Ritual Gatherings festival is part of Project BGCULTURE-2.001-0117-C01: “Ritual Gatherings: Traditional Rituals and Interactive Contemporary Art - Mechanisms for Building Communities and Achieving Sustainable Cultural Ecosystems”, implemented with the financial support provided by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway under the EEA Financial Mechanism to the amount of EUR 199,984.
The project is part of the OP “Cultural Entrepreneurship, Heritage and Cooperation” Result 2 “Improved access to arts and culture”.
Short Description
Ritual Gatherings is an interdisciplinary cultural project consisting of a series of regional micro-events in the municipalities of Kyustendil, Troyan and Shumen, followed by a final national event - Ritual Gatherings Festival on Cape Accra, Sozopol Municipality. The micro events are a small version of the festival and will have cultural and professional program.
The cultural program of the micro events will include regional, national artists and creative workshops. The highlight in the professional program is the workshop of the Museum of Folk Crafts and Applied Arts - Troyan, that will present the format “Museum in a suitcase” and its possible application in the presentation traditional rituals with interactive methods in the festival and the workshop of the Norwegian partner Pikene på Broen, that will explore the notion and practice of rituals in the field of contemporary art.
The Ritual Gatherings Festival has 5 pillars, fundamental to the individual’s cultural identity - nature, music, art, rituals and food. It will include a three-day cultural program and a two-day professional forum. The cultural program will feature artists from the regional events, national and foreign artists and will showcase diverse artists from Iceland and Norway. The highlight of the festival will be the developed new cultural format, presenting traditional rituals as a form of contemporary art. Talks with artists, creative workshops and trainings are also planned. The Icelandic partner will participate very prominently in the two-day professional symposium in the form of a one-day training in cultural entrepreneurship. On the second day, trainings and workshops will be carried out by the Norwegian partner, experts in the field of cultural management and artists working with new methods for creating art. All events will be held in locations of national cultural and historical importance and include art in the field of music, contemporary art, interactive installations, land art and performance art.
Objectives
The main objective of the project is to apply a holistic approach to the revitalization of small cultural ecosystems through events and activities, aimed at key players in these ecosystems, focusing on know-how transfer and cultural events by experts from the cultural sector in Iceland and Norway. On the one hand, the project aims to improve the access to arts and culture in small settlements through a series of regional micro-events, followed by a national, multidisciplinary festival. The project also aims to increase the capacity of local cultural operators and creators through seminars, lectures, workshops and an annual professional forum.
The specific objectives of the project are:
● Improving access to arts and culture in the urban periphery, out-of-town zones and culturally underdeveloped regions of the country by organizing periodic cultural events in these places and a unifying annual festival
● Creating skill-building opportunities and enhancing the capacity of artists and
cultural operators active at local and regional level, by organizing regional trainings
and workshops and an annual, national, professional forum together with the festival.
● Research and analyze the preferences, needs and tastes of regional and national
audiences in aim to develop and engage them and attract new ones
● Present contemporary art from Iceland and Norway in order to widen the horizons
of regional and national audiences
● Exchange of know-how, best practices and specific skills in the field of cultural entrepreneurship from Iceland and Norway, networking and strengthening contacts between cultural actors from small towns and donor countries
● Transfer of knowledge, experience, good practices and specific skills in organizing festivals and interdisciplinary cultural events with Norwegian partner through a field training, building capacity of the beneficiary and strengthening contacts between partners
● Reinventing the use and practice of national traditional rituals in order for them to be used not only as a tool that reminds about the history and cultural affiliation of particular communities, but also as a base for the creation of innovative cultural events and performances
● Using rituals and traditions as a means of building bridges between different stakeholders, organizations and people to facilitate economic growth, cooperation and sustainable development
● Creating innovative cultural events and business models based on local traditions and communicating the cultural heritage to new generations in a modern way, providing new opportunities for rediscovering small towns and developing new audiences
● Establishment of sustainability mechanisms at regional level to support the long-term, strategic and sustainable development of local cultural ecosystems and cultural entrepreneurship
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
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ACTIVITY 1 - ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT
Description
This activity aims to set the model of work for all partners, to regulate and coordinate the
implementation of the planned activities, to control the implementation of timely financial management and accounting, to eliminate any risks and to observe the set deadlines. A1 will cover all administrative issues, such as employment and civil contracts, with both the project
management team and the experts involved in the implementation of the relevant activities.
This activity also includes the preparation of interim and final reports in accordance with the
requirements of the program.
