3.1.3 Methodological Material_Chapter 5 "Educational Artmaking In Partners Countries: Good Practices In Community Settings"

11. GOOD PRACTICES PROVIDED BY FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE CULTURAL AND BUSINESS POTENTIAL OF CIVIL SOCIETY - CUBU FOUNDATION (BULGARIA)

Mincheva Garmidolova (2021) mentions that the subject “arts” appears in the Bulgarian schools at the end of XIX century, the first program in arts - in 1885. Many art programs have been created since then and their content has been improved up to nowadays. The roots of the artistic traditions of Bulgarian art take us back to medieval times when their specific features originated.

Arts and cultural education exist in Bulgaria as an integrated school area in special schools under the administration of the Ministry of Culture. In several countries, reforms of the school curriculum are currently taking place, discussions are currently being held also in Bulgaria.

According to the Arts and Cultural Education at School in Europe study (2009) there is a discussion going on about possible amendments of curricula and syllabi concerning arts and cultural education. The purpose of this discussion is to examine the possibilities of strengthening the cultural and creative dimension of education in the future not only within artistic school subjects, but also in the rest of the curriculum as far as it is possible. Also, as a national programme, an initiative jointly organised by three statutory bodies: the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Culture and the Government Agency for Children’s Welfare, has for the past five years been financing initiatives aimed to promote arts-related festivals and activities, for example those designed to foster the creativity and talents of gifted children. This programme can also award grants to children who perform outstandingly in national or international competitions.

The development of art education in Bulgaria is determined by factors like historical circumstances, industrial development, professional experience and competence.

As an historical note, in the community setting frame, Plovdiv was the first ever Bulgarian city to be European Capital of Culture, in 2019. The city has an ancient heritage and its status as one of the oldest European cities. “Together” was the motto of Plovdiv European Capital of Culture because of the meeting between different cultures, communities and groups. This motto included four thematic platforms: “Fuse” integrates ethnic and minority groups, and aims to bring together different generations and social groups; “Transform” re-thinks and revives forgotten urban spaces; “Revive” aims to preserve historical heritage and expand access to culture; while “Relax” promotes sustainable living with a slow pace and slow food.

As in many other European cities, another important cultural event is "The Night of Museums", held for the first time in 2005 also in the city of Plovdiv. It is now called “Share the Night” and is three days of art performances in galleries, cafes, and public spaces all over the town.

In the frame of another project, Passport to Culture, the Bulgarian team of The Change is in You NGO has implemented some wonderful activities based on the folk culture of Bulgaria and learned others stories from Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria, the local authorities have set up Common Centers for children. These centers develop activities for gifted or interested children free of charge. They are the subject of intensive cooperation between the national and regional education authorities on the one hand, and the local authorities on the other. And these are just a few of the cultural activities implemented at community level in this wonderful country.