site.btaBulgaria, France Sign Intergovernmental Declaration on Turning St Cyricus Island into World Art Centre

Culture  Minister Velislav Minekov and French Ambassador here Joel Meyer signed Wednesday a Declaration of Intent between the governments of the two countries in relation to the project to establish an arts centre on the island of St. Cyricus near the Black Sea town of Sozopol.

"We are currently waiting for the architectural design competition of the site to start. Also, we talked about joint archaeological research, about help from French specialists to assist with conservation and restoration and about some revisions to the Cultural Heritage Act," Minekov said at the signing.

The centre will be one of European and world art, offering residencies for exchange of artists, a number of stages, opportunities for expression, galleries, as well as a museum, the Culture Minister added.

In turn, Ambassador Meyer expressed gratitude for the confidence in France. "We approach this project, which is unique and which can serve as an example, with great enthusiasm. It can cover the whole Black Sea region and other countries. It is France's wish that things happen very quickly," he added.

France can contribute to the final variant of the project with its financial, scientific and economic expertise, Meyer said.

The France Museums consultancy will be responsible for the feasibility study, project design, planning and implementation, the Culture Ministry said.

For its part, the Bulgarian Government will participate in the project via the respective divisions of the Ministry of Culture and the local authorities in Sozopol and Burgas region. The detailed implementation modalities, objectives, activities and expected results of the feasibility study will be the subject of an agreement between the Ministry and France Museums.

In the beginning of November, a national initiative committee was established to help transform the St Cyricus Island into a centre for culture and art. It is chaired by Minekov and among its members are Vice President Iliana Iotova, Burgas Regional Governor Maria Neikova, architect Radost Georgieva, Sozopol Mayor Tihomir Yanakiev and the authors of the concept.