maritime cinema - Project promoting quality film and independent cinema – documentaries, popular science films, feature films, short films, etc. featuring the sea in their plots. Culture pages - 1. A theoretical research of the cultural environment, art history, critics and culture theory in Burgas and the region for the last 30 years. A residence of culture managers, anthropologists, culturologists, philologists; The analysis will be published in print. 2. Cultural almanac – reference book for all cultural events and artists in Burgas and the region, Bulgaria, Europe, issued every 6 months in print. Jazz &Co. Jazz festival in Burgas. Headliners are invited; jam sessions among professionals and amateurs. F. They develop, teach and stimulate active participation from the audiences Examples: Kids lab -. Looking into possibilities for the children to be part of a creative process which affects the creation of the kids environment. The project will be international. Music science - Expanding the musical knowledge of youths and encouraging talents. Awakening interest to music in all its forms in children, through modern presentations, prominent visiting lecturers, workshops, interactivity. Inspired – A series of meetings aiming to inspire, educate and communicate. The mentors are international artists who will share their personal experience and the things that inspire them, at the same time presenting projects and ideas.

The Inspired lectures are organised in modules, presenting the areas of the Collider; there’s also a kids section. G. They provide the right atmosphere for creative dynamics and a field for creative residences Examples: Think big - A large-scale project for largescale art. It accelerates development and the introduction of residents and visitors to specific genres, which can find their own space in the city or its surroundings – art, which does not fit in galleries. Archaeological residence Aqua Calidae Archaeological residences project – an experimental field for archaeologists – appealing to young specialists and students – a project which encourages professional/academic exchange and attracts young people from Europe to Burgas. Pattern generator - A project for creative interpretations of repeating elements and structures in the city. It is organised in a small residential group of professionals in the visual arts, architecture and urbanism, working simultaneously in both European capitals of culture. The end product is a photo album published in both countries. Material trails - Craftsmanship workshops, introducing the crafts traditionally practiced in the region; getting to know the surroundings (history, characteristics); mutual education – exchange of techniques, customs, culture. Adding to the traditional atmosphere of the places by introducing contemporary design, art and architecture elements. Stage fever - Stage arts festival – performances of modern dance and theatre. It includes a creative workshop (partly open to the public) culminating in a performance which will be part of the festival programme (scenography, dolls, costumes, etc.) Shortcut to Italy A group of projects, linking the hosting cities. Examples: Outdoor photo-shooting session with the Italian capital of culture - The project consists of exchange outdoor photo-shooting sessions: Burgas photographers will take pictures of the

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Italian capital of culture and Italian photographers will be invited to take pictures of Burgas and its area; At a specific time, there will be an exhibition with the pictures from Italy in Burgas and from Burgas in Italy. Children’s Calcio - Kids football camp with children from Burgas and Italy Pattern generator - A project for creative interpretations of repeating elements and structures in the city. It is organised in a small residential group of professionals in the visual arts, architecture and urbanism, working simultaneously in both European capitals of culture.

Structure of the programme for the event

Time load throughout the year The projects are planned within time intervals and durations so that they encompass the seasons and the moods, which show Burgas and the region in the best way possible. There are more highlights during the warmer seasons because this is a prerequisite for more outdoor projects, which is a big advantage of the city and the area.

Territorial division of the programme Using the principles for allocating the projects throughout the territory of Burgas and throughout the region, we aim the programme to encompass all contact cultural points in the region; to develop the potential for creativity and perception of art even in the most unusual places; to ease communication and the exchange of knowledge and experience between all cultural operators in the region.

“Instructing helmet” - art installation by DAMA-12, Turn On The City festival

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider Structure of the programme for the event

2. What main events will mark the year?

(16)

The preliminary programme is described in Appendix No. 1 to this application form in a spreadsheet format, showing the main and supporting events, grouped in the five main spheres: Creative flows, People, City, Territories and dimensions and Next Step. The programme gives a short description of each project, the potential places where the projects will be implemented and the season, during which they will take place. The programme will be updated and developed for the purposes of the second stage. Projects – general description The spheres we already defined combine different dimensions and manifestations of art and culture. That is why the events are ordered in different groups: festivals, forums, academies, residences, workshops. They offer the participants and audience a diversity of classical, contemporary and border forms of art, which leads to the cultural acceleration of Burgas and the region. The events will be carried out by professionals and amateurs, organised in advance or spontaneously, formally and informally. The participation in the programme will be organised through invitations, open calls, as well as events where artists and audiences switch their places. The concept of our bid is tightly related to the criteria ‘European dimension’ and ‘City and citizen’. They find their expression both in the chosen topics of the projects and in the way of their realisation. The links we will forge to implement the programme will support the European aspect of our bid. Working on the specific needs of the environment will give the citizens the necessary knowledge, curiosity and perspective. The beginning of the cultural programme will be celebrated with an opening event (in the beginning of 2019) which will coincide with the opening of the Italian Capital of Culture on New Year’s Day. The culmination of the programme will be the Event of the Year (September 2019), which will be implemented under the slogan ‘All 48

(16) The answer to this question is optional at the pre-selection stage (17) The answer to this question is optional at the pre-selection stage

the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players’ (William Shakespeare). It will transform the city and turn it into one big stage, attracting artists and audience alike in a colourful celebration. The closing event is planned to take place on December 6th, St. Nicholas’ Day which is also the Day of Burgas. We will send invitations to all parts of Europe, asking everyone to join the celebrations and to share our meal. Afterwards, the final events of our programme will slowly subside until the end of the year. 3. How does the city plan to choose the projects/events which will constitute the programme for the year? (17)

The selection criteria for the projects will be developed if the bid goes through to the next stage. However, they will include a few basic criteria: - Compliance with the concept, the basic topics and principles - Quality and artistic content of the projects - Accessibility - Expenses The Association will have an Arts Council which is the one that will approve the programme. The preliminary selection will be done by the Artistic director and his/her team. The Consultation Council will include a wide range of people from different art genres and cultural leaders in Burgas and the region. The projects and events will be selected according to: their thematic trend and the main principles of selection; the five Spheres of the Cultural Collider; the seven main principles, described in the previous question;

Organisation and financing of the event

III

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Structure of the programme for the event

Floral - 3D Mapping by Phormatik visual lab, Turn On The City festival

1. Organisational structure 1.1 What kind of structure(18) is envisaged for the organisation responsible for implementing the project? What type of relationship will it have with the city authorities?(19) The organisation which is placing the bid and will be responsible for project implementation as well as Â establishing Â relationship with the EC is the Association for culture development of Burgas city and region. The organisation has been formed to carry several main activities: - To develop the regional cultural programme of the ECoC event in 2019; - To work towards cooperation and collaboration between the members during the preparation and development of strategies, plans, programmes and projects, related to the preparation of the region for ECoC; - To develop and implement joint projects and initiatives, contributing to the cultural development of the region and promoting cultural heritage; - To support and establish partnerships, both on national and international levels, also to represent and protect the common interests of the municipalities in the Organisation, linked through the bid of Burgas 2019. The founding members of the organisation have decided on foundation fees and membership fees, which will be due after the second year of establishment and are defined based on the number of population of the municipalities, divided in three categories: municipalities with population of up to 20,000 residents; municipalities with population of between 20,000 and 50,000 residents and municipalities with population of over 50,000 residents. The supreme organ of the organisation is the General Assembly (GA) which includes all members. The GA elects the Board of Directors (BoD) consisting of 5 members with a mandate of 2 years and the BoD elects its Chairman. 50

(18) The abovestated structure is related to the organization which will be establishing a link with the European Commission, specifically during the monitoring stage, in case the title is awarded to the city. (19) This question must be answered in greater detail at the final selection stage.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Structure of the programme for the event

The fact that the organisation is incorporated by the mayors of all municipalities in the region gives a solid foundation for developing the communication and partnerships between them. Â That are provided both in the main objectives of the organisation and in its main activities, also guaranteed by its Bylaws. When the bid of Burgas is elected and goes to the next stage of the process, the organisational structure will be developed in detail to provide for the operational management of the Association and for hosting ECoC in 2019. In order to guarantee the high quality of art, the first action will be to elect the Artistic Consultation Council and then appoint an Artistic Director. The Artistic director will be the liaison between the operational teams, the Artistic Council and management of the Association. Also a Financial Director will be appointed, directly subordinated to the BoD and the Chairman of the Association. The financial director will be responsible for the financial management, planning and spending of the budget of the Association, including the subsidy from EU. The operational management will consist of 4 teams: Programme team. Responsible for the overall preparation and implementation of the cultural programme, preliminary selection of events. Business and international relations team. This team will work to provide the financial resources from businesses and to develop international relations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the performers and guests. Communication campaign and public relations team. Responsible for the implementation of the communication campaign. Finance Unit. Works for the allocation, realisation and accounting of the expenses. This structure will be further developed after the Burgas bid for ECoC is selected. 1.2 If an area around the city is involved in the event, how will the coordination between the authorities of the relevant local and regional authorities are organised? As mentioned in point 1.1 the organisation, which will be implementing the project is ACDBCR,