A major part of the launch of A1 is the development of an action plan and timetable for all project implementation activities. It also envisages the development of criteria for internal monitoring and evaluation of work, with the help of which quality control will be carried out and possible risk factors will be avoided. A joint kick-off meeting for all partners is planned, during which the work plan and schedule of project activities, as well as the rules for internal monitoring and evaluation will be approved and adopted. Good planning and good communication between the partners will help to prevent possible risks and promote timely implementation of the planned activities. For this reason, in addition to the kick-off, there are also regular meetings between partners and the beneficiary in the course of the project in order to monitor the implementation of the activities, compliance with timetables and the achievement of the set results.
An important part of А1 is the planned training in Norway for the members of the beneficiary’s expert team, which will take place within the first months of the project implementation.
This activity shall also include the organization and implementation of appropriate
procedures for the selection of subcontractors and external outsourcing.
A1 includes the following sub-activities:
1.1. Contracting the implementation team and the project management team;
1.2. Creating a work plan for the project and appointing coordinators from each municipality to carry out the project activities;
1.3. Development of criteria for internal monitoring and evaluation;
1.4. Preparation of interim and final reports;
1.5. Plan and conduct of procedures for the selection of subcontractors and outsourcing;
1.6. Plan and conduct of a kick-off meeting for all partners;
1.7. Conducting regular meetings and telcos and timely communication between the
beneficiary and the project partners;
1.8. Organizing on-site practical training in Norway for the expert team of the beneficiary, in order to enhance its capacity for efficient management and effective project implementation;
Action plan
STAGE 1: Organization of the work process. This initial stage envisages the signing of the necessary contracts with the members of the project management team and the relevant
experts and contractors related to the implementation of the activities of the project, as well as with the project accountant. Within A1, a work plan (action plan) will be developed in order to map the operational implementation of the project activities. During the kick-off meeting, the action plan and timetable for activities will be discussed and approved by all partners. An internal monitoring plan will also be developed, that will allow effective quality control of the implementation of activities during the project. A1 also foresees the training of the expert team of the leading organization - ASORI, in order to enhance its professional competencies and develop skills, directly related to organizing and conducting festivals and large-scale interdisciplinary cultural events. The training of the team will be carried out in Norway, by Pikene på Broen, during their interdisciplinary festival Barents Spektakel.
STAGE 2: Control and internal monitoring of workflow progress. This stage of the activity is
extremely important as it will monitor the implementation of the planned activities, the compliance with timetables, the timely correction of unwanted deviations or prevention of
risk factors, will control and account for the process of achieving the set goals and envisaged results. This will be done through the effective implementation of the internal monitoring measures already set up in STAGE 1, as well as through regular partner meetings (in person or online, via conference calls) throughout the project period.
STAGE 3: Performance reporting. It is envisaged to prepare and publish timely reports (interim and final) for the implementation of the project activities and budget plan in accordance with the requirements of the program. The realization and dissemination of the results envisaged by the activity will also be taken into account. For the effective implementation of the stages of this activity the following project management team will be formed: project manager, project coordinator, coordinator publicity and dissemination,financial manager/accountant, 1 coordinator from each partner municipality, 1 coordinator from the Icelandic partner and 1 coordinator from the Norwegian partner. All partner organizations have the necessary resources to carry out the activity - expertise and facilities.
Results
The activity foresees the realization of the following results:
1. Signing of civil / employment contracts with project management team members;
2. Signing of civil / employment contracts with project experts;
3. 1 work plan created and approved by all partners;
4. 1 set of criteria developed / Rules for internal monitoring;
5. 12 regular meetings with project partners;
6. 1 practical training and field work of the expert team of ASORI on site in Norway;
7. 3 interim reports;
8. 1 final report;
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A2 - ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENTS AND PROFILES OF REGIONAL CULTURAL ECOSYSTEMS
Description
This activity aims to take a snapshot of the current state of the cultural ecosystem of each
partner municipality, both from the perspective of the professional organizations and individuals employed by it, and from the perspective of the public. Based on the information obtained, a digital cultural profile and a strategy for attracting and developing audiences will be developed for each municipality. In addition, a local cultural council will be established and a manual for its work will be developed. A series of activities are planned to evaluate and analyze regional cultural ecosystems and audiences. A2 envisages the identification of participants in the local cultural ecosystem with the assistance of partner municipalities, through a desk study and through site visits. Qualitative research in the form of jigsaw sessions will be conducted with local cultural operators and creators, in order to identify
their cultural activities, policies regarding access to and engagement of audiences, current capacity, resources and entrepreneurial knowledge. This activity also involves conducting quantitative research (surveys) and analysis of local audiences in order to identify their preferences, needs and tastes.
