Sofia Hosts Plenary Meeting of International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts

Valentin Evstatiev, Dahnyelle Dymytrov

Culture Minister Naiden Todorov speaks at the opening of the plenary meeting of the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM), Sofia, June 12, 2024 (Photo: BTA/Dahnyelle Dymytrov)

Sofia,

12.06.2024 21:51

(BTA)

The Brussels-headquartered International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM) opened its four-day plenary meeting in Sofia on Wednesday. Over 400 organizations and individual artists have come to the Bulgarian capital for the annual meeting, which is mottoed "Burn-in, Burn-out".

More than 50 shows, including stage plays, dance performances and concerts, will be presented on the sidelines of the meeting. They will be held at the new Toplocentrala Centre for Contemporary Performing Arts and partner venues, among them the Yalta Art Room, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, I AM Studio, the Derida Dance Centre and the Portal Sensory Theatre.

Culture Minister Naiden Todorov and Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev opened the IETM meeting.

"If you want to know what burn-out means, just look at me," Todorov said. His words were applauded by a laughing audience.

The minister went on to say: "If you ask the minister of finance about the meaning of the word 'artist', she will tell you that artists are money spenders. This is all that those people see."

Todorov further argued: "Artists can be divided into two categories: people who create art and people who present art. The latter group interpret artistic creations for an audience. When you interpret art, you put a piece of yourself into it, so it is not a literal interpretation. You become a co-creator."

Mayor Terziev said: "I am happy that IETM is having its meeting at Toplocentrala. Welcome home!" According to him, art can help people become a community, regardless of where in the world they are. "Contemporary art, along with the spirit of old Sofia, shapes the soul of our city," Terziev said.

/DD/