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Structure of the programme for the event

incorporated by the mayors of all municipalities in the region, which are all represented in the General Assembly, and five of the mayors are members of the BoD. ACDBCR will be responsible for the implementation of the program in Burgas and the region, as well as for the international relations. In this sense, the organisation has enough resources and powers to organise efficient coordination between the local authorities in the region. In the process of preparing the bid, each of the 13 municipalities appointed experts from its team who actively worked on the preparation. There were series of regular force meetings. Having in mind the distances between the cities, there was good communication over the phone and e-mail Within the Burgas 2019 Summer Tour, the effective work model was practiced between the different institutions and organisation. The coordination of the next stage of preparation and realisation of ECoC will be built on this basis for cooperation between the municipalities. 1.3 According to which criteria and under which arrangements has or will the artistic director of the event been chosen? What is or will be his/her profile? When will he/she take up the appointment? What will be his/her field of action?(20) The artistic director is one of the key figures for the success of ECoC. This position will be discussed in detail and coordinated with all members of the General Assembly of ACDBCR at the next stage. A detailed profile will be developed for the artistic director on the basis of the particularities of the Burgas 2019 programme: the concept of the Cultural Collider, the requirements for coordination with the whole region, as well as for a strong international cooperation. We believe that in order for him/ her to be successful, the artistic director should: - Have adequate experience in the region of culture in Bulgaria; - Good knowledge of the culture and history of Burgas and Bulgaria, including the basic cultural operators in the city and the country; - Good knowledge of cultural life of Burgas and the region and its cultural traditions and features; - Experience in organisation of cultural activities in Bulgaria and if possible in other countries of EU; - Experience in working on international projects; - Ability to use freely Bulgarian and English; speaking Italian would be a plus; -Â Experience in managing large teams. The Artistic director will be appointed, immediately after the election of Burgas for ECoC 2019. He/ she will manage the operational staff and will work directly with the Artistic consultation board. He/

The compass in the city center Burgas

(20) This question must be answered in greater detail at the final selection stage.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

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she will be responsible for the final development of the cultural programme, the coordination with the MC, the cultural operators and international organisations. 2. Financing of the event: 2.1 What has been the usual annual budget for culture in the city over the last 5 years (excluding expenditure for the present ECoC application)? Please fill in the table below. The table above presents the data on the annual budget for culture of the Municipality of Burgas in euros, whereas this budget includes both operational and capital expenditures.

2.2 Please explain the overall budget for the European Capital of Culture project (i.e. funds that are specifically set aside for the project). Please fill in the tables below. The budget will consists of two main parts: capital expenditures for investments in the cultural infrastructure, expected to be up to 40% of the total budget for the event and operational expenditures (around 60%). The operational expenditures will provide for the preparation and implementation of the event programme, as well as the expense related to management, marketing and promoting. Sources of financing: • The Municipality of Burgas The Municipality of Burgas will be one of the major sources for financing, whereas part of the budget for culture will be relocated to finance ECoC 2019. • Association for culture development of Burgas city and region The Association is funded by the membership fee – the local governments in the region. The Association will have its own budget to support its operational expenses or in general the expenditures for managing the programme and for monitoring. • Government subsidy Currently there is no clear commitment to fund ECoC 2019. However, we expect that the government will be an important source of funding and will provide the city, chosen for ECoC, with a subsidy in 2019.Fundraising from business community The partnerships with the local businesses will be expanded and extended, whereas we expect a certain amount of the budget for ECoC 2019 to be provided under the form of sponsorship. • Income from ticket sales and advertising

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Structure of the programme for the event

Some of the events, included in the programme for 2019 will be accessed through the purchase of tickets, meaning they will be self-supporting or profitable, which income will be invested back in other activities, related to ECoC. We also expect income from advertising. â&#x20AC;˘ EU contribution The EU contribution will be realised through the provision of the Melina Mercury award. â&#x20AC;˘ International programmes and initiatives of EU We plan on securing part of the funding for the preparation and implementation of Burgas 2019 by developing partnership projects, with which we will submit for funding under different international programmes that support activities and initiatives in the sphere of culture, sustainable urban development, mobility and innovation.

In case the city is planning to use funds from the usual annual budget for culture to co-finance the ECoC project, please indicate the amount which will be taken from the usual annual budget for culture from the year of the submission of the bid to the ECoC year included: Euros

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Structure of the programme for the event

2.3 Please explain the operating budget for the ECoC project. Please fill in the tables below. The operational budget should provide the activity of ACDBCR as the structure managing the preparation and implementation of Burgas ECoC 2019. The operational expenses will be allocated in the following way: Expenditures on the preparation and implementation of the cultural programme – 81% of operational expenses Expenses on marketing and promotion – 7% Management expenses (this includes expenditures on personnel – wages, overheads, office materials and utilities) – 12% A) Overall operating expenditure:

B) Planned timetable for spending operating expenditure:

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Structure of the programme for the event

2.4. Overall capital expenditure: If appropriate, please insert a table here that specifies which amounts will be spent for what type of capital expenditure over the years from the application to the ECoC year. Such a table will be included at the next stage of Burgas 2019 application.

2.5 Have the public finance authorities (city, region, State) already voted on or made financial commitments? If not, when will they do so? The Municipality of Burgas and the municipalities in the region, co-founders of ACDBCR, have expressed in memorandums, voted by the municipal councils, their willingness to be founders and members of the Association. The membership in the Association has financial obligations. The Articles of Incorporation define the founding fee for each member, as well as the membership fee, owed from the second calendar year of membership onwards. The membership fee is defined according to the population of each municipality. 2.6 What is the plan for involving sponsors in the event? Burgas 2019 will work to attract and accumulate funds from the business community in the city and the country. To this purpose, at the next stage of selection, a fundraising plan will be developed, in order to prepare the whole campaign and make it sustainable. Even more, Burgas has set itself an objective to stimulate and develop further the processes, related to financing culture by businesses. The contribution of businesses in the form of sponsorship is an integral part of the whole process of preparing and implementing the event. Businesses will be attracted to take part in the financing from the beginning stages of preparing the programme, whereas there will be opportunities for advertising and including the sponsor’s brands. The Association will develop a strategic document to attract sponsors in the spirit of partnership and mutual interests. This plan will also formulate the campaigns for procuring finances and will include certain criteria which the business has to meet and stimulate in order to be able to participate. For example, there will be a few different forms of sponsorship: financial donations, financing specific events from the programme or direct donations for equipment and materials for the implementation of specific events. The fundraising campaign will be promoted locally, using different promotion means, online and in the print media. In the process of preparing its application so far, Burgas has managed to obtain solid support from businesses for the ECoC 2019 cause. Some of the biggest players on the local (and not only) market have been sponsors of cultural events supporting Burgas 2019, such as ‘Lukoil Neftohim’ JSC, Mall Galleria Burgas, ‘Boshnakov’ EOOD, ‘Fraport Twin Star Airport Management’ JSC, ‘EVN Bulgaria – Burgas’ JSC, ‘Kronospan Bulgaria’ EOOD, ‘Black Sea Fisheries’ JSC. Since 2008, when Burgas officially announced its application for ECoC, until now, the sponsors of cultural events in the city are over 50. Working with the local business is extremely important, not only because it procures financing but

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Structure of the programme for the event

Collage by Deyan Nenov, architect

also because the business will be promoted through their participation in ECoC 2019. ACDBCR is expected to have a special department, which will deal with the business and international relations. That team will work on procuring sponsors and signing sponsorship agreements. Â 2.7 According to what timetable should the income be received by the city and/or the body responsible for preparing and implementing the ECoC project if the city receives the title of European Capital of Culture? (please fill in the tables below)(21) Burgas will present a detailed table with the budget allocation and sources of finance when it prepares its bid for the next stage of selection for ECoC 2019. 2.8 Which amount of the usual overall annual budget does the city intend to spend for culture after the ECoC year (in euros and in % of the overall annual budget)? Burgas plans to continue supporting and stimulating the cultural life in the city after the end of the ECoC 2019 event. The municipality intends to prepare a detailed financial plan, in which the relative share of resources for culture will continue to grow. If in 2013, the year of applying for ECoC 2019 the budget for culture of the Municipality of Burgas is 6.5% of the total budget, the expectations for 2020 are of an increase to 10%. Having in mind that the total budget is expected to be increased, this means an increase in the absolute values as well.