In addition, a study on local cultural heritage and folklore will be conducted, in particular the
specific rituals and traditions in each partner municipality, if and how they are being preserved, developed and promoted through interactive methods. The information from these studies will be used to create a dynamic archive of regional rituals and customs on the project website in order to preserve region-specific living cultural practices or revive forgotten ones. The surveys will also be used as a tool to develop and accelerate cultural entrepreneurship in these regions. In A3 a traditional, collective ritual, specific for each partner municipality will be selected in order for them to be recreated through contemporary art and interactive methods during the cultural program of the final national event.
As a result of the activities described above, a digital cultural profile, with associated
infographics, will be prepared for each partner municipality, containing detailed information
about the specific participants in the local cultural ecosystem, their type, activity or
artistic product, current needs, etc. Based on the prepared cultural profiles, a strategy will be
prepared for each municipality to attract and engage existing and potential audiences.
Cultural councils will also be set up in partner municipalities, as a sustainable
mechanism for the development of local cultural ecosystems with associated manuals for their work.
The sub-activities under A2 are the following:
2.1. Identification of participants in the local cultural ecosystem;
2.2. Conducting qualitative research in the form of jigsaw sessions with local cultural operators and creators (professional audiences), in order to identify their cultural activities, policies regarding access to and engagement of audiences, current capacity, resources and entrepreneurial knowledge;
2.3. Conducting quantitative research (surveys) and analysis of local general audiences to identify their preferences, needs and tastes;
2.4. Conducting studies on local cultural heritage and folklore, in particular specific rituals and traditions, in order to support their conservation, development and promotion;
2.5. Creating a digital cultural profile with associated infographic for each partner municipality;
2.6. Developing a strategy for attracting and engaging audiences for each partner
municipality;
2.7. Developing a strategy to attract and engage national audience for the final event (festival);
2.8. Establishment of a cultural council in each partner municipality;
2.9. Elaboration of guides for the work of local cultural councils;
Action plan:
STAGE 1: Identification of participants in the local cultural ecosystem and planning of the
research activities, namely jigsaw sessions for professionals and creators, quantitative research for general audiences and local cultural heritage and folklore studies. The information on the specific participants in the regional cultural ecosystems will be obtained with the assistance of the partner municipality and its database, through a desk study and through site visits. A detailed timetable for all planned research and implementation of related activities will be developed together with partner municipalities.
STAGE 2: Organizing and conducting studies. Firstly the quality research for local cultural operators and creators will be carried out. It will follow the format of jigsaw sessions where 1 large group is divided into smaller groups based on similar characteristics. Each sub-group has a certain time to discuss its current needs, resources, policies and practices and then presents its segment to the others. After all sub-groups have presented, a joint session is held to homogenize the shared information and draw conclusions for the larger group. Quantitative surveys for the cultural needs of local audiences will be conducted. The survey will be carried out both online and offline. Online surveys will be carried out through a digital platform and will be disseminated through local media and social networks. In offline environment, the surveys will target older and non-digital people and communities and will be conducted by purchasing 2 tablets, with the help of two interviewers, within 1 two-day visit to each municipality. The studies will be carried out with a research and analysis expert. Studies on local cultural heritage and folklore, will be conducted through a desk study and personal meetings (one three-day visit in the three partner municipalities) with key players in the field of ethnology, ethnography and folklore, as well as with representatives of the older population in the partner municipalities. They will be carried out by an expert ethnologist.
STAGE 3: Creating cultural profiles, councils and strategies. The implementation of the activity а digital agency, expert ethnologist and graphic designer. The strategies for attracting and engaging audiences will be developed on the basis of the information obtained through the carried out research and will be done by the communications coordinator. Establishment of a local cultural council within each partner municipality will be done by nominating representatives of local cultural operators, creators, artists and citizens. The participants in the council will be determined jointly with the partner municipalities. They will be selected on the basis of their motivation, opportunity for engagement, available capacity and resources for the implementation of the project activities and their goals and development of the local cultural ecosystem after the project is completed.
Result
1. 3 lists of identified participants in 3 regional cultural ecosystems, one for each partner municipality;
2. 3 qualitative research in the form of jigsaw sessions, one for each partner municipality
3. 3 quantitative research, through online and offline surveys, one for each partner municipality
4. 3 research on local cultural heritage and folklore, in particular the specific rituals and traditions in the partner municipalities, one for each partner municipality
5. 3 digital cultural profiles and infographics with synthesized information about the cultural ecosystems of the partner municipalities, one for each partner municipality
6. 3 strategies for attracting and engaging regional audiences in relation to the planned regional micro-events
7. 1 strategy for engaging national audiences for closing event (festival)
8. 3 cultural councils, one in each partner municipality
9. 3 manuals for the work of the local cultural councils
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ACTIVITY 3 - PLAN AND CONDUCT OF A SERIES OF REGIONAL MICRO-EVENTS
Description
Based on the activities carried out in A2, this activity focuses on the carry out of regional micro-events in the municipalities of Kyustendil, Troyan and Shumen. The events will be held in locations of national cultural and historical importance in the city periphery. On one hand, this activity aims to improve the access to arts and culture in small settlements, attract and engage local communities and existing audiences, as well as attract new ones from surrounding villages and cities. On the other hand, the objective is to engage and train local cultural operators and creators in order to revitalize the local cultural ecosystems, as well as to increase their capacity and entrepreneurial skills. The format of the events will be a smaller version of the final event (festival) and will include a cultural program for the general public and a professional program with lectures and workshops for cultural operators and creators.
