Varna, Bulgaria
Reconnecting the city center with public art
The Project
Located in the heart of the city of Varna, Sevastopol Square serves as the city’s most popular meeting space but has long been separated from surrounding streets by heavy vehicular traffic. By enhancing four pedestrian crossings and one portion of the interior park with vibrant murals, this project reconnects the main public space in Varna to the rest of the city center. Aptly named, “Reconnect the City,” the project had a robust community engagement component: over 300 people and 20 institutional partners took part in the realization of the project, and over 11,000 people voted for the artistic designs. An informational campaign at the schools located close to the intervention also reached over 500 schoolchildren.
The newly activated pedestrian zone is now a more colorful and vibrant space close to the City Art Gallery, two schools, and an urban park. After studying the benefits of the temporary intervention, the municipality will explore the next step of creating car-free streets around Sevastopol where only public transport will be allowed. “Reconnect the City” is designed to be a community initiative for a safer and more beautiful city where people and public art are central to Varna’s future.
“A beautiful dream came true – a project by the people for the people. And today we see Varna more beautiful, more vibrant and more colorful.”
Ivan Portnih, Mayor, Varna Municipality
Use the slider to see the transformation
Press
The Drawings of the Project Reconnect the City are Ready (CityBuild, June 6, 2023)
Drawings with Sea Scenes Decorated the Center of Varna (Bulgarian News Agency, June 4, 2023)
Look at the Finalists’ Proposals from the First Stage of the Asphalt Art Open Call in Varna – Sevastopol (CityBuild, April 10, 2023)
A Competition for an Artistic Idea, Giving a New Look to a Central Area, is Being Held in Varna (Bulgarian News Agency, February 28, 2023)
Varna Will Activate Public Spaces Through a Competition for Asphalt Art (Stroiinfo, February 27, 2023)
The Three Amigos Who Want to Change Varna (Capital Bulgaria, January 6, 2023)
Varna Wins $25,000 Grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to Increase Street Safety (Bulgarian News Agency, October 10, 2022)
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
