How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

The summer academy for curators organized by Goldsmiths University of London was conceived under the slogan Curating the Contemporary. Many well known professionals in the field took part in the realization of this initiative and presented their concepts and visions about the perspectives of the curatorial nowadays. It was a great opportunity for me to experience and force thoughts on issues related to contemporary curatorial work which can be exemplified on many different approaches.

How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?

The organization I am running in Sofia is connected with the idea to promote the creation of contemporary art: exhibitions, artists presentations, multicultural projects, publications, art promotion and education towards communities. This encounter in Rome was very helpful for building new partnerships and cooperations with other art practitioners from around the globe. I intend to invite some of them for a symposium in Sofia, where they can present to the audience their practice and concepts on curatorial issues. Another main perspective of this course was to gain new ideas about future projects and collaborations while exploring the art landscape in Rome and meeting local actors.

Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?

We gained a lot of different perspectives on the curatorial as a discipline and a practice. Simon Sheikh, who is Reader in Art and Programme Director of MFA in Curating at Goldsmiths College, University of London was our main tutor. His practice is more concentrated in researching exhibition-making and political imaginaries. We also explored different critical visions on curatorial approaches and institutional practices. Many practitioners presented their individual or institutional projects, such as Melanie Bouteloup from Beton Salon Paris, or Iwona Blazwick from Whitechapel Gallery London, Ilaria Gianni, who is independent curator and founder of Gran Palazzo (a curated Art Fair) and they all have been exemplifying how individual and at the same time consolidated curatorial work could be.

Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Foundation-for-contemporary-art-and-media-620919724723214/about/?ref=page_internal