Cultural Program - includes performances from the genres of acoustic music, electronic music and ethno music. In the field of contemporary art, artistic performances from the field of visual art, interactive installations and landscape art will be presented, selected based on the interests and needs of the local audience, examined in A2. In connection with the realization of the interactive installations and land art and in order to actively involve bot local creators and audience, creative workshops will be conducted in the form of a pop-up mutual school that will operate on the principle of the Bulgarian revival schools, operating under the Bell-Lancaster method, also known as the mutual teaching method. The micro events will showcase both local and national creators with strong focus on Bulgarian contemporary art. This will attract audience from both large administrative centers and smaller settlements in the selected municipalities.
Professional program - trainings will be held in order to enhance the capacity and entrepreneurial skills of local cultural operators and creators and consequently revitalize the cultural sector in these regions. The professional program of the regional events will be led by well-established experts in the bulgarian cultural industries with a focus on cultural entrepreneurship (introduction to cultural entrepreneurship) and the development of new forms and works of art. Highlight are two workshops. One of them is the workshop of the Museum of Folk Crafts and Applied Arts - Troyan, which will present their format “Museum in a suitcase” with the aim to adapt its application for the purposes of presenting traditional rituals with interactive methods in the festival. The other one is the workshop of the Norwegian partner Pikene på Broen, focused on the exploration of the concept and practice of rituals in the field of contemporary art, with the aim to develop a new form of cultural events, presenting traditional rituals as a form of contemporary art, at the closing event - Ritual Gatherings festival.
The activity contains the following sub-activities:
3.1. Creation of cultural and professional programs for regional micro-events based on A2
3.2. Purchasing of 1 projection screen for each partner municipality
3.3. Preparation and organization of the events, through the distribution of responsibilities and the creation of a timeline
3.4. Activities related to transport and accommodation for participants;
3.5. Construction of stages and technical assurance;
3.6. Provision of security measures;
3.7. Provision of environmental protection measures (chemical toilets, waste collection, waste disposal, etc.)
3.8. Workshop to present the concept “Museum in a Suitcase” and adapt the model for presenting traditional, local rituals with interactive methods in the closing event;
3.9. Workshop of Norwegian partner in order to explore the notion and practice of ritual in contemporary art and develop a new format for presenting traditional rituals, as a form of contemporary art, in the closing event;
3.10. Collecting feedback from audiences and participants in both cultural and professional
programs to evaluate the success of micro-events;
Action plan
STAGE 1: Allocation of duties and responsibilities among team members and preparation
for regional micro-events based on the implementation of A2, by the event coordinator.
Based on the created cultural profiles, strategies for attracting and engaging audiences and
identified needs of the local cultural ecosystem, the program of the events will be developed. This will be done by the Program Director with the assistance of the expert in research and analysis. The partner municipalities will also participate in these activities through teleconferences and field visits in each municipality. These meetings will also define the lecturers who will participate in the professional program of the event. All regional events will be held in poorly-developed cultural-historical sites, mainly ancient sanctuaries and natural landmarks. The training programs will be conducted in local cultural community centers and locations, with the need for development and revitalization. Interpreter will be hired.
STAGE 2: Preparatory groundwork for the implementation of the regional micro-events by
event manager and logistics coordinator. The planning and organization of transportation and accommodation of guest artists and speakers in the partner municipalities will be done with the help of expert logistics, based on offers from hotels in the regions and average transportation costs for ground transportation. The planning of the micro-eventс spaces, stages and the provision of the technical equipment necessary to ensure the quality conduct of the events will be done by an event manager with the assistance of a set designer. For this purpose, 1 electric generation, 1 sound system, 2 music players, 2 stage speakers, 2 microphones and 2 microphone stands will be purchased. Lighting equipment will be hired and a stage will be constructed with the assistance of an external provider. Provision of safety and environmental measures will be ensured by partner municipalities.
STAGE 3: Conducting the events and evaluating their success. All ground coordination
during the events will be carried out by an event manager with the assistance of the program director. A photographer and videographer will be hired. The feedback from the participants in cultural and professional programs will be collected during the event by two interviewers, using two tablets.
