5 Cultural Policy Resources in South East Europe
Last updated: 10.03.2023
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Construction of a local cultural strategy of the city of Plovdiv and setting up an effective structure for an active social dialogue (completed)
 country:  Bulgaria
 implementing organisation:  European Cultural Month - Plovdiv 99 Foundation
 partners:  Cultural Department of the Municipality of Plovdiv, Municipal Institute for Museum Activities - Plovdiv, Ancient Plovdiv Trust
 contact:  Mrs. Vessela Ilieva, Municipal Institute "Ancient Plovdiv", 22 Saborna Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria, e-mail: vesselabgpl@yahoo.co.uk
 description:  Background
The Policies for Culture workshop “Decentralisation: investing in culture in the regions” (Bistritsa, 2001) identified several of the main issues in the development of Bulgaria’s cultural policy over recent years and provoked reflections on the possibilities for cooperation, dialogue and participation in cultural policy on local level. One of the main results is the initiative in Plovdiv – the second city in Bulgaria, featured by rich cultural and historical heritage and institutions.
There exist a significant number of cultural NGOs in Plovdiv, but most of them worked in isolation and didn’t share any dialogue space. The current arts funding system at local level, predominantly based on the grant system, was very much event-oriented. The capacity of local authorities to develop adequate strategies in the field was insufficiently developed. The lack of reliable data and arts management skills regarding the cultural sector fed also the scale of problems in Plovdiv.

Summary
The project aimed at re-vitalising the cultural life in Plovdiv and development of civil society by setting up an active structure - a long-term Committee selected from among all cultural actors in Plovdiv - for sustainable dialogue in the building of a cultural strategy of the city. The project was carried out with the support and active involvement of local decision-making bodies and the main cultural actors as well as in partnership with Timişoara, Romania. The envisaged structure is conceived to be workable for other towns in Bulgaria.
The main project activities were:
- Survey of the NGO sector in culture and a SWOT analysis
- First meeting of cultural sector representatives – issuing of a Committee
- Two round tables on identifying and precising the Strategy priorities and further steps for it’s implementation.

Results
- Creation of a Committee for Culture, comprising representatives of the local authorities and NGO sector in culture
- Elaboration of a Strategy for Culture - a final policy document, which outlines the priorities and the strategic vision of cultural development of the city (adopted by the Municipal council).

Follow-up
Ensuring the regular gathering of the Committee. Launching an initiative for setting up of a local Culture Fund. Development of initiatives regarding the dissemination of local cultural policy issues and adequate media cooperation. Elaboration of a Concept for development of the Ancient Town of Plovdiv.

Implementation period: 2001
PROJECT NEWS
20.11.2002 Publication of the case study "Local Cultural Strategy Development for the City of Plovdiv"
This case study on the Plovdiv action project also represents the first issue of the 'Force of Example' Publication Series of Policies for Culture. For details and consultation go to the Printed editions page.
15.08.2002 Excerpts from the Cultural Strategy for the City of Plovdiv
Consult in the attached document excerpts from the Cultural Strategy for the City of Plovdiv, 2002
   
    Excerpts from the Cultural Strategy for the City of Plovdiv, 2002 (PDF, 126 KB)
These pages include documents and information directly provided by the initiators of the individual action projects.

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