Sofia Bids for European Capital of Culture

Together with Italy, Bulgaria has to nominate one city to become the European capital of culture, a status given by the European Union to two cities which then host a year-long festival of cultural events and performances.

In 2014, after a national competition in both countries, an international commission will decide which Bulgarian and Italian city will get the prestigious title.

Sofia’s mayor Yordanka Fandakova believes that the title would boost tourism and will attract more investments to Bulgaria's capital, which is currently visited by some two million tourists annually. “I’m certain that if Sofia is named the European capital of culture, this would attract more tourists and bring more investments,” she told Balkan Insight.

“Our candidacy for the European capital of culture is as important as getting the actual title, because the city can only benefit from the wave of cultural events and venues which we’re planning to put together during the preparation period,” said Fandakova on Tuesday, after the first of a series discussions devoted to the city’s bid.

City authorities intends to renovate and redesign Sofia's museum map to create more art spaces and open stages around the capital.

As a part of its bid to become the European capital of culture, Sofia will apply for EU funding to finally open its history museum, whose collection has been hidden from the public for decades due to lack of funds. Another project envisions developing an underground architectural complex displaying Roman ruins found during the construction works for the new subway stations.

However, Maria Vasileva, chief curator at the Sofia Art Gallery, warned that the city's candidacy should focus mostly on the cultural agenda. “This shouldn’t turn into an architecture or urban development competition. Unfortunately Sofia doesn’t have a concept for the development of its museums and galleries,” she said.