(21) The answer to this question is optional at the pre-selection stage

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

“Petko Zadgorski” Art Gallery Burgas

Structure of the programme for the event

City infrastructure

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

City infrastructure

from around the world. It has the second highest passenger flow in the country after Sofia Airport, servicing over 2,500,000 passengers annually. In 2012, over 200 airline companies had flights to Burgas. During the summer season there are numerous charter flights. By the end of 2013 the new terminal is expected to open, which will have spacious departure and arrival lounges, modernised check-in desks, attractive commercial areas and large open areas. Burgas Airport is situated just 10 km away from the centre of the city. The meteorological conditions in the region advantage the excellent visibility throughout the year, which gives the airport a continuous working potential. Relatively close (120 km away) is another large airport – Varna Airport with similar passenger flow to Burgas. V.O.S.A. Theatre Days of Czech culture in Burgas

1. What are the city’s assets in terms of accessibility (regional, national and international transport)? Burgas is a city situated at a crossroads and its focus is on tourism. The area of the Municipality of Burgas stands out with extremely favourable tourism-geographic location and good transport accessibility, due to its international airport, the biggest sea port, as well as road and railway routes, linking the city to the other administrative centres in the country. The geostrategic location of the region and, specifically of the municipality, is a factor of national and international magnitude. Burgas City is situated on the European route No. 8, which is the shortest land connection between the Adriatic and Black Sea Coasts, and on the international road E87 from Romania, through Bulgaria to Turkey. Whichever way you chose to travel to Burgas, you can’t go wrong, one thing is sure – Burgas is closer than you imagine and the trip to here is definitely worth it. • Air transport The international airport in Burgas meets and sends off passengers from over 130 destinations 60

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PROJECTED PASSENGER NUMBERS BURGAS AIRPORT

• Water transport Port Burgas is situated on the territory of the city. There is currently a large-scale project for its reconstruction, expansion and modernisation. Since October 2013 Burgas also has a Maritime Passenger Terminal which is located in the public access area of the Port. Passenger ships dock there; it has the capacity to dock large cruise ships. During the summer season a ‘comet’ (hovercraft) travels from and to Burgas – on it you can reach Varna, Nessebar and Sozopol speedily by sea. The Burgas neighbourhood Sarafovo is currently constructing a fishing port with a haven for small boats. Nessebar, Sozopol and Tsarevo all have small ports, including yacht marinas. In the spring of 2014, the quay on St. Anastasia Island, situated in the aquatory of Burgas, will also start operating. There will be a regular route

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

to it, serviced by a catamaran, starting May 2014. • Railway transport Burgas has six railway stations, the biggest one being the Central Station, situated in the centre of the city, immediately next to the Maritime Passenger Terminal and Coach Station South. There are trains to Burgas from all large and most smaller cities in Bulgaria. There are trains from and to Sofia throughout the day and night – the duration of the trip is between 6 and 7 hours. The Station building is a monument of architecture. • Coaches There are direct coach routes from and to Burgas daily, linking the city with other large cities in the country – Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Stara Zagora, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, etc. There is regular coach transport from and to all Black Sea resorts – during the summer season the coaches from and to the closest seaside places like Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Pomorie, Sozopol and Chernomorets travel for less than an hour. There is a daily coach to Istanbul. There are also regular lines to some of the larger European cities. Burgas has two Coach Stations – South and West. Both have convenient connections with the city and intercity transport. • Road transport Burgas is the end destination of the Trakia highway, which connects the city to the capital. You can reach Burgas from Sofia, by road, in about 3 hours. The trip from Varna to Burgas is around 2 hours. There are convenient connections to the city from all Black Sea coast resorts, to the north and south of Burgas. The road to Malko Tarnovo is renovated and in very good condition; there is a Cross Border Station to Turkey on this road.

City infrastructure

der the ‘Regional development’ Operative programme 2007-2013, which aims to optimise the transport plan of the city, introduce a fast bus line, reconstruct and renovate the coach stations and the servicing transport infrastructure, introduce integrated systems for transport management and build a unified system of cycle lanes with a total length of over 20 km. In the spring of 2013, using funds from the project, the bus inventory was entirely renewed, whereas 67 brand new buses were introduced, meeting the high standards of eco-friendliness, accessible for invalids, comfortable and safe. The funds from the ‘Environment’ Operative programme 2007-2013 will be used to renew the trolleybus transport of the city. The ambitions and efforts of the municipality in the long run are focused on developing and establishing a new culture of city mobility. They are reflected in the developed Strategic plan for city mobility until 2020. • By bike One of the most pleasant and at the same time healthy and eco-friendly ways to move around Burgas is to cycle. In recent years Burgas deservedly received the title ‘The most cycling city in Bulgaria’. The city is the first one in our country to have a public rent-a-bike system and over 20 km of cycling lanes, which are constantly growing. The ‘Velo Burgas’ rent-a-bike system has 12 access points throughout the city. The bike stations have different capacities, offering 120 bikes in total. Besides traditional means of transport in the smaller cities in the region, visitors can enjoy touristic way of travel – rikshaws, phaetons, and mini trains.

• Public transport As of October 2013, the public transport is serviced by 14 bus and 2 trolleybus lines. In 2009 Burgas Municipality started an ambitious programme for the modernisation of public transportation, improvement the accessibility and introducing measures for sustainable city mobility. The ‘Integrated public transport of Burgas’ project is currently undergoing; it is financed un-

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

2. What is the city’s absorption capacity in terms of tourist accommodation? In Burgas and the region, the focus on tourism outlines the general direction of development. Years ago Burgas had the characteristics of an allocation centre for the touristic flow of the nearby resorts to the north and south along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The reasons may be found in the limited tourism supply and inadequate promotion of the city as a tourist destination; also due to the large supply of tourist services outside the city. In the last few years Burgas is purposefully working towards establishing and promoting the city as a tourist destination, mostly relying on the development of various tourist attracts and the socialisation and preservation of the cultural heritage. The richer and better cultural programme, alongside the development of Burgas as a festival city, helps attract more visitors and tourists from the country and abroad. There are different types of accomodation in Burgas and the region, mostly dominated by hotels, but there are also holiday and boarding houses, guest houses and apartments. The registered data show that as of June 2013 in Burgas there are 111 accommodation places with a total of 3,466 beds. Hotels work throughout the year. The surrounding areas (including ‘Kraymorie’ and ‘Sarafovo’ neighbourhoods) offer numerous private rooms to rent with a bed capacity of around 400. However, the accommodation capacity has the potential to receive a lot more tourists. Research

City infrastructure

shows that within the Spirit of Burgas Festival in 2011 there was an audience of 20,000 for one night. Having in mind the features of the region, there are a number of other resorts and places which can offer accommodation, besides Burgas. For example, in the Municipality of Nessebar where the Sunny Beach resort complex is situated (30 km away from Burgas), there are 440 hotels with over 300,000 beds, in the Municipality of Pomorie (20 km away from Burgas) – over 70 hotels, the Municipality of Sozopol (30 km away from Burgas) – over 270 hotels with over 40,000 beds, the Municipality of Primorsko – over 70 hotels with over 14,000 beds, the Municipality of Tsarevo – 69 hotels. 3. What projects are to be carried out between now and the year for which the city is applying for the title of European Capital of Culture in terms of urban and tourism infrastructure, including renovation?(22)

What is the planned timetable for this work? Burgas has prepared a strategic document for the development of the city until 2020: Integrated plan for city renovation and development. This strategic document outlines the vision and main priorities of development of the city. The document also describes the basic sites in terms of urban and technical infrastructure, which will be renovated or constructed, whereas the projects are divided according to their functional design in the following zones of effect – zone with economic development potential, zone with public

The data regarding visits and overnight stays on the territory of the Municipality of Burgas shows the following:

(22) The answer to this question is optional at the pre-selection stage

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

functions with high community significance and zone with a predominantly social nature. The public area encompasses a number of public buildings such as schools, nurseries, administrative buildings, park areas and spaces with wide public access. In the public area, there is special interest towards the culture heritage sites and cultural institutions buildings. For example, in the period 2014-2019, the museums, the concert hall and the Flora are expected to be renovated. A Burgas Art Gallery, Library and Contemporary Art and Culture Museum are expected to be built and if there are enough investors, also a planetarium. A number of parks are expected to be

City infrastructure

landscaped – for example the Seaside Park and Lake Park. The renovation of the Pier is also planned, as well as that of the Pier Square and the buildings on the St. Anastasia Island, which is expected to start operating as a tourist attraction in November this year. The social and economic areas will also include cultural sites and their renovation. The following more significant sites of the cultural infrastructure are included in the development strategy of the Municipality of Burgas for 2014-2020:

