ReBonkers in Varna, Bulgaria is a new art venue that is transforming the cultural landscape of the city. It is located in a truly unique setting - the oldest standing building in the city, a 200-year-old Ottoman armory storage. With its unique architecture and style, ReBonkers has been attracting artists from all over the world. The venue's creative use of the space has breathed new life into this historic building, preserving its cultural heritage while showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art.
National
Bulgaria
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Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
Yes
2021-09-01
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): ReBonkers Type of organisation: Non-profit organisation First name of representative: Ralitsa Last name of representative: Konstantinova Gender: Female Nationality: Bulgaria Function: crative director Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: sofia str. 1 Town: varna Postal code: 9002 Country: Bulgaria Direct Tel:+359889044007 E-mail:rebonker2021@gmail.com Website:https://rebonkers.com
ReBonkers in Varna, Bulgaria is a new art venue that is transforming the cultural landscape of the city. It is located in a truly unique setting - the oldest standing building in the city, a 200-year-old Ottoman armory. With its innovative approach to art, music, and performance, ReBonkers is attracting audiences of all ages and backgrounds and offering a fresh, exciting experience that is unlike anything else in Varna.
Since its opening in 2021 the venue aims to revitalize the contemporary art scene in the city by offering a variety of high-quality exhibitions and programs. Despite Varna's historical significance in the growth of contemporary art in Bulgaria, the city's art sector has declined in recent years, and the venue hopes to reverse this trend. ReBonkers boasts unique facilities and an eclectic mix of programming that invites artists from all those spheres to showcase their art, exchange knowledge and experience, and form a sustainable cultural community for the city.
This initiative appeared as an outcome of Varna becoming the European Youth Capital for 2017, which inspired the establishment of association Talyana. Through a bottom-up approach - civil discussions, volunteering and community donations - and the help of professionals from the spheres of architecture, urbanists, archeologists and anthropologists, this organization revitalized the property and utilized a cultural space for the community. Therefore, ReBonkers is naturally designed following the principles of The New European Bauhaus movement, which emphasizes aesthetics, sustainability, and inclusion. These principles are reflected in every aspect of the venue, from its architecture and interior design to its programming and community engagement initiatives.
By incorporating the principles of The New European Bauhaus, ReBonkers is setting a new standard for cultural venues and is helping to promote a more sustainable and inclusive future for Varna and beyond.
Independence
Art
Culture
Dialogue
Sustainability
On a surface level, the initiative for the project ReBonkers is based on the concept of urban recycling. Completed in 1827, the property was used as armory storage. Then, in the late 20th century, it hosted the symbolic live music club Bonkers. After its closing in 2004, the property became a home for squatters and drug addicts. Since it was provided to our organization in 2017, the building underwent slight reconstruction and a deep cleaning process. The main halls of the bunker were intentionally left in their authentical form as the building is one of the oldest standing constructions of the city and thus, an important case of cultural and historical heritage.
In terms of sustainability, the project aims to reduce its impact on the environment by optimizing the use of resources and minimizing waste. By promoting the use of more efficient tools and technologies, like having a composite and making our own furniture, ReBonkers serves as a model for others in the cultural sector to follow. Additionally, by being transparent about the cost and attendance of the programs, the project promotes accountability and encourages sustainable practices.
As a committed green space, minimum 10% of our events are dedicated to green initiatives, collective action, and promoting green values. Because we got established as one of the leading visual art spaces in the country, our selection of the most substantial projects always has a component, connected to sustainability. Dedicating events to green initiatives involves organizing public events, workshops, and other activities to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage environmentally-friendly behavior.
Overall, the project can be exemplary in its commitment to sustainability by setting a path for other communities and organizations to follow. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of sustainable practices, the project inspires others to adopt similar approaches and contribute to a more sustainable future
ReBonkers quickly established itself as a legitimate and influential cultural landmark in the country due to its unique character, architecture, and beauty. The 200-year-old bunker attracts artists who are inspired to work in the space. After operating for six months, a questionnaire was conducted to gauge the opinions of neighbors. No negative responses were recorded and there was overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the safety that the refurbishment of the space brought to the neighborhood.