Results:
1. 3 scenarios and programs for regional events (professional and cultural program);
2. 3 purchased projection screens for each partner municipality, with the aim of improving the local infrastructure intended for cultural events and performances;
3. 1 purchased electric generator
4. 1 purchased sound system
5. 2 purchased music players
6. 2 pieces of purchased stage speakers,
7. 2 microphones purchased,
8. 2 microphone stands purchased
9. 3 selected locations for cultural programs;
10. 3 selected locations for professional programs;
11. 15 local creators in the field of music and visual arts, for each regional event of 5;
12. 9 national creators, 3 for each regional event
13. 6 workshops related to the implementation of interactive installations and land art, 2 for each regional event;
14. 3 trainings in cultural entrepreneurship, 1 in each municipality, the materials for which will be developed on the basis of the conducted qualitative research (jigsaw sessions) and identified interests and needs of the local cultural operators and creators;
15. 3 practical trainings in order to present the “Museum in a suitcase” format, one in each partner municipality, in order to adapt the model for showcasing traditional rituals, with interactive methods in the closing event;
16. 3 workshops by Pikene på Broen, 1 in each municipality, focused on exploring the concept and practice of rituals in contemporary art, with the aim to develop a new cultural event, uniting traditional rituals and contemporary art at the closing event - the Ritual Gatherings festival;
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ACTIVITY 4 - PLAN AND CONDUCT OF FINAL NATIONAL EVENT, THE INTERDISCIPLINARY CULTURAL FESTIVAL WITH SATELLITE PROFESSIONAL SYMPOSIUM - RITUAL GATHERINGS
Description
The final national event will be an interdisciplinary, cultural festival with a satellite professional symposium. The genres that will be presented are contemporary art, interactive installations, land art, performance, electronic, acoustic and ethno music. The festival will be the culmination of the regional micro-events. This activity builds on all previous activities, aiming to reach a proportionally larger, national audience and to unite all regional ones. The location of the event was chosen in order to promote Bulgarian culture as an integral part of the European and to improve access to cultural heritage. It will be held during the summer months in the municipality of Sozopol, on Cape Accra, where the Accra fort wall is located, with the aim of reaching both Bulgarian and European audiences.
The event will bring together all partners, cultural operators, creators and participants in the project so far. The cultural program will showcase all artists, musicians and creators from the regional micro events, as well as nationally ranked artists. Based on the workshops with the Museum of Folk Crafts and Applied Arts - Troyan and Pikene på Broen in A3, 3 traditional partner region-specific rituals will be recreated using interactive methods as a form of contemporary art.
Icelandic and Norwegian modern art will also be a major focus in the cultural program of the event. The cultural program will also present musical performances and artistic performances in the field of contemporary visual, installation and performance art. In the first day of the program of the professional symposium the Icelandic partner will carry out a one-day training in cultural entrepreneurship, new business models, forms of art and ways to engage audiences. The second day of the forum will present an extended workshop of the Norwegian partner, similar to the one carried out during the regional events and will also include experts in the fields of cultural management, entrepreneurship and creators working with new methods for creating art. Talks with artists and amateur workshops will also be organized in the cultural program in order to actively engage the audience in the creative process and stimulate the interaction between artists and their audience. During all the activities foreseen in the event, participants from partner municipalities, national creators, representatives of the Icelandic and Norwegian cultural sector and the public will have the opportunity to interact, share experiences and knowledge. For the opening of the festival an informal dinner will be organized. The dinner will be attended by representatives of all partners, regional, national and foreign artists, the media and the public.
Sub-activities:
4.1 Programming;
4.2 Planning and design of the event spaces;
4.3 Transport, accommodation and logistical activities;
4.4 Provision of medical care measures;
4.5 Provision of environmental protection measures;
4.6 Activities related to technical assurance of the festival and forum program;
4.7 Provision of security measures;
4.8 Construction of stages and space allocation;
4.9 Allocation and set up of a dining area and opening dinner area;
4.10 Management of a ground team consisting of the project implementation team,
regional cultural councils and volunteers;
A.4.11 Collecting feedback from the audience during the festival;
Action plan
STAGE 1: Planning, programming and coordination. Development of the festival and Symposium program by the program director, with the assistance of the expert team and all partners. Regional participants will be selected on the basis of the events conducted in A3,
and national and foreign ones will be selected on the basis of the research conducted in A2 and based on the strategies for attracting and developing audiences. The planning and organization of transportation and accommodation of artists and other participants will be done with the help of expert logistics, based on offers for accommodation and medium transportation costs. An interpreter will be hired amongst the volunteers.