EZERO PARK

NORTHERN INDUSTRIAL ZONE

3 1. Construction of a library and contemporary art museum in the building of the old ‘German hospital’ 2. Construction of exhibition and display areas – Flora 3. Construction of a planetarium in Lake Park 4. Construction of Burgas Art Gallery 5. Renovation and reconstruction (including introduction of measures for energy efficiency) in ‘Prof. Ivan Vulpe’ Concert Hall 6. Reconstruction, renovation and renewal, introduction of measures for energy efficiency in Lukoil Neftohim Cultural Hall 7. Re-cultivation of the area around the Mandrensko Lake for sport and recreation with wide public access 8. Renovation and reconstruction of the old bath on the territory of ‘L. Karavelov’ Secondary School (including introduction of measures for energy efficiency and renovation of the yard space) 9. Construction of a Daycare Centre for children with disabilities in the former military barracks in the Seaside Park 10. Landscaping the historical centre of the Seaside Park (historical centre, implementing a system for the collection, recycling and usage of rain water for the irrigation of the historical centre – green and innovative technologies) 11. ‘Underground City’ Project

2 8 VUZRAZHDANE

5 4

SE A GARDEN 11 1 9 10 CENTRAL CITY

AKATSII

POBEDA

SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL ZONE 7

MEDEN RUDNIK

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

• Construction of a library and contemporary art museum in the building of the old ‘German hospital’ Expected period of implementation – 2015/16 The library and contemporary art centre are expected to be situated in a building with a very central location in the city, between streets with a relatively low traffic. The reconstruction and renovation of the building has the opportunity to create an isolated and a quiet public space, interwoven between the central city square and the ‘St. St. Cyril and Methodius’ Cathedral, having links with fundamental culture heritage monuments – the buildings of the Ethnographic and Natural Science Museums. The needed design solution will be subject to the concept of creating a library and a contemporary art centre and school. On one hand, the new functions of the building will lead to satisfaction of the needs and vision of the city community and its restructuration. On the other hand, building a modernised contemporary art centre will potentially stimulate all basic elements, which define the cultural capital, namely: society will be enriched, quality of life of the citizens will be improved and the tourism development in the city will be enhanced. • Construction of exhibition and display areas – Flora Expected period of implementation – 2015/16 This project encompasses the construction, development, maintenance and management of the exhibition centre with multifunctional halls for permanent and temporary displays, conference tourism and a wide range of cultural events, located in the Seaside Park in Burgas. The construction-fitting activities are expected to include the territory of the already existing display area, as well as the landscaping of the adjoining green spaces. The main purpose of the project proposal is to establish Burgas as an attractive and competitive tourist and business destination of regional and national significance, by creating a new tourist product in the city, through the application of an innovative approach. The general concept of Flora Burgas consists of creating a multifunctional exhibition centre for: flowers, construction materials, equipment, 64

City infrastructure

etc.; conferences and branch meetings; cultural and music events; museum exhibitions. • Construction of a planetarium in Lake Park This project envisages the construction of a Planetarium in Lake Park, immediately next to the Seaside Park. Join financing opportunities for the project are currently looked for. • Construction of Burgas Art Gallery Expected period of implementation – 2016/17 The project envisages the construction of an art gallery and the supply of the necessary equipment and furnishings. Landscaping of the adjoining area. • Renovation and reconstruction (including introduction of measures for energy efficiency) in ‘Prof. Ivan Vulpe’ Concert Hall Expected period of implementation – 2017/18 The project proposal envisages an enquiry into the energy efficiency, renovation and reconstruction and introducing measures for energy efficiency in ‘Prof. Ivan Vulpe’ Concert Hall. Supply of the necessary equipment and furnishings. Landscaping of the adjoining area. • Reconstruction, renovation and renewal, introduction of measures for energy efficiency in Lukoil Neftohim Cultural Hall Expected period of implementation – 2015/16 the Municipality of Burgas is currently evaluating the project proposal: ‘To support the investment programme of the Municipality of Burgas 2014-2020’, with which it is applying to the ‘Regional Development’ Operative programme 2007-2013. The project envisages a work investment project for the construction of a multifunctional complex with cultural, educational and communal functions. Object of the investment design is the former ‘Lukoil’ Culture Home, which already has established traditions in the cultural and social life of the city. The building has a total built-up area of 7,340 m2 and is in the centre of the city, immediately next to the pedestrian area. The reconstruction of the building, in terms of architectural renovation, rethinking the internal spaces and modernising their functionality,

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

City infrastructure

“Connected to the sea - love and sustenance” Dilom, graffitti artist

utilising the unused volumes of space will contribute to the creation of a unified vision of the constantly modernising city centre. On the other hand, the reconstruction of the Culture Home into a Complex with cultural, educational and communal functions will develop and establish the building in the city environment as a place for cultural projects combining different arts, platform for youth performances, art studios and schools and exhibition spaces. The cultural aspects of the city life will be combined with communal functions, stimulating the social communication and access to significant events. • Re-cultivation of the area around the Mandrensko Lake for sport and recreation with wide public access Expected period of implementation – 217/18 The development potential of the area with economic development is also expressed with the presence of free, unassimilated or abandoned areas, which can be used for business initiatives or to be developed into public-private partnerships. They are challenging due to the presence of territories with different functions and their already existing infrastructure, which is currently not fully utilised. The active utilisation of this territory for the development of new economic activities will contribute to the efficient utili-

sation of these areas and their integration into the balanced development of the city economy. Such projects are the re-cultivation of the area around the overflows of the Mandrensko Lake and turning the territory into an attraction park as well as the construction of a go carting track. The interventions in this area will have a direct effect on the increase of competitiveness of the local economy. • Renovation and reconstruction of the old bath on the territory of ‘L. Karavelov’ Secondary School (including introduction of measures for energy efficiency and renovation of the yard space) Expected period of implementation – 2016/17 • Construction of a Daycare Centre for children with disabilities in the former military barracks in the Seaside Park Expected period of implementation – 2016/17 • Landscaping the historical centre of the Seaside Park (historical centre, implementing a system for the collection, recycling and usage of rain water for the irrigation of the historical centre – green and innovative technologies) Expected period of implementation – 2016/17 The renewal of the green areas and their equipment is of special importance for the Seaside 65

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Park in Burgas – one of the most sought-after places for recreation and sport in the city. The project envisages a detailed historical research and analysis of photo materials from different periods and different authentic sources of plant species in the old part of the Seaside Park, spread out over 110,000 m2. The old part of the Seaside Park has the status of a Gardening and Park Art Monument of national significance. The project for reconstruction of the green areas in the Seaside Park – South will aim to take down all plant species, renew the grass, brush and tree species with suitable displays in accordance with the monument status. Simultaneously, innovative solutions will be offered to provide an irrigation system using rain water. To the north of the Seaside Park is Lake Park – a popular recreation and sport area, bordering the Atanasovsko Lake – part of the Wet zones system of Burgas. In the last few years, the area was saturated with attractions and different social functions, while at the same time there is lagging in the process of landscaping and modernising the alley network, park furniture and related infrastructure. The construction of an underground parking space with a servicing street is the object of a separate investment project; it will ensure a safe and convenient access to the park area. The parking is expected to have a capacity of 80 cars. • ‘Underground City’ Project An interactive attraction. The ambition of the Municipality of Burgas is to establish Burgas as a year-round attractive and competitive tourist destination of regional and national significance. The underground air-raid shelters have 4 exits and encompass 3,180m2, including 12 rooms of different areas, linked with 17 corridors of different length. The four exits of the dungeons are in immediate proximity of other tourist attractions. The main entrance is in the historical centre of the Seaside Park in Burgas and is 10 m away from the ‘Sea Casino’ Cultural Centre and immediately next to the ‘Snail’ Open Stage, which hosts different events throughout the summer season. It is also located only 100 m away from the Pier which will be the starting point of the boat to St. Anastasia Island. The plan is to build a new stop

City infrastructure

for the attraction mini roadtrain, which will be taking tourists to the ‘Sand Sculptures’ festival. The entrance to the dungeons will be behind the ‘Snail., next to the fountain in the Seaside Park. Realising the project will create a new tourist attraction which will allow Burgas to offer its visitors a complete tourist product, and its citizens – a place for relaxation and entertainment. The integrated development plan contains a detailed description of the areas to be developed, whereas these projects encompass not only the central part of the city but also improvements in the neighbourhoods. Especially interesting is the territory of Port Burgas – which is essentially an industrial estate and is in process of socialisation. The current ambitious project is called ‘Public Access Area’ (PAA). The Maritime Passenger Terminal is the first successfully functioning part of this large project. This public access will be expanding even more and this will make the connection between Burgas and the sea even more visible, rich and defining for the city life. The PAA Project is in its concept unique for our country and will go through a few stages. The process itself is extremely important as it will expand the contact between the citizens and the sea and the recently inaccessible port territories. Such processes have taken place and continue to take place around Europe, that is why we consider it extremely valuable to exchange of experience with cities and specialists who have worked in this field. The Import/Export Project (see annex 1, page 85). in our programme deals with the organisation of a forum to share practices on reconstruction and revitalisation of previous port territories.

