Celebrating Creativity, Tradition and Collaboration in Bulgaria | Craftwork4.0All

As part of the Craftwork4.0All project, project partner OECON BG successfully hosted an inspiring artistic residency in Bulgaria, bringing together 10 talented artists from different cultural and artistic backgrounds.

Rooted in the rich tradition of Bulgarian folk culture and woodcarving, the residency encouraged participants to blend traditional Bulgarian craftsmanship with elements from their own cultural heritage. Artists from countries including Chile, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Italy and beyond collaborated in creative pairs, producing unique works that beautifully connected different traditions and artistic expressions.

Under the guidance of master craftsman Mr. Konstantin, participants engaged in intensive woodcarving workshops and daily one-on-one sessions, gaining new skills, exchanging knowledge, and exploring innovative approaches to co-creation.

The residency promoted:

• Upskilling and reskilling of artists
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Cultural exchange and mutual learning
• Preservation and reinterpretation of traditional craftsmanship

Among the highlights were artworks inspired by Bulgarian symbols and folklore, including the fusion of Croatian and Bulgarian mask-making traditions, the symbolic bread-and-coin composition celebrating prosperity, and creations inspired by the iconic Bulgarian rose.

The residency demonstrated how traditional crafts can inspire contemporary artistic expression while building meaningful international connections.