The planning of the event space and the identification of the technical equipment necessary to ensure the quality conduct of the events will be carried out with the assistance of an external subcontractor. Artistic planning, design and production of the space will be done by a set designer with the assistance of the project implementation team. The provision of health care measures, environmental protection measures and security and public safety measures will be outsourced. The opening dinner will be provided by and external subcontractor.
STAGE 2: Ground preparation work for the realization of the festival. Activities and
Responsibilities:
- Activities related to technical assurance of the festival and forum program;
- Construction activities related to space allocation - project implementation team, expert stage design and volunteers;
- Construction of a dining area and a dinner area - an external catering company with the assistance of volunteers;
- Set design and decoration of the event - set designer with the assistance of the expert team and volunteers;
- Management and coordination of accommodation and transport - expert logistics;
- Provision of medical care - with the assistance of the municipality of Sozopol;
- Environmental protection measures - will be outsourced;
- Security and safety measures - outsourced. Assisted by Sozopol municipality;
STAGE 3: Conduct. The festival will be held within 5 consecutive days. The first 2 days will
be dedicated to the professional symposium for cultural operators and creators, focusing on cultural entrepreneurship, new business models, art forms and innovative ways of engaging audiences. The next 3 days will present a cultural program. All the ground coordination during the events will be carried out by the event manager with the assistance of the entire expert team and volunteers. External photo and video recording companies will be hired throughout the event. The feedback from the participants in the professional forum and the audience of the festival will be collected during the event by two interviewers, using two tablets. Additional feedback will be collected online after the event.
Results
1. 1 scenario and program for the closing event (a training program for a two-day professional forum and a cultural program for a three-day interdisciplinary, cultural festival);
2. 1 number of participants accommodation and transport schedule;
3. 2 stages;
4. 1 set up food area and dinner area;
5. 1 medical point;
6. 1 security team;
7. 1 number of infrastructure related to environmental protection in the area of the festival
8. 3 artists from Iceland, selected by the Reykjavik Museum of Living Art;
9. 3 artists from Norway, selected by the Pikene pa Broen;
10. 4 foreign European artists - musicians
11. 15 local cultural creators from the fields of music and visual arts, 5 from each regional event;
12. 6 bulgarian national artists;
13. 3 workshops related to the realization of different artistic products, part of the festival program;
14. 3 traditional rituals specific to partner municipalities, recreated through the use of interactive methods and in the form of contemporary art, based on workshops with the Museum of Folk Crafts and Applied Arts - Troyan and Pikene på Broen in A3;
15. 1 one-day cultural entrepreneurship training conducted by the Reykjavik Museum of Living Art;
16. 1 Pikene pa Broen Workshop focused on exploring the concept and practice of rituals in contemporary art;
17. 4 trainings and workshops with experts in the field of cultural management, entrepreneurship and artists working with new methods for creating art.
18. 1 opening dinner for 150 people
19. Collected feedback from all audiences at a closing event with two interviewers
20. Reaching 2500 visitors.
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ACTIVITY 5 - PUBLICITY AND DISSEMINATION
Description
This activity aims to promote and support the achievement of the project objectives, to present its value and position it among the main target audiences, as well as to build long-
term relationships with different audiences by creating value-added content, based on the
identified needs of different audiences in A2.
A 360-degree communication approach will be implemented in order to reach the widest possible audience, including the donor countries. National and regional communication is envisaged, in 5 stages, to develop and engage already existing audiences, as well as to attract new ones. Emphasis will be placed on new audiences that remain at the periphery of major cultural events in the country. The activity provides for the identification of communication needs, goals, messages, channels and formats, as well as the creation of a detailed plan of action and timeline for the implementation of each sub-activity.
One of the major deficiencies in cultural management in small settlements remains the lack of public engagement and targeted, active communication with citizens in order for them to be involved in the process of regional cultural development. That is why the project intends to implement a variety of channels and formats for communication, taking into account the specific needs and habits of the audiences in the designated target areas.
At the level of national communication, the main messages of the project will be emphasized, the positioning of the individual elements of the program of the final event, project partners will be clearly highlighted and the various topics will be addressed, aiming at engaging stakeholders and reaching new audiences. At the level of regional communication, there will be an emphasis on communicating specific regional activities and events. In both layers of communication, the involvement of the Icelandic and Norwegian partners and their contribution to the achievement of the project objectives will be emphasized. Online, offline and partner channels with diverse communication formats will be used.