Communication strategy

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Communication strategy

means and on innovative ones. Considering the fast and dynamic development of technologies, it is possible that what’s called innovative today, in 2019 will seem outdated, that is why we are keeping in mind that the means of applying our communication strategy will probably improve and develop by then. • Creating the logo of the Cultural Collider and one vision for the whole concept of Burgas as ECoC 2019. This will be one of the first steps we will take at the second stage of our application and we will do this through an open competition.

Volunteers in Burgas 2019 team

1. What is the city’s intended communication strategy for the European Capital of Culture event? (23) The communication strategy we will offer, in order to promote Burgas as a European Capital of Culture 2019 will rely on innovation and interactivity. This way, it will naturally prepare the audience for the events in 2019 – most of them having precisely these features. The main objectives of our campaign will be: - To introduce the audience and all other interested parties with the programme of Burgas ECoC 2019, as well as with any other useful and practical information; - To engage the participation of the citizens as much as possible; - To promote Burgas and the region as a cultural tourism destination; - To highlight that ECoC is a EU initiative. Our communication strategy will be aimed at promoting Burgas ECoC 2019 in the city, region, country, Europe and the world. This will follow two paths – to the potential audiences and to potential new partners (cultural and creative industries, institutions, businesses, etc.) We will rely both on traditional and tested 68

• Internet - We will create an official site for Burgas 2019 which will present detailed information – the cultural programme, news, highlights, etc.; - We will create a mobile app so that the information will reach people quick and easily wherever they are at any time; we will use modern technologies such as an augmented reality engine; - We will continue to have a strong presence in the social networks; - We will continue to develop our Youtube channel; - We will create an online platform, which will ease the communication between the cultural institutions in the city and their users – artists and audience alike – the Mapping Project (see annex 1, page 85). - We will use the official tourist guide of Burgas gotoburgas.com to reach a maximum audience, and we will advertise and publish in all kinds of other websites for culture, tourism, news; - We will use and develop the possibilities of the already existing online navigation system in the city SmartPoint Burgas and a 3D map of Burgas in Google Earth. • Print media, radio & television - We will publish information in regional and national newspapers, specialised publications for tourism and culture, lifestyle magazines, guides; - In 2019 we will realise the ‘Front page culture’ Project, which consists of negotiating with different print media to feature in every issue of

(23) This question must be answered in greater detail at the final selection stage.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

their publication a column on culture on their front page; - There will be a special weekly culture guide, dedicated to Burgas 2019 which will be circulated for free; - The ‘Culture pages’ Project see page (see annex 1, page 89). will be an in-depth study of the events throughout the year; - We expect participation in radio and television programmes; - We will of course organise regular press conferences, related to our programme. • Video promotion - Depending on the different target groups, we will use various video promotion materials – spots and clips, promoting the whole concept and programme or separate events. The video materials will be disseminated through the media, through our partners – at airports, in trade centres, etc. and through the internet; - We will broadcast live different events on our official website;

Communication strategy

- We will establish video bridges – mostly between Burgas and the Italian city, nominated for European Capital of Culture, but also with other European and Bulgarian cities, depending on the project in question. • Printed promotion - We will develop and disseminate printed promotion materials – posters, billboards, maps, guides, etc. • Souvenirs We will put the Burgas 2019 logo on different objects, which our citizens and visitors can take as a memento; - Even more – we will organise workshops where people can produce some of these objects themselves – postcards, maps of favourite places, other objects, etc. – and we will take care of the logo print. • Promotional events - We will use the buildings and open spaces of the airport, the train stations and the port to or-

RS:X European Windsurfing Championship Burgas, september 2011

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Communication strategy

ganise events (setups, exhibitions, actions, flash mobs), which will attract the arriving passengers to the programme of Burgas 2019; - Mobile cultural stations – caravans, buses, train cars, boats, which we will use to transport culture even in the most unusual or isolated places and we will highlight movement as our main principle – Cultural Patronage Project (see annex 1, page 87). • Workshops - Workshop for creating informational signs of different places around the region; - Workshops and competitions for design of promotional materials of Burgas 2019, as well as for the vision and scenography of specific events in the programme; - Workshop for finding innovative methods to promote the programme of Burgas 2019; - Visual communication in the city environment – this will be part of the large scale Urban Patchwork Project (see annex 1, page 85). • Tour operators - Through them we will reach the organised groups of tourists. We will develop special packages which will include visits of cultural events.

visitors of Burgas for that day.

• BurgasCard - From 2014 onwards, Burgas will offer package cards which can be used to visit museums, attracts, cultural events at a preferential price – they will be connected to the systems for public transport, rent-a-bike, etc. In 2019 we will produce a special edition of these cards. • Special projects in our programme for communication with and between citizens - Anonymous communication C-Post - An interactive setup, which will bring unusual communication between a few chosen spots in the city, where the posts are installed. Using buttons for communication between the different posts, depending on which colour button was pressed there appears an audio/visual effect on the respective receiving post and a message can be sent to the person at the other end. - Art of the Day - An interactive system using an online platform and a screen in the city to show what art is preferred by the residents and

• Promoting Burgas as an interesting and new environment through projects, including exchange with Italy, as well as photo exhibitions and photo albums: - Pattern generator - A project for creative interpretations of repeating elements and structures in the city. It is organised in a small residential group of professionals in the visual arts, architecture and urbanism, working simultaneously in both European capitals of culture. The end product is a photo album published in both countries. - Outdoor photo-shooting session with the Italian capital of culture - The project consists of exchange outdoor photo-shooting sessions: Burgas photographers will take pictures of the Italian capital of culture and Italian photographers will be invited to take pictures of Burgas and its area; At a specific time, there will be an exhibition with the pictures from Italy in Burgas and from Burgas in Italy.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Communication strategy

2. How does the city plan to ensure the visibility of the European Union, which is awarding the title? Burgas will ensure the visibility of the European Union in two main ways: • Materials for visibility and publicity: Burgas 2019 will include a specific text in the print materials, which will point out the financial contribution of the European Union through the Melina Mercury award. Additionally, the video materials will feature similar text in the subtitled versions. Similar text will also be included on the webpage of Burgas 2019, which will also include a subsection with a description of the ECoC initiative and the contribution of the European Union through the Melina Mercury award.

Spirit of Burgas festival

• Creating partnerships with other Bulgarian cities - Burgas will send a special call to the other Bulgarian candidate-cities for ECoC 2019 if it is nominated. The call will be for one project each within our hosting, which will promote the respective city and its culture. This project aims to create long-term partnerships and to promote Burgas a city open to cultural cooperation. • Infopoints - A competition to create infopoints of Burgas 2019 located around the city and region; - The Box Project - Boxes with different functions which will also serve as meeting places and event spots. They will be installed throughout the area and will invite people to think ‘outside the box’. They are the products of educational workshops. Their design is open-source and can be reproduced almost anywhere.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

• Special events: the financial contribution of EU will be used to finance the cultural programme of Burgas 2019. A number of events and projects, part of the preliminary programme are planned to highlight the cultural diversity in Europe. The culmination of the programme will be the Event of the Year (September 2019), which will be implemented under the slogan ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” (William Shakespeare). It will transform the city and turn it into one big stage, attracting artists and audience alike in a colourful celebration. There will be a special focus on the contribution of EU, highlighting the importance of stimulating the cultural diversity in Europe. In addition, the programme includes numerous main and supporting events dealing with the contribution of Burgas 2019 in terms of the ‘European dimension’(24) In terms of ensuring visibility through an event, we have planned a project to celebrate Europe Day (9 May 2019), which will show the link between our city, Europe and the common denominator – Burgas ECoC 2019.