Although ReBonkers is a multi-genre cultural space, the emphasis of its program is on the visual arts, with a commitment to addressing contemporary issues and promoting the development of new tools, initiatives, and technology in the field.
By providing a platform for local and international artists to showcase their work and connect with new audiences, ReBonkers is helping to cultivate a thriving artistic community in Varna and bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the city. It's no wonder that ReBonkers has quickly become one of the most talked-about cultural venues in the region and is poised to play a major role in shaping the cultural landscape of Varna for years to come.
The impact of ReBonkers can be seen in its growing reputation as a key player in the national art scene. With an annual visitors number of 13 thousand, the venue has been listed in numerous magazines and review articles, and has been recognized for its innovative programming and commitment to promoting the arts.
In just its first year of operation, ReBonkers has already established itself as a cultural force to be reckoned with. By promoting a rich and diverse array of cultural experiences, the venue is helping to enrich the cultural life of Varna and to bring new and innovative ideas to the forefront.
ReBonkers address the challenge of equal opportunities by creating a welcoming, inclusive space that is accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The venue's programming is reflective of the diverse cultural landscape of Varna and the wider region, promoting understanding and respect for different cultures and perspectives.
The ReBonkers space is located at the intersection of the wide central area and a marginalized multi- ethnic neighborhood, which provides ground for the quality integration of the minority communities - through having a space for everyone in a setting defined by certain exclusion. The fact that one of the leading cultural spaces of the city is positioned there has the opportunity to empower the community and we try to utilize this pathway to learning, integration and embracement.
One of the key objectives of the project is to promote inclusiveness in a range of areas, from accessibility and affordability, to inclusive governing systems and designs for all aspects of our work.
Giving equal opportunities is deeply integrated in our planning, collaboration and production. For our program we select participants regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. To see it better in numbers - out of 144 artists - 62 are women, 74 men, and 8 non-binary; the youngest showcased artist being 16 and oldest - 96; 41 international artists, which makes one third of the programme. Furthermore, the space has welcomed both emerging and established artists, elevating the cultural discourse about accessibility and inclusivity in Varna and beyond.
Understandably, all this influences the audience we attract. The ReBonkers program has been as diverse as possible to reach visitors from a wide range of occupations, interests, and lifestyles. From the art events (visual, sound, performative), to conversations, seminars and workshops, tours for kids, and community, our projects raise awareness about posing social and political issues in the community.
The ReBonkers project was initiated as a bottom-up, collective action and is driven by the needs and desires of the local community. Generated as a collective action, this initiative actively involves civil society and citizens in the project’s process- from its development and maintenance, to their participation in various events and activities. The impact of this involvement has been significant, as the project has provided a platform for the community to connect, exchange ideas, and engage in cultural experiences. In addition, we work hard to ease the process of integration for expats and international visitors of the city through realizing some of the events in English and promoting the consumption of contemporary culture for all.
As the provider of the biggest independent art stage in the city, our space fits in itself a big percentage of the cultural content of the region. Despite Varna being the pioneer of the contemporary art scene in Bulgaria during the 80s and 90s, in the last 10 years the city has suffered disconnectedness from the art world, consequenting in a lack of opportunities for the local development of the sector. We fill the gap between the glorious past of Varna and its bright future and (re)open channels to the city. The artists who have been made to migrate and/or change occupations due to the rough conditions now see new opportunities for support and community in us.
Lastly, to support the future of the community, we actively try to engage the youth and provide them with educational opportunities and social experiences to help prepare them for the future and become active members of the community. Through tours, hands-on activities, and community programs, kids gain valuable knowledge and skills, and have the chance to interact with their peers and community leaders. By investing in the education and well-being of the youth, the community can ensure a brighter future for all.
Immediate surroundings: ReBonkers is located at the outskirts of the city center, bordering a marginalized minority neighborhood. Prior to the establishment of ReBonkers, the area lacked safe and appealing public spaces. However, since the opening of ReBonkers, the neighborhood has greatly benefited from the presence of the venue. The lush yard, regardless of the art exhibitions and events happening inside, has become a source of joy for the residents. Children and teenagers frequent the area, inside and out, exposing themselves to art and the diverse perspectives it conveys, enhancing their overall cultural experience and understanding.
