Culture for Development: What is that?

Friday, 27 April 2018

This week in Sofia the specialized thematic trainings "Culture and Cultural Heritage for Development" were completed. More than 60 representatives from 12 municipalities partners in AGORA's project "Active Communities: Building Capacity for Change", supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation took part.

The aim of the training was to update the participants on the cultural policies on local, national and European level, to view the cultural heritage as a valuable social and economical resource for Europe and its power to unite citizens in communities and create a sense of belonging. The accents of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 were highlighted, as well as various examples of interpretations and relation between culture and nature in sharing the heritage and municipal programs for culture in Bulgaria were presented.

The practical group tasks and the presentation of Hackathon practices of the Sofia Development Association were particularly interesting for the participants. The visits to the Children's Museum in Sofia Muzeiko , Center for Design and Innovations "Generator" and Betahaus inspired the participants and feeded them with energy and new ideas to apply in their settlements.

The training "Culture and Cultural Heritage for Development" was the last one in a series of specialized thematic trainings within the project. However, the participants left with the conviction to continue working for development of more creative and open communities, such that promote learning through participation and experience.

The support for Platform AGORA is provided by the America for Bulgaria Foundation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are solely those of Platform AGORA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the America for Bulgaria Foundation or its affiliates.