People from Burgas celebrate the New Year’s Day

(24) I. Basic principles, Question 8

Communication strategy

Evaluation and monitoring of the event

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Nikulden (St Nicholas’s Day) - The Day of Burgas and the sea

Does the city intend to set up a special monitoring and evaluation system: • for the impact of the programme and its knock-on effects? If the bid of Burgas for ECoC 2019 is selected, a detailed monitoring and evaluation programme will be developed together with an action plan, which will help the managing organisation – ACDBCR. There will be a specifically appointed officer at the Association who will be in charge of monitoring and evaluation. The employee will be responsible for developing the M&E plan and its implementation. The monitoring and evaluation is intended to see the progress and the degree of achieving the objectives of Burgas 2019, but also the impact of the event. The plan will include a logical framework, whereas specific indicators will be developed, with baseline values in the year before the events (2018) and target values to be reached at the end of 2019. These indicators could be both quantitative and qualitative. The plan and the framework will also arrange for the sources of information for monitoring these indicators. The plan will include an evaluation of the pe-

Evaluation and monitoring of the event

riod of preparation for ECoC 2019. A system will be developed which will allow the documentation (including video recording) of the events and will manage the processing and allocation of results. Different questionnaires and feedback forms will be used to gather information from the audiences, visiting the events, the artists, participating in the programme and from a wider range of interested parties: organisations in the cultural sector, business, tourism and education). An archive will be established for the event, which will store information on all events, classified by according specific criteria, for example, participating artists, audiences, budget, critics, etc. The parameters of the archive and the storage criteria will be developed in greater detail if Burgas is nominated for capital of culture. A methodology will be developed which will allow the evaluation of the results and the impact of ECoC 2019. The methodology will include various quantitative and qualitative research methods; subject of the research will be the audiences (visitors) – their motivation, the social-demographic profile of the participants and the type of events they participated in. In order to use these methodologies successfully, we will need to establish the base values of the indicators (in the year before the event, even 2-3 years before that), and if possible also to apply surveys involving control groups. It will be useful to also follow the demographic features of the participants since their change will be a good basis for analysis. The impact will be analysed in the follow directions: - Stimulating and diversifying the cultural life in Burgas - Including the audiences, with a specific focus on groups with limited access - Economic impact, including on tourism in the city and the region In order to evaluate the impact, besides the data from the monitoring system, we will also organise studies and analyses of the results in a few main directions: - Programme analysis - Economic impact analysis

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Evaluation and monitoring of the event

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event at the Fairy tale land Burgas

- Tourism impact analysis - Environment impact analysis In order to evaluate the impact, besides the data from the monitoring system for the specially created indicators, we will also use general economic indicators, such as employment, sales income, tax income, GDP per capita, etc. In order to develop the monitoring instruments, special cooperation will be required from the National Statistical Institute, the National Revenue Agency, as well as other organisations working in the field of analyses and evaluation. A special study may be developed for the qualitative indicators of impact by research agencies or universities.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Evaluation and monitoring of the event

â&#x20AC;˘ for financial management? Evaluation and monitoring of the financial management The financial management and control is another extremely important part. ACDBCR will generate and manage considerable financial resources and it has to be managed efficiently and transparently. The principles of good financial management will be observed. The team will include a financial director and professional accountants. The financial director will periodically report to the Board of Directors of the Association. Before the start of the programme in 2019, an auditor will be appointed who will be performing an on-going audit of the implementation, and after the end of the event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a full audit. In addition to the analyses described earlier, on the basis of the financial results, there will also be an analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Burgas ECoC 2019 event.

Arkutino bay Primorsko Municipality

Additional information

VII

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

The Sea garden Burgas

1. What, in your opinion, are the strong points of the city’s application and the parameters of its success as European Capital of Culture and what, on the other hand, are its weak points? The strong points of Burgas’ application are highlighted in our Cultural Collider which united our ideas, methods of work and spheres of impact. With consistent and dedicated work on our objective we will achieve lasting results for our environment. We have developed the concept on the grounds of the city’s realistic features, working both on its strong and weak sides, so that we can lean on the strong ones and improve the weak ones. The main method of work, both of the Cultural Collider and in the preparation of our application is work, based on partnerships. They can happen on all levels: with other cities, cultural organizations and artists, institutions, businesses; from the involvement of everyone who created or contributed to this application to the idea of future participation of a wide range of artists and citizens in the development of the vision of Burgas 2019. Our application equally highlights the improvement of the cultural infrastructure and the development of the human and creative potential. 78

Additional information

One of the strong points of our application is the realisation of Burgas as a particularly interesting cultural destination. Together with the cultural events, the visitors of our city can include more and more stops along their routes, connected to our ancient history. In recent years cultural heritage sites in the area (such as St. Anastasia Island) were restored and socialised; others are in the process of excavation and promotion (such as the ancient spa complex Aqua Calidae).(25) The hard work of our Collider will lead to an especially needed impact in the current cultural reality in Bulgaria – that is, a slow decentralisation. Its work will contribute to a lasting change in a worrying tendency: large part of the creative potential of the country is localised in the capital. And last, but not least, we will include the sea among our strong points – it is our inspiration, our home and our window to the world! Alongside the strong points of Burgas as a candidate-city for ECoC, the city also faces challenges whose overcoming will make the path to the event even more exciting. One of the points we intend to work on especially hard is the inadequately developed cultural sector and the lack of stimulants for businesses to invest in the cultural and creative industries in the city. We have noticed an inadequate capacity of the buildings in the cultural infrastructure which prevents the organisation of large concerts and events. That explains our work on the new projects for cultural spaces. We would like to change the seasonality of cultural tourism and turn it into an all-year one. We would also like to help it become one of the important types of tourism in the region. The preparation and submission of the application of Burgas and the region for capital of culture in 2019 stimulated the public government and local communities to work together to overcome all these challenges and to turn Burgas in the city of our dreams.

(25) Aqua Calidae – Thermopolis is an archaeological complex, located 15 km to the east of Burgas. The site is currently developed and it has been financed by Municipality Burgas for years. The findings show that the healing properties of the hot mineral spring were known even in the neolith age, when there

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Additional information

If Burgas is nominated for ECoC, this will stimulate the cultural and creative industries but the city will continue to follow its objectives to achieve sustainable development and improved quality of life through further and more accessible culture.

Sand sculpture festival Burgas

2. Does the city intend to develop particular cultural projects in the coming years, irrespective of the outcome of its application for the title of European Capital of Culture? Please comment. Burgas definitely intends and plans to continue working purposefully in the sphere of art and cultural and creative industries in the years to come, irrespective of the outcome of this application. The Association will continue to work and will encourage independent art by supporting the developing partnership with the local and district administrations and the stakeholders. The preparation of the application of Burgas has already started moving the mechanisms of the Cultural Collider. The Association, together with the public sector and civil society, will look for ways to realise important projects in the programme of the city, and it will also develop some initiatives which have already started, such as Burgas 2019 Summer Tour, which became very popular for a short time in the summer of 2013. The association will continue to work with businesses to ensure the support of a more diverse cultural programme which expands beyond the tourist season.

were three villages founded nearby, dating 6th-5th century B.C. Thracians turned the spring into a sanctuary of the Three nymphs, which attracted numerous pilgrims in the following centuries.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

3. Please add below any further comments which you deem necessary on the subject of this application.

That City at the Seaside Vanyo Valchev For some, that city is a place for summertime romance, for short-lived beach flings by a lazy sea, or distant memories of a ship arriving from across the ocean, the taste of seafood and gossip shared over a couple cups of coffee. For us, it’s fate. It’s where we were born. That city and the sea are all we have, and we grow up keeping that thirst of sailing far away Reaching to touch the splendour over the horizon. Our love is simple, and honest, and pure and it colours the sound of our laughing children. And our hearts always stay silent and they never sing If the poems we read are only filled with half-truths. ... That city at the seaside is filled, like an amphora, with everything that is glorious about the south. We’re constantly leaving. Constantly coming back. It’s simple. We’re all anchored here....

Additional information

Annex

Cultural programme details

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

PEOPLE Pagan Feasts Tsarevo - outdoor stages; libraries and halls around the city 2019 - summer, autumn Read cyrillic Sub-projects Virtual language Burgas Contemporary Art Centre 2019 winter The Big Urban Dictionary Burgas 2019 A language from the past All villages and cities 2016-2019 spring Migrations Burgas, Nessebar, Sozopol 2019 winter Interests Fair Burgas 2017-2019 spring Cycle power Burgas - Sports Halls 2019 - spring, summer 82

A project presenting the pagan traditions and customs, characteristic for preChristian Europe. Each event consists of: presenting the spiritual customs of the different ethnic groups (Thracians, Celts, Vikings, Ancient Greeks, Galls, etc.) by re-enactment, exhibitions, performances; outdoor science-historical presentations (lectures and exhibitions) showing the migration of the different ethnic groups of the continent. Christian customs are viewed as successors of the pagan ones A project dealing with communication and language, with a stress on the Cyrillic alphabet. It accelerates understanding and communication between different cultures, and it also defines us as a Slavic community. The project is a research of perceiving the Bulgarian language/speech and transforming and recognising it through the means of visual arts.

Bulgarian words will become part of the cityscape and public spaces. The aim is to provoke the visitors of ECC 2019 to try speaking our language.

Research and presentation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a research expedition in Strandzha Mountain, including mostly linguistic, but also folklore, ethnologic, archaeological and iconographical research.

A project looking into the different cultures which shape the local community, their origins and traditions, as well as the influences of these communities on the local culture.

A project presenting clubs and organisations. It aims to allow them to get to know each other and their members, to provoke future collaborations, including at an international level. Alternative means of transport are the highlight of this project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; events, dedicated to cycling and other types of exercise (competitions, bike-parades, marathons, workshops for assembling and repairing bicycles, cycling actions, etc.)

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Easy livin'

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

This is a project looking into the easy seaside life – it will highlight the most pleasant and interesting aspects of life, so that the visitors can experience the true spirit of Burgas. It will focus on the common characteristics of everyday life people share in their easy seaside way of living, typical for all South European countries – culinary, sport, recreation, conversation.