The A5 sub-activities have a logical sequence and are upgraded to achieve the corresponding results. They develop parallel national and regional communication in order to reach and engage the largest possible audience:
5.1 Identification of key messages and strategy for targeted communication to individual
audiences and stakeholders;
5.2 Creating a visual identity;
5.3 Building a bilingual website;
5.4 Creation of proprietary visual content for digital channels - photography sessions, video
production, development of key visuals;
5.5 Creation of a media plan with all stages and formats of communication;
5.6 Management and coordination of communication in social media;
5.7 Management of PR activities and distribution of press releases;
5.8 Planning and holding of opening, intermediate and final press conferences;
5.9 Purchase and management of media packages: advertising in the print media, PR
publications in print and online media, online banner advertising, radio advertising,
sponsored advertising in social media, outdoor advertising, site branding;
5.10 Campaign for the recruitment of a volunteer network;
5.11 Development of a video presenting the results of the project activities, incl. funded
project events. The video should be at least 2 minutes in length and of high quality of
technical implementation, for its use and for subsequent reporting activities at
program and national level;
5.12 Translation and adaptation of communication materials for distribution in donor
countries;
Action plan
STAGE 1: Preparation of communication activities and initial communication. Preparation of
a communication plan, definition of key messages based on A2, preparation of a detailed timetable for all activities, initiation of public calls for subcontractors, and coordination of all the activities described below will be carried out by the Coordinator of Publicity and Information Measures. Creating a visual identity, developing key visuals and resizing them for all ad formats and channels will be outsourced. Complete PR services and positioning in TV, radio and print media will outsourced to a PR agency. Full digital services, including positioning of PR messages and announcements in digital media, purchasing banner advertising positions and other digital formats, will be outsourced to a digital agency. The creation and maintenance of a bilingual website will also be outsourced. The project foresees the negotiation of media partnerships with national and regional media outlets that will result in doubling the communication channels and potential and the carry-out of a large-scale media campaign. Starting communication in social media, organizing an opening press conference in Sofia and PR activities. All communication activities in A5 are coordinated and managed by Coordinator of Publicity and Dissemination.
STAGE 2: Communication related to all A2 activities and announcement of a festival. National dissemination of press releases, communication on social media and an online banner campaign in regional media in order to disseminate the quantitative surveys for audience. The creation of photo content and video content will be outsourced.
STAGE 3: Communication of A2 results, announcement of regional events, communication of the first details of a national event program. All online and offline communication activities and relevant outsourcing activities are managed by the Coordinator of Publicity and Dissemination.
STAGE 4: Active communication for interdisciplinary festival. At this stage, it is envisaged to use all planned communication channels and advertising formats. Organizing an interim press conference in Burgas in order to decentralize communication activities and attract local audiences. Distribution of press releases, interviews with artists, lectors, organizers and partners in print and digital media, distribution of print advertising materials, national and regional banner advertising, outdoor advertising and social media. Active communication in all partner channels reporting. Campaign for the recruitment of a volunteer network of young people for field work related to the organization and conduct of closing event. The process is managed by the Coordinator of Publicity and Dissemination.
STAGE 5: Final communication, closing press conference and dissemination of press information summarizing the results of the regional events and the closing event - festival and forum. Distribution of 1 after movie of festival and forum.
Results:
1. 1 national campaign in TV
2. 1 national campaign in digital media
3. 1 national campaign in print media
4. 1 national campaign with print materials (posters, stickers)
4. 1 national radio campaign
5. 1 national campaign in social networks
6. 1 national outdoor campaign (billboard, citylight, urban transport
stops)
7. 3 regional campaigns in digital media
8. 3 regional campaigns in radio
9. 3 regional campaigns in social media
10. 3 regional print campaigns (posters)
11. 6 themed photoshoots that touch on the different themes and messages of the
festival.
12. Development of 8 videos for each regional event. 1 launch video for initial
communication. 5 short videos presenting individual elements of the festival. 1
closing video after the national event - festival part and 1 closing video summarizing
the training forum. 1 video presenting the results of the project activities, incl. funded
project events.
13. Conduct of 2 press conferences in Sofia and 1 in Burgas;
15. 1 digital campaign to recruit 30 volunteers;
16. 1 initial communication to announce the Ritual Gatherings 2022 event on social
networks with date and location.
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ACTIVITY 6 - MECHANISMS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Description
The sustainability mechanisms in the A6 will support the future development of local cultural ecosystems and will support the effective implementation of good practices throughout the project and after its completion.
A plan will be made to utilize the proceeds of the final event of the project with the implementation of the next edition of the Ritual Gatherings Festival. The aim is to establish it as an annual event of the national cultural program. It is planned to gather feedback from all online audiences after the event, in order to evaluate the success of the event and to integrate recommendations and suggestions from the audience in subsequent issues. A long-term tool will also be developed to engage the festival audience in its future planning and programming, as a function of the project's website and social networks. It is envisaged that the cultural councils in the partner municipalities will establish themselves as a sustainable body and coordinator of cultural life in the local community through the development of a long-term work plan. The Council is scheduled to convene once a month, and once every 3 months - a joint meeting of all cultural councils, the ASORI team and the Icelandic partner. The meeting will be held online, with a conference link, in order to exchange ideas, good practices and suggestions for the development of cultural life of local communities.
