Project description:
In 2025, we launched the project “Transformative Urbanism – Reconnecting People with the Yantra River” in collaboration with EUNIC Bulgaria and the Bulgarian branches of the cultural institutes of the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Austrian Embassy and VT Events.
The project aims to reconnect Veliko Tarnovo with its river, often forgotten by locals. By creating an open-air gallery along the river, the goal is to turn the area into a lively cultural and community space.
A key focus of the project is working with local youth. Through the “Design by Yantra” workshops, students have been collaborating with architects, designers, and mentors—sharing ideas and contributing to the physical transformation of the riverbank.
At the heart of the project was a European-wide open call for artists. Graphic designers and illustrators were invited to submit works exploring the theme “Rivers of the Past”— reflecting on Europe’s cultural traditions, legends, and historical connections to rivers.
More than 130 artists applied, and 12 artworks were selected for the exhibition in the new riverside gallery space.
The gallery will officially open on August 2 and will remain open to visitors until August 17.
Upcoming programme of events includes:
28.07 – 01.08 – CLEANUP AND PREPARATION OF THE NEW RIVERSIDE CULTURAL SPACE IN ASENOVA MAHALA
Every day 9:00 – 18:00
2.08 – OPENING DAY
17:00 – 18:00 Treasure Hunt: “Reconnect with the River”. Starting point: Central Post Office
18:00 – 18:15 Official Opening Ceremony
18:30 – 19:00 Guided Exhibition Tour
19:00 – 21:00 Community Dinner, Music & Games
9.08 – DAY OF WORKSHOPS AND GAMES
10:30 – 12:00 Boat-Making Workshop for kids
11:00 – 12:00 Paper Sculptures with Zoi
16:00 – 18:00 Friendly Chess Tournament
17:00 – 18:00 Zukograms – an interactive, sound-based workshop and performance
18:00 – 19:00 Guided Exhibition Tour: “Rivers of the Past”
15.08 – 48 HOURS VARUSHA SOUTH FESTIVAL
18:00 – 19:00 Treasure Hunt: “Reconnect with the River”. Starting point: Central Post Office
19:30 – 20:30 Guided Exhibition Tour
16.08 – 48 HOURS VARUSHA SOUTH FESTIVAL
10:00 – 10:40 Good Practices: River Initiatives from Across Europe at “Nadezhda” Community Center
14:00 – 16:00 Documentary movies about rivers and river initiatives at “Nadezhda” Community Center
16:00 – 18:00 Guided Exhibition Tour
17:00 – 18:00 Awards Ceremony: “Rivers of the Past” Competition
17.08 – 48 HOURS VARUSHA SOUTH FESTIVAL
10:40 – 11:20 Design along Yantra – Youth Presentation at “Nadezhda” Community Center
16:00 – 18:00 Guided Exhibition Tour
“Transformative Urbanism – reconnecting people with Yantra river” is a project funded by EUNIC Bulgaria and is implemented by The Collective and VT Events. EUNIC is the European network of national cultural institutes and organizations, with 39 members from all EU countries and associated states. The European partners in this project are the Bulgarian representations of the cultural institutes of Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, as well as the Austrian Embassy.