Sub-projects Open kitchen Burgas, Nessebar , Tsarevo, Malko Tarnovo 2019 Hamapark Burgas - Seaside Park, The Promenade, etc. 2019 summer Profile & Enface Pedestrian streets 2019 summer Surf the kite Beaches / outdoors 2019 - spring, summer autumn

A culinary project which will present the cuisine of the European nations. It will consist of demonstration and tasting.

A setup of hammocks in the city – the longest series of hammocks, the biggest hammock, hammock yoga, etc.

Photo exhibition – portraits of interesting and colourful Burgas citizens – people from the street – with their favourite things, including a description of their life in Burgas and the things they like to do. Surf and kite races and demonstrations.

Fish soup feast Nessebar and Fisherman's Village Chengene Skele 2019 - spring, autumn

Outdoor cooking – The fish soup feast is a demonstration and tasting of the different fish dishes in Bulgaria and Europe. Different Bulgarian and European cities will be invited to present their recipes. The tasting may include a competition element.

Mentorship Burgas - in schools and universities; in libraries 2019

Meetings with successful Burgasians in an educational environment. The project has two aspects: meeting famous people from Burgas and a programme for finding mentors. It will take place during the academic year.

Project "Neighbourhood" Burgas 2019 - spring, summer, autumn

Coming together with your neighbours and putting your efforts together for the sake of the general good are the highlights of this project. In its essence, it’s a competition which urges all neighbourhoods to participate and compete in a given field (for example, the best garden or best common green space; urban farming, etc.).

Sub-project Backyard workshop Burgas 2019 - spring, summer, autumn Children's Calcio Burgas - Stadium, sports halls

Social network of people who work together in their gardens and learn different techniques, etc. This also includes parties, social contacts etc.

Kids football camp with children from Burgas and Italy

2019 summer 83

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CITY Viewpoints Burgas Places high up 2018+

Establishing spots around the city and its surroundings, which will offer observation, photo and video capture from a different perspective. The goal is for people to get an idea of how the city is situated in space, its connection to the three lakes and the sea, as well as to popularise the beautiful views in the city.

Maritime cinema Burgas

A project promoting quality film and independent cinema (documentaries, popular science films, feature films, short films, etc.) featuring the sea in their plots.

2015 + Urban sound exchange Burgas 2019 summer

An audio stock of city sounds will be collected within a month, which will be announced in advance. For this purpose, everyone willing to participate, may record sounds they associate with Burgas. During the next stage, mixengineers, musicians and music producers will create “The Music of Burgas”.

City routes

A system of connected city spaces with an added culture value, which will be visited with a guide. Local and foreign tourists will be able to sign up for a tour, specifically designed according to their interests.

Burgas 2018+ Urban patchwork

Sub-projects: Urban void Burgas 2019 Pipeline meadow Burgas - squares, playgrounds, seaside park meadows 2018+ Murals & Patchwork Burgas, Aytos, Karnobat, Sredets, Atiya, Zvezdets 2019 - spring, summer, autumn 2nd lvl Burgas 2019- spring, summer, autumn 84

A project to improve certain urban spaces with a highlight on common spaces, residential areas and neighbourhoods in Burgas, through artistic actions. It makes the environment more functional, aesthetic and inspiring. All kinds of empty city sites on the streets and buildings in bad condition will be sought out and filled with different colours and materials. A setup of a few pipes which will serve as a fun communication without prejudice.

The colourful and mismatching squares of thermal insulation due to partial building rehabilitation are possibly one of the most characteristic architectural and visual features of Bulgarian neighbourhoods – the project aims to turn the defect into a positive effect through art intervention

Creating a place for work or rest, through ropes, safety nets, hammocks, suspended tents, platforms, etc. between buildings, over streets. Suitable functions for the newly created spaces will be explored.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

Urban patchwork Sub-project: Infologics Burgas 2017-2019 spring, summer Import/Export Burgas - Port buildings 2019 autumn REWIND Sub-projects:

A workshop for visual communication in the city environment.

A project on the subject of cultivating the port with a highlight on the relationship “city+sea=port”. It contains different modules: discussions and exhibitions with international experience in the socialisation of port territories. It will accelerate the discussion between citizens, specialists and the local government – import/export of knowledge. A project involving the distinctive architecture of Burgas – lost, existing, subject to protection.

Past vision Burgas 2018+

Screens, forming a 360° panorama, will be mounted in the city’s central spot. They will show not only the current environment, its architecture, community and vision, but also the face of Burgas through the years of development. Using computer technologies and sensors, going closer to the screen, the visitors will find themselves in different stages in the city’s development.

Heritage Burgas - buildings cultural monuments 2019

A series of lectures will analyse the architectural development of Burgas, the lost architectural heritage and the need to protect the cultural monuments in order to maintain the spirit of the city from the beginning of 19th century.

Famous Citizens of Burgas Burgas - museum, libraries, halls, etc. 2019

The project introduces the stories and work of different people from Burgas, or presents the people themselves, who have had a cultural influence.

Street tags Burgas 2019

The project places information signs with the stories of the names of Burgas streets, thus introducing different people stories and symbols, connected to the city.

Annonymous communication / C-post

An interactive setup that brings unusual communication between a few chosen spots in the city, where the posts are installed. Using buttons for communication between the different posts, depending on which colour button was pressed there appears an audio/visual effect on the respective receiving post and a message can be sent to the person at the other end.

Burgas - All council centres outdoors 2018+ Mapping 2014+

A data base with a Geographic Information System platform mapping the infrastructure of Burgas. It has to be accessible to independent project, including international ones. An inclusion of the updated culture programme at the different places is planned. 85

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TERRITORIES & DIMENSIONS Outdoor photoshooting session with the Italian capital of cultur Burgas - Italy

The project consists of exchange outdoor photo-shooting sessions: Burgas photographers will take pictures of the Italian capital of culture and Italian photographers will be invited to take pictures of Burgas and its area; There will be photo exhibitions in both cities.

2018, 2019 Routes Sub-projects: Flying route Burgas, Primorsko, Sozopol 2019 Archaeological route Burgas area 2017+ Underwater archaeology exhibition Primorsko, Tzarevo 2019, spring, summer

An interesting and personalised way to take in the area in its entirety and diversity. It combines usefulness with pleasure – culture with sport, culinary challenges, recreation, conversation, adventures and many more. Para-gliders, airplanes, delta-gliders, modelling, hot air balloons

Archaeological findings from different historical periods: Thracians, Romans, Medieval times, etc. An exhibition showing the history of the underwater part of the area. The southern Black Sea waters shroud multiple interesting objects – sunken ships, including ancient ones, remains of ancient cities, etc.

Poetic spaces Magical route Burgas area 2018 + summer

Using multi-genre means of art, special places are created out of town. Zen spots for solitude and meditation.

Ornithological route Burgas area 2017+

The route allows the visitors to see the plethora of protected species, together with unique nature territories. It follows part of the Via Pontica migration path and includes bird watching spots.

The life of salt Burgas Salt-pans, Pomorie Salt-pans, Salt Museum – Pomorie 2014+

The project looks at salt as an idea, a material, an environment, a technology; it includes spectating and participating in the processes of collecting sea salt; an improvised physiotherapy with salt water, lye and healing mud; photographic, painting and craftsmanship outdoor sessions, themed “Sea salt” and “Birds and nature”; lye body art; cleaning actions to help protect this unique reserve and its bio-diversity.

Underwater route Seaside cities 2018+ 86

Pointing out diving spots and observing the underwater world.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Routes Sub-projects: Speleo-route Caves in the ares 2018+ Wine route Wineries, wine-cellars, vineyards 2018+ Be my guest Participating hosts’ homes, 2019 Culture patronage The whole area, 2018+

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

A route leading to the diversity of underground spaces Following the route of wine and the customs, involved in its production and consumption. A project exploring the experience of visiting different cultures. It offers a chance to perceive and understand first-hand your hosts’ customs and cuisine, representing their everyday life and traditions. Through a data base of hospitable local citizens of Burgas and the area, everyone can take advantage of an invitation to lunch, dinner or a celebration. If you cannot get to culture, culture will come to you.

Sub-projects: Travelling culture Outdoor stages, libraries, halls, squares 2019

A project for mobile culture stations (caravans, buses, airplanes, ships, containers, etc.) which deliver art to people and places which don’t have access to it.

Visiting culture 2019

Brings art to people who have difficulties getting to the art. The culture patronage is a structure, which presents culture products in social care institutions, hospitals, homes for disadvantaged people.

Travelling spirit Burgas 2019 - winter, autumn

A project, dedicated to people who have turned travelling into a way of life. Lectures, presentations and discussions.

CREATIVE FLOW On tour The whole area - outdoor and indoor stages, libraries, city halls 2019

A touring festival for stage/performing arts - accelerates the dissemination of culture throughout the area

Material trails Aytos, Karnobat, Malko Tarnovo, Ruen, Sungurlare, Tzarevo workshop communities in the area, 2019 spring

Craftsmanship workshops in the area, introducing the crafts traditionally practiced in the area; getting to know the surroundings (history, characteristics); mutual education – exchange of techniques, customs, culture. Adding to the traditional atmosphere of the places by introducing modern contemporary design, art and architecture elements. 87

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Sea soul Sub-projects: European maritime artists exhibitions Burgas galleries 2019 Outdoor maritime painting session Beaches 2019

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

Themed exhibitions, dedicated to the sea

A series of exhibitions changed monthly with a different highlight (Bulgarian, European, modern, classical, etc.) while always having a maritime theme. Outdoor painting sessions open to all willing to join, organised simultaneously on the beaches of a few coastal towns in the area. These sessions will lead to exhibitions in the form of a beach fest.

Pattern Generator Burgas and Italy 2019 spring

A project for creative interpretations of repeating elements and structures in the city. It is organised in a small residential group of professionals in the visual arts, architecture and urbanism, working simultaneously in both European capitals of culture. The end product is a photo album published in both countries.

Archaeological residences Aque Calidae Aque Calidae 2019 - spring, summer

Archaeological residences project – an experimental field for archaeologists – appealing to young specialists and students – a project which encourages professional/academic exchange and attracts young people from Europe to Burgas.

Project for the digital arts in a city environment Burgas, 2019

Developing the digital arts in Burgas.

Sub-projects: Art of the Day Burgas, 2019

An interactive system using an online platform and a screen in the city to show what art is preferred by the residents and visitors of Burgas for that day.

Virtual Bricks Burgas, 2019 spring

An artistic project to build on the physical environment and intertwine virtual contents in it. Various artists will be invited.

Stage fever Burgas 2019

Stage arts festival – performances of modern dance and theatre. It includes a creative workshop (partly open to the public) culminating in a performance which will be part of the festival programme.

Sub-projects:

The city is one big Photo exhibition of the different stages of the project. theatre - photo exhibition Squares and areas in front of culture institutes Think big Sub-projects:

A large-scale project for large-scale art. It accelerates development and the introduction of residents and visitors to specific genres, which can find their own space in the city or its surroundings – art, which does not fit in galleries.

Anchors Burgas - parks, pedestrian streets, spaces between buildings, 2019

A collaboration of artists from around Europe working on creating a given number of anchors from all kinds of materials – wood, metal, stone, rope, porcelain, plastic, etc. The anchors will be placed at key spots in the city or will adorn the not-so-popular ones.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

Think big Sub-projects: Festival of kinetic art Burgas, 2019 Start from scrap Burgas, 2019

Kinetic sculptures An outdoor scrap sculpturing session

Landscape art Landscape art The whole area, 2018-2019 Underwater sculpture Underwater instalation and underwater sculpture workshop city Primorsko, 2015-2019 summer Design academy Burgas 2017-2019

A design academy working in different directions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; product design, graphic design, fashion design, etc. The academy will invite visiting lecturers who are professionals from the country and from around Europe. A non-formal type of education, generating a high-quality, aesthetic change in the city environment.

The sound of Classics Burgas 2019

A classical music project with international participation: Classical concerts with a different theme every month; Opera performances of Bulgarian and international troupes; special highlights on Italy

Jazz & Co. Burgas 2014-2019, spring

Jazz festival in Burgas. Headliners are invited; jam sessions among professionals and amateurs.

Literature matters Burgas, 2019

Literature is in the centre of attention â&#x20AC;&#x201C; book readings, authors, discussions, literature sessions, creative writing workshops. Reflections on the modern place and role of libraries in people's lives; Promoting reading among youths and children. An accompanying project with workshops, discussions and seminars on journalism and blogging

Sub-project: Journalism and blogging Burgas, 2019 Culture pages Burgas and the area 2017+

1. A theoretical research of the cultural environment, art history, critics and culture theory in Burgas and the area for the last 30 years. A residence of culture managers, anthropologists, culturologists, philologists; The analysis will be published in print. 2. Cultural almanac â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reference book for all cultural events and artists in Burgas and the area, Bulgaria, Europe, issued every 6 months in print.

Music festival for different styles of music Burgas beach, 2014+

Music festival for different popular styles of music performed on multiple stages.

Contemporary Art Project Centre for contemporary art; different places around the city 2019+

A large-scale project which develops a contemporary art programme throughout the year. There will be exhibitions, residences, lectures. It aims to create knowledge of and interest towards contemporary arts. It supports the ambitious infrastructure project for a Contemporary Arts Centre in Burgas.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

NEXT STEP Inspired Burgas 2014+ Music science Burgas Schools 2015+ 30 years since 1989 Burgas 2019

Inspired is a series of meetings aiming to inspire, educate and communicate. The mentors are international artists who will share their personal experience and the things that inspire them, at the same time presenting projects and ideas. The Inspired lectures are organised in modules, presenting the areas of the Collider ; there’s also a kids section. Expanding the musical knowledge of youths and encouraging talents. Awakening interest to music in all its forms in children, through modern presentations, prominent visiting lecturers, workshops, interactivity. At first glance, this is an event only related to Bulgaria, but on the other hand it connects Bulgaria with the countries from the ex-Eastern Block. In 2019 it will be 30 years from the political changes in Bulgaria. This is a project which looks into the processes, leading to the democratisation and evolution of society. Accompanying events – conferences, lectures, art projects.

the Boxt Boxes with different functions which will also serve as meeting places and Burgas - City environment event spots. They will be installed throughout the area and will invite people to think “outside the box”. They are the products of educational workshops. Their 2019 design is open-source and can be reproduced almost anywhere. Waves of ideas Sub-projects: "Innovations" exhibition Burgas - library and Contemporary art centre 2019, winter

A project which puts culture and science in the spotlight as a way to innovation. It looks into the influence of innovations on the development of society on a global scale. The role of art in popularising innovative technologies. An exhibition, dedicated to Innovation – technologies, started with specific goal but then evolved in a popular technology. This is conceptionally related to the idea of collisions with an unexpected result.

material technology Burgas 2019, winter

A forum, including lectures, discussions and workshops, looking for ways to improve the quality of life, through integrating modern materials and technologies at the level of buildings, street structures, etc.

Cutting-edge dialogues Burgas 2019, autumn

A project which creatively collides the energies of artists and people working with science or technology. The working process will be in pairs on residential basis. The result are common projects combining art and science.

Computer history Burgas 2019, winter

An exhibition, showing different computer models throughout the years – demonstrating how knowledge changes the scale, it will serve as a basis for education and will have an interactive element through demonstration of old computer games.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Kids Lab Burgas, 2017+ Sub-projects: Kids City Burgas, 2018+

Kids Competition Online 2014+ autumn

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Opening Ceremony Burgas - city environment 2019, New Year’s Day

Annex 1: Cultural programme details

Looking into possibilities for the children to be part of a creative process which affects the creation of the kids environment. The project will be international.

A kids-friendly space, which is an experimental playground for kids design, as well as a place for interesting new methods to work with children, encouraging art and creativity. A competition for kids design which already has traditions. In 2019 “Kids lab” will be an international design competition for children. It aims to create prototypes of elements of the kids environment, a process including students of design, applied arts, psychology, architecture, as well as leading specialists in these areas.

DESCRIPTION

The event will take place simultaneously with the opening ceremony in the Italian capital of culture.

Our culmination event will take place under the motto “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” (William Shakespeare). It will transform the city and turn it into one big stage, attracting artists and audience Burgas - city environment alike in a colourful celebration. 2019, autumn Event of the year and transforming the city: Burgas is a stage

Closing Ceremony We will close the year of being EcoC by inviting everyone to share the Holiday of St. Nicholas' Day - The our city at a shared table. day of Burgas and the sea Burgas - city environment 2019, December 6th Burgas digital Online 2018+

Video bridges Online 2019 Open invitation

Preparing a digitised version of the city and its area in the form of an application which will be available both online and for mobile devices. The application, besides containing the usual information on routes, places, events and ways to reach them, will also include an augmented reality engine, which will enrich the analogue world with layers of digital art, historical, architectural and geographical information. Certain events in the programme will be enriched with video bridges to European cities so they can be shared even more. Project calls. Online

Annex Financial details

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Annex 2: Financial details

Đ˘he Statute of the Association for culture development of Burgas city and region is an official document, certifying the financial commitment of the mayors of the 13 municipalities in Burgas region in regard with Burgas 2019 ECoC Bid.

BURGAS 2019 Cultural Collider

Annex 2: Financial details

BURGAS 2019

CULTURAL COLLIDER