180° COMMUNITY LAB
180° Community Lab° is an annual cultural and educational program by the 180° Foundation, featuring a series of projects and workshops aimed at students, professionals, and the general public. The program aims to provide opportunities for the development of young artists, create artistic networks, engage social and cultural institutions, and bring society closer to art and its social functions. In 2023, Community Lab° was nominated in two categories for the prestigious European Award by the international organization Art Explora. Over the years, this award has been granted to some of the most recognizable European cultural organizations developing programs for new dialogues between art and audiences.
In 2024, Community Lab° offers workshops and labs, as well as a discussion bringing together cultural managers and international artists. Creativity Lab°, aimed at high school students, focuses on the creation and implementation of interdisciplinary original concepts. Improvisation Lab°, also designed for high-school students, explores abstract sounds and spontaneous art creation. Composition Lab°, a one-day immersive workshop for student and professional composers, provides an opportunity to refine compositional techniques and exchange ideas under the mentorship of Andreas Eduardo Frank. Student Lab° brings together students from Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria in artistic collaborations, while Critic Lab° develops creative writing skills among students and young professionals. The international Discussion° focuses on innovative and sustainable cultural partnerships.
180° COMMUNITY LAB PROGRAM
Creativity Lab°
CreativityLab° is a four-day immersive workshop designed for high school students aged 16-19 with a background in the arts. This interactive program brings young artists together to explore, create, and present a collective artistic concept during the 180° Festival. Led by experienced mentors Ksenia Ravvina, Kalina Georgieva and Alexandar Hadjiev, participants engage in workshops focused on improvisation, stage presence, and the development of original ideas. The process culminates in a live presentation, showcasing their collaborative creation at the festival.
Aimed at fostering creativity, teamwork, and artistic growth, CreativityLab° offers high school students a dynamic and inclusive space to push their creative boundaries. The workshop encourages young artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to engage deeply with the creative process, collaborate with peers, and develop new perspectives in a supportive environment.
Program Details:
Dates & Times: September 28 & 29, 12:30 – 17:00; October 5, 12:00 – 16:30; October 6, 12:00 – 18:00
Event Presentation: October 6, 19:30 at Swimming Pool
Working Language: English/Bulgarian
Participation: Free of charge
Registration Deadline: September 23, 2024 (Notification of Selected Participants: September 25, 2024)
Important: Participants must be available for the entire duration of the workshop. Partial participation is not possible.
How to Apply:
Apply here by September 23rd, 2024.
Improvisation Lab°
Improvisation Lab° is a two-day workshop led by musician and curator Alexandаr Hadjiev, in partnership with Central Halls, Kaufland, and 180° – Laboratory for Innovative Art. This workshop goes beyond traditional improvisation techniques, using games and exercises to help participants explore creativity, spontaneity, and collaboration. Through this engaging process, participants will discover new sounds, create spontaneous musical compositions, and learn how improvisation can enhance critical thinking, adaptability, and self-expression.
Designed for high school students aged 16 to 19, the workshop fosters personal development through creative expression, offering a fun and supportive environment where participants can cultivate confidence, teamwork, and their artistic voice. Open to all, regardless of prior experience, the Improvisation Lab is a space for young people to unleash their creativity, push beyond their inner critic, and explore how improvisation can be applied to various areas of life.
Program Details:
• Dates: 1st and 2nd October 2024
• Time: 15:00 – 18:00 h
• Location: Central Hall
• Participation: Free of charge. (Due to the nature of the workshop, the number of participants is limited. Participants are required to attend both days.)
How to Apply:
Apply here by September 30th, 2024.
Composition Lab°
Composition Lab° is a one-day immersive workshop, led by renowned composer Andreas Eduardo Frank, designed to help both student and professional composers refine their skills and explore new techniques in contemporary composition. Participants will engage in focused discussions, exchange ideas with fellow composers, and receive personalized feedback from Andreas Eduardo Frank, gaining insights into how to push their creative boundaries and enhance their compositional voice.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your compositional practice or discover new approaches, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to learn from an expert in the field. Composition Lab° is an inclusive and supportive space, welcoming composers of all backgrounds and abilities to engage in meaningful artistic exchange.
Program Details:
Date & Time: October 6, 2024 | 13:00 – 17:00
Location: Travellers Club Sofia
Working Language: English
Participation: Free of charge
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2024
How to Apply:
Apply here by October 1st, 2024.
Critic Lab°
CriticLab° is a dynamic program, part of the 180° Community Lab°, designed for students and emerging professionals eager to enhance their critical writing skills while engaging with contemporary art. Over the course of several months, participants will explore diverse art forms, attend curated events, and work closely with experienced mentors to refine their critical voice. This interactive experience goes beyond typical workshops, offering opportunities to not only learn and grow but also to publicly share and publish your work.
Open to students and young professionals in the arts or humanities, CriticLab° provides a flexible schedule tailored to participants’ availability from September to November 2024. The program fosters creative growth, offering personalized mentorship, the chance to experience a wide range of artistic disciplines, and the opportunity to connect with peers and professionals within the arts community.
Program Details:
•Duration: September – November2024
Student Lab°
Student Lab° is a dynamic, week-long workshop that brings together art students and young professionals from Germany, Bulgaria, and Italy as part of the 180° Festival. In collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Bulgaria, the Italian Cultural Institute Bulