On July 30, 2025, the Collective Foundation signed an agreement for the provision of funds to final beneficiaries under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM) with the National Culture Fund for the implementation of project № BG-RRP-11.020-0175 “Rivers of the People” under Procedure № BG-RRP-11.020 “Grant Scheme with Two Sessions ‘Bulgarian Productions from the CCI Sector on Open Art Market Platforms’.” The RRM funds are provided to final beneficiaries for the implementation of investment C11.I6 “Development of the Cultural and Creative Sectors” under Component 11 “Social Inclusion” of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The total value of the investment amounts to BGN 123,535.61, of which BGN 111,182.05 is non-repayable financial assistance from the European Union – NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The main goal of the project is to establish a functional connection between people and riverside areas through culture. By recognizing riverside spaces as territories that can be used for entertainment, recreation, business, and as attractive tourist destinations, communities will be encouraged to engage in sustainable preservation and enhancement of these areas.
The specific objectives of the project are:
– Cultural enrichment: Increasing interest in local culture and traditions through artistic performances and installations.
– Improvement of public spaces: Creating an attractive and functional environment along the rivers that serves as a meeting place for people and a venue for cultural events.
– Art installations: Developing innovative art installations that capture attention and spark interest among residents and tourists.
– Education and awareness: Raising public awareness of environmental issues related to rivers and their importance for the local ecosystem.
– Inclusion of different age groups: Encouraging the participation of children, youth, and adults through a variety of activities designed to cater to diverse interests and abilities.
The project “Rivers of the People” is a project with significant cultural, civic, social, and ecological impact and contribution. As part of the project, in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, on the banks of the Yantra River, an art installation combined with an exhibition will be created and presented within the framework of the Varusha Yug Festival (August 2025). Beyond Bulgaria, the cultural product will also be showcased in the town of Trbovlje, Slovenia (September 2025) in a new, engaging, and innovative way, namely through a 360-degree VR video tour, presenting the physical dimension of the art intervention in a digitalized environment while preserving the atmosphere and energy of the event.
The project partner is the association VT EVENTS.
Start date: 30.07.2025
End date: 31.12.2025
This publication was created with the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The entire responsibility for the content of the publication rests with the Collective Foundation and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this publication reflects the official position of the European Union or the National Culture Fund.
