Sofia's municipality announced the introduction of a cultural patronage programme, Zagrada.bg said.

Goal of the programme was to support projects deemed important for Bulgaria's capital, Sofia deputy mayor for culture Yordanka Fandukova said.

The programme started with a delay, because of legal issues, Fandukova said. The programme was the first of its kind in the country.

Support would be given on a competitive basis to projects in different fields, including restoration, she said.

The programme focus would include projects for urban surroundings, the creation of audio-visual productions which have a connection with Sofia, projects to study, protect and restore real estate monuments of culture and authentic city folklore.

Priority would be given to projects of importance for the cultural life in Sofia, as examples were given projects which would highlight valuable cultural traditions in the city, as well as projects aimed at attracting a young audience, projects for the creation and development of cultural practise outside the city centre or projects which would lead to integration of cultural values and new competencies, management, artistic or others, Fandukova said.

The programme would start with 600 000 leva municipal money for 2007, while for the next year it would be included in the municipal budget, she said.
With this money, the municipality would fund competitive projects, which would not fulfil state programmes or other party political agendas.

The municipal patronage programme would fund up to 80 per cent of the costs of a project.

Two deadlines were set per year, September 15 and October 10.

The results of the selections would be announced on the website of the Sofia municipality.

Source: Zagrada.bg
published under creative commons license