A visit of ASORI representatives and partner municipalities in Iceland will be organized and local art exhibits will be presented at the Museum of Living Art in Reykjavik in order to apply the lessons learned, good practices and lessons learned previous project activities. A common strategy will be developed for the future functioning of the cultural councils for at least a year after the end of the project. The aim is to create and promote an effectively functioning network of cultural councils that provides access to cultural events and events, both to local artists and cultural operators, and to the interest of regional audiences and to attracting new ones.
A6 also includes the creation of a digital database on the project site with ritual profiles from partner municipalities called Dynamic Archives. It will house a representative collection of materials of ethnographic, ethnological, choreographic, folklore and other artistic value related to local rituals collected during the A2 study and the events of the project, which will be freely available and can be used by cultural specialists, researchers, students and students, etc. The members of the cultural councils will play a major role in maintaining and updating the archive. Local audiences and cultural operators will be able to propose the inclusion of cultural content in the archive to the cultural council of the respective municipality. In this way, local audiences will be engaged in the preservation of traditional rituals and customs as part of the movable intangible cultural heritage of their regions. The platform will be maintained for 5 years and will be funded by project revenue. After this period, efforts will be made to provide funding for the platform in the long term.
Sub-Activities:
6.1 Planning the utilization of the proceeds of the festival in order to organize and hold the next edition;
6.2 Collecting feedback for the festival from all audiences;
6.3 Development of 3-year strategies for the development and functioning of municipal cultural councils;
6.4 Creating a jointly functioning network of local cultural councils;
6.5 Creating a Dynamic Archive with regional rituals and customs;
6.6 Provision of funds for maintenance of the Dynamic Archive for 5 years after the completion of the project;
6.7 Organizing a joint visit of ASORI representatives and project partners in
Iceland and a presentation of local arts at the Reykjavik Museum of Living Art;
6.8 Creating a tool for involving the audience of the festival in its future planning and programming;
Action plan
STAGE 1: Creating sustainable mechanisms and a strategic plan for their future functioning.
Maintenance and updating of the digital cultural profiles and infographics already created in
A2 containing information about the cultural ecosystems of the partner municipalities is
envisaged.
At the same time, a strategy for the future development and functioning of the municipal
cultural councils established during Activity 2 will be elaborated at this stage of the activity,
which will regulate their work and effective functioning within the project.
Also at this stage, the so-called Dynamic Archive will be created - including specially
selected materials of ethnographic, ethnological, choreographic, folklore and other artistic
value generated during the project events. In a special section of the project site, the entire
database will be organized and accessible, providing for its timely updating and maintenance
to continue after the project is completed within 5 years.
STAGE 2: Joint visit of representatives of the leading organization and project partners in
Iceland and presentation of local art at the Museum of Living Art in Reykjavik. The visit is
foreseen Based on the trainings, lessons learned and good practices learned during the
project, at this stage
STAGE 3: Strategic Action Plan for the post-project period (5 years) - All created digital tools
and information database including - digital cultural profiles of partner municipalities,
infographics, dynamic archive - will continue to be maintained and accessible on the site of
the project after completion of the project within 5 years. With the help of the elaborated
strategy for the work of the cultural councils in the municipalities, it is envisaged that their
functioning will continue beyond the end of the project and establish themselves as an
effective body supporting the development of local cultural ecosystems.
Developing a plan for utilizing the proceeds from the final event within the project for
organizing and conducting the next one.
Responsible for Activity 6 is the leading ASORI organization, and partner municipalities, the
Museum of Folk Crafts and Applied Arts - Troyan and Museum of Living Art in Reykjavik
will assist in its implementation by participating in all sub-activities. The successful and
sustainable implementation of the mechanisms set out in this activity, the good practices
learned through the established cultural network, and international assistance will be ensured
by the joint work and the continued cooperation between the lead organization and all
partners even after the end of the project.
13 started, but some of the sub-activities included are the result of previous activities that
have already started, eg the Municipal Cultural Council
Result
1. 1 plan for utilization of the proceeds from the final event, with the purpose of
organizing and holding the next one.
2. 3 3-year strategies for the future development and functioning of municipal
cultural councils;
3. 1 co-operating network of local cultural councils;
4. 1 A dynamic archive of regional rituals and customs;
5. 1 plan for providing funds for the maintenance of the Dynamic Archive for 5
years after the completion of the project
6. 1 joint visit of representatives of the leading organization and project partners
in Iceland and presentation of 3 local art exhibits at the Museum of Living Art
in Reykjavik;
7. 1 tool for involving the festival audience in its future planning and
programming;