LIVING SPACES
And where is the independent scene, actually? For decades now, it has been appearing brightly and visibly, more institutionally, or almost disappearing amid the whirlwind of cultural priorities. More and more artists are choosing to work on a project basis, as is the practice in Europe, but the creation, development, and maintenance of spaces for the independent scene are a challenge bordering on the impossible. The reason lies in the inherently non-commercial nature of independent theater. Even if it can sometimes be profitable, its primary goal is always different: to blaze new aesthetic trails, to tackle the real issues of the day head-on, to engage audiences untouched by conventional art.
The number of venues in Sofia periodically increases or decreases significantly. No matter how natural a cardiogram may seem, its end is always the same—unless we take care of our health purposefully and consistently. The independent scene does not move in a straight line; it searches, finds, loses its way, undergoes renovations, and sometimes can pay its rent and sometimes cannot. Sometimes it is outright persecuted, and other times it develops over decades in a place for connoisseurs.
Independent Art requires a specific mindset in its viewers. It exists now and usually for a short time. If you want to see it, don't delay. Toplocentrala - Regional Centre for Contemporary Art, Derida Stage, I am studio, and Atelier Plastelin are the main venues for this year's festival, each of which has carefully selected its program for the occasion. Once again, there will be something for everyone.
Independent Performing Arts - if you're interested, do not postpone. That show might not happen again. It may never be convenient. Just do it, do it now. Independence is never cheap.
