site.btaOver 30 Artists Transform Sofia Underpass at Urban Art Festival

More than 30 Bulgarian and international artists are transforming the pedestrian underpass near Ivan Vazov Market in Sofia as part of the seventh Sofia Urban Art festival, held on September 26 and 27.

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev attended the festival's opening and said the city would continue providing space for artists and renovating neglected urban areas.

"We will continue to give artists space and renew neglected areas. It is up to all of us to preserve what we have created," Terziev was quoted as saying by Sofia Municipality.

This year's festival is themed United in Colors and brings together artists from Bulgaria, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Indonesia, Germany, Greece and North Macedonia.

Calligrapher Djo Venci developed the visual concept for the walls' background, drawing inspiration from the history of the area, which was once home to a brick factory and clay quarries on the territory of what is now South Park.

Visitors can watch the artists paint the walls of the underpass and take part in a two-day programme including a graffiti competition, educational workshops for young people, an art market, music and meetings with the artists.

Tsvetan Bizev of Sofia Graffiti Tour, which organizes the event, told BTA that the festival showcases the transformation of the urban environment and different styles within graffiti art.

Sofia Urban Art is part of Sofia Municipality's Cultural Events Calendar.