site.bta US Embassy Invests USD 240,000 in Varna Cultural Centre

The US Embassy in Sofia has invested USD 240,000 in Varna's cultural centre ReBonkers through the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the US Embassy told BTA on Wednesday.

ReBonkers, housed in Varna's oldest preserved building from 1827, originally an Ottoman gunpowder warehouse, is a venue for independent arts. Restored by the city's residents, it became the music club Bonkers in the 1990s and was transformed into ReBonkers in 2022. Since then, the centre has hosted over 500 events featuring more than 600 Bulgarian and international artists, the venue team said.

Varna is the largest beneficiary of the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation project in Europe this year, which highlights the deep respect of the United States for Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage, the US Embassy said. Since 2002, the US has invested over USD 1.3 million in nine projects across the country.

US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten, who recently visited ReBonkers, said the cultural centre in Varna is a testament to the resilient spirit and creativity of the Bulgarian people. Merten said that spaces like these, which sustain vibrant cultural communities, are where the past and present truly come to life, fostering connections and inspiring future generations.

The renovation work includes restoration, conservation, roof insulation, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, and upgrades to the surrounding area. Work will commence this autumn. "We expect the new cultural centre to be ready by the end of next year, and it will operate year-round," ReBonkers artistic director Ralitsa Gerasimova said.