The Bulgarian-Dutch project ABC (Art, Bulgaria, Commerce) was formed a few years ago with the goal of giving know-how to succeed in a market economy. One of the examples of an alternative to traditional galleries was the Dutch practice of art lending centres, something that has existed for more than 50 years. The centres, found in community centres or public libraries, typically work with both known and unknown, often younger, artists, with collections including a range of styles, from paintings and photography to statues and ceramics.

At the moment, art consultant Vessela Hristova-Radoeva is heading the creation of such a project in Bulgaria. She told The Sofia Echo that funding for the project is coming from the foreign affairs ministry of the Netherlands and the Bulgarian foundation GTM+2. Finances will also come from the money given in the borrowing process.

The idea is for the Bulgarian art lending centre, to be called Artoteka, to bring nice art to any range of locales, from private houses to offices to restaurants.

“It is rare to see examples of stylishly outfitted offices in which art is integrated and not simply an add-on part of the surroundings,” Hristova-Radoeva said.

Dutch ambassador Willem van Ee has already put in an order.