Varna region: In broader regional terms, ReBonekrs is a venue which fills a wide gap in the cultural calendar in the city. By hosting contemporary art and music events we provide the much desired cultural entertainment to the local youth, and at the same time we satisfy the need of the local cultural crowd for quality content.
National stakeholders: Rebonekrs has rapidly established itself as a crucial part of Bulgaria's contemporary arts sector on a national level. By offering a platform for local and international artists, producing artistic content, and organizing conferences and festivals, ReBonekrs plays a vital role in the Bulgarian art ecosystem.
International stakeholders: The art ecosystem is global nowadays. We have already established international exchanges and partnerships established with art spaces and collectives in Munich, Salzburg, Paris, Cyprus, Romania, and Serbia. ReBonekrs actively facilitates the exchange of artists and exhibitions, strengthening connections between audiences and art professionals.
The design and implementation of the project involved representatives from multiple disciplines and knowledge fields including sustainable architecture, archaeology, place making, architecture, cultural management, curatorship, and cultural anthropology. The representatives from these fields worked together to turn an abandoned and dangerous space into a thriving cultural venue. Not only was keeping the green roof a key aspect of utilizing sustainable architecture, but the archeologists helped to identify this structure as the oldest building with this specific construction technique in the region. The place makers focused on adapting the space to meet the needs of the citizens, while the architects consulted on effective, sustainable interventions.
Communication was a crucial part of the process, with public meetings being held to discuss different approaches to the rehabilitation of the space. The team was able to maximize the pre-existing shape of the space through a combination of donations and support from the municipality, resulting in a public garden for the neighborhood.
The cultural experts and anthropologists are responsible for developing the programming of the venue and engaging the audience. The space was designed as a community project with a horizontal structure, promoting equality. The team was transparent about the cost and attendance of the programs and used contemporary music to attract a younger audience and expose them to contemporary art. This helped to interconnect different audiences and promote the values, problems, and developments addressed through the art we choose to showcase.
In 2022, ReBonkers hosted 62 events that brought together 144 participants from Varna, Bulgaria, and beyond. The 62 events can be broken down in the following way: 34% visual arts, 15% performances, contemporary dance and independent theater, 23% contemporary music, 8% film, and 9 % professional development events for the art sector and 11% sustainability and community building events
Among the 144 participants, 41 were international, while 36 were artists and experts from Varna. Gender representation was balanced, with 62 women, 74 men, and 8 non-binary individuals participating. Talyana Association is in fact the only organization in Varna that actively invests in the LGBTQA+ community and hosts events promoting tolerance and inclusion.
A breakdown of the participants further shows 62% were visual artists, 31% were involved in performing arts and music, and the remaining 7% were a mix of academic experts, writers, and civil activists. This diversity of participants helps to create a rich and inclusive atmosphere at ReBonkers, bringing together a variety of perspectives and practices in the arts.
The 13825 guests represent a diverse cross-section of society, with a notable presence of young people and families. If broken down by type of events, the data shows that 9192 people (or 64%) visited the art shows, 1840 (16%) attended music events and 2793 (20%) visited our community and sustainability events. We believe that this is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to grow and evolve with the community we serve.
The venue has generated 252 publications in the press where 81% are reposted press releases and 19% are original materials, interviews, feature articles, and reports. This demonstrates the significant impact ReBonkers has had on the local and national arts scene, and highlights the important role it plays as a hub for contemporary art and creativity in Bulgaria.
ReBonkers was created through the collaboration of the civil sector, business, and municipality. This potent collaboration was driven by ongoing dialogues, discussions, and engagement, and it produced effective results. The building was renovated through the collective effort of the community, without any funding but through community mobilization, donations of materials, and volunteer labor. ReBonkers stands as an example of what can be achieved through collaboration and community effort and it is a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact that can be made through collaboration and engagement.
ReBonkers stands out for its unique space and interdisciplinary approach to revitalization. The project involved a diverse team of specialists, including architects, urbanists, city-makers, and archeologists. This interdisciplinary approach to revitalization has set ReBonkers apart and it has made it a model for other revitalization projects.
Since its opening, ReBonkers has expanded its team to include anthropologists, and cultural managers to develop a diverse and impactful program. The addition of these experts has allowed us to create a program that not only engages with the audience but also reflects the moral values of the organization. The input of anthropologists has helped us to better understand the needs and interests of its audience, while cultural managers bring their expertise in program development and implementation. The result is a program that is both meaningful and relevant, and that has a lasting impact on the community. The 13 800 visitors we have recorded for the first year of ReBonkers are a testament for the success of this collaborative approach to program development.
Following a successful first year of operation, ReBonkers is taking its innovative approach to the next level by organizing the first representative festival for visual arts in Bulgaria, “BUNA”, which will take place from 24-28 May 2023.
ReBonkers was created through a collaborative effort between the civil sector, business, and municipality. The methodology used open public debates, surveys, and discussions with various groups to ensure the project was in line with the needs and values of the community. Additionally, there was extensive community mobilization and lobbying to secure the necessary resources, including materials and labor, to renovate the abandoned building.
After its successful opening, ReBonkers has established itself as a prominent player in the national art scene. It operates as a non-profit and offers its facilities to the local artistic community at no cost, serving as a stepping stone for their professional development. The space also showcases established national and international artists, promoting a new type of cultural consumption and encouraging young audiences to engage with art.
ReBonkers aims to use art as a tool for addressing important societal issues such as waste management, climate change, inequality, and racism. Through its diverse programs, the space seeks to promote new liberal ethics and bring about a decentralization of cultural life in the country. The first-ever national festival for visual arts, BUNA, will take place from 24-28.05.2023, further consolidating ReBonkers' position as a leader in the visual art sector.
The model of revitalizing ReBonkers has spread throughout the country, making it a pioneering example of revitalization. This has inspired other organizations to bring life back to other ruined spaces rich in cultural history..The team behind ReBonkers is now involved in revitalizing abandoned schools and other institutions in various cities in Bulgaria.
It is important that such revitalizations are not a temporary takeover, but rather a process of integrating a long-term project. The aim is to create a sustainable and enduring cultural landmark that will continue to serve the community. The difference between a temporary improvement of such a space and ReBonkers is that the latter has a lasting impact on the city and its people, making it a model worth emulating.
ReBonkers is actively supporting the exchange of knowledge by inviting cultural spaces from all around the country to visit and draw inspiration and motivation by seeing how eager the youth is for interaction with culture through art.
ReBonkers is currently hosting a nation-wide forum for contemporary art, which brings together the most prestigious, innovative, and proactive organizations in the visual arts sector. This event not only legitimizes the visual arts sector in Bulgaria but also serves as a platform for fostering exchange, optimizing resources, and expanding the audience. The forum aims to contribute to the decentralization of cultural life in the country by bringing together organizations from various regions and promoting collaboration and cooperation. By providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise, ReBonkers is helping to advance the contemporary art scene in Bulgaria. The nation-wide forum for contemporary art is a testament to ReBonkers' commitment to promoting and supporting the visual arts and making a positive impact on the cultural landscape of Bulgaria.
ReBonkers address the challenge of equal opportunities by creating a welcoming, inclusive space that is accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The venue's programming is reflective of the diverse cultural landscape of Varna and the wider region, promoting understanding and respect for different cultures and perspectives.
The venue's focus on sustainability is reflected in its use of environmentally friendly materials and technologies, as well as its efforts to promote awareness and education around environmental issues. This helps to address the pressing challenge of climate change and encourages a more sustainable future.
ReBonkers primarily targets young adults aged 18 to 35 and plays a crucial role in imparting values and messages to the local youth. The venue fills a gap in the local cultural scene by offering a program tailored to its target audience. ReBonkers recognizes the importance of working with young people in order to educate and inspire the next generation with the right values and ways of thinking. By doing so, ReBonkers aims to make a positive impact on the local community and shape the future of the region.
Finally, by providing a dynamic cultural life, ReBonkers aims to be a factor against local immigration. By offering a rich and diverse array of cultural experiences and opportunities for artistic expression, the venue helps to create a sense of community and belonging, and can play an important role in keeping people from leaving the area in search of more exciting cultural offerings.
In this way, ReBonkers is helping to address several key global challenges and is making a positive impact on the community and the world at large.
