site.btaBulgaria Becomes Part of International Theatre Institute's Global Network

Bulgaria Becomes Part of International Theatre Institute's Global Network
Bulgaria Becomes Part of International Theatre Institute's Global Network
Source: Union of Bulgarian Artists

Bulgaria becomes part of the global network of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) with a new centre in Sofia, the Union of Bulgarian Artists said in a press release on Friday. In May, the ITI General Secretariat announced the official approval of its new centres in Bulgaria, France and Tunisia, which was confirmed during the 171st Executive Council Session. “We warmly welcome these Centres to the global ITI network and look forward to collaborating closely with them in advancing our shared mission of promoting international exchange and the performing arts worldwide,” ITI said.

Bulgaria's current membership through the Union of Bulgarian Artists will enable more exchanges in the performing arts, joint initiatives, international festivals, forums and events related to the development and encounters in theatre and performing arts.

The International Theatre Institute was created on the initiative of the first UNESCO Director General, Sir Julian Huxley, and the playwright and novelist, JB Priestly in 1948. The aim of the founders of ITI was to build an organization that was aligned with UNESCO’s goals on culture, education and the arts, and which would focus its endeavours on improving the status of all members of the performing arts professions. They envisaged an organization that created platforms for international exchange and for engagement in the education of the performing arts, for beginners and professionals alike, as well as using the performing arts for mutual understanding and peace. ITI has now developed into the world’s largest organization for the performing arts, with around 80 Centres spread across every continent.

Bulgaria has been connected with the Institute since its very founding, even joining as a member with its own centre. The most active joint activity was recorded through the Union of Bulgarian Artists during the presidency of actor Lyubomir Kabakchiev in 1974. At that time, with the help of actors Philippe Arnaud and Martha Koanie, the Institute developed significant international activities. Kabakchiev and Martha Koanie, who was then chairing the International Theatre Institute, jointly organized the hosting of the Theatre of Nations in Sofia in 1982. The Theatre of Nations is still remembered today as an extraordinary event for its time. In the early 1990s, Bulgaria ceased to be a member until 2024, when the initiative of Prof. Kamelia Nikolova, Kalina Vagenstain, and Dr. Albena Tagareva for Bulgaria’s renewed membership in ITI was successful. Thus, the Union of Bulgarian Artists once again became the successor of ITI for Bulgaria and an official partner of the organization, the Union said in its press release.

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By 01:55 on 12.07.2025 Today`s news

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