2 Alexander Zhendov Str.
1113 Sofia
Bulgaria
- Arts
- Heritage
- International/Cultural relations
- Media
Mission
To be an integrated part of international cultural relations and to support the successful implementation of the priorities of Bulgaria's foreign affairs through cultural diplomacy.
AIMS
- To take part in creating a positive image of Bulgaria as a modern country with a wealth of ancient and a vibrant contemporary culture, as well as of a country with potential to contribute to global intercultural dialogue.
- To work towards and contribute to the promoting the significance and role of Bulgaria as an active partner in international cultural cooperation.
- To support the efficient use of resources deriving from Bulgaria's increased international reputation towards expanding the country's cultural presence abroad.
- To support the implementation of regional foreign policy priorities.
TO ACHIEVE THESE AIMS THE INSTITUTE:
- Supports programmes and projects with emphasis on cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue - a high priority area on the European Union's agenda.
- Encourages the establishment of direct links between Bulgarian cultural operators and their counterparts abroad to the end of creating opportunities for the successful integration of the national culture on the European and world cultural scene.
- Supports and works towards the priority implementation of cultural projects and programmes as an element of the transformation of cultural cooperation into integrated intercultural dialogue in keeping with the European Union's cultural agenda.
- Develops the strategy and supports the coordination of the international activities of government and nongovernmental organisations dedicated to international cultural policy.
- Encourages cultural organisations active in the field to broaden their geographic parameter in promoting Bulgaria and increasing interest to its history, culture and contemporary cultural arena.
- Stimulates and offers professional assistance to Bulgarian diplomatic missions in the implementation of bilateral and multilateral cultural projects and events.
Main part of the program "Public diplomacy" is a project "Traveling exhibitions" intended as an instrument for promoting the Art collection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and developing of a different kind of particular exhibitions presenting the Bulgarian culture, history and contemporary art.
"Traveling exhibitions" is implemented jointly with the missions abroad. The program relies on coordination between Cultural Institute and missions which allows projects to be carried out in adequate communication with local partners and to multiply the effect of the presentation . In 2012 the world have organized 28 exposures of 12 projects from the portfolio of the Institute. In 2013, over 50 presentations - mainly related to the celebration of important events such as the Great Moravian mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius and the 70th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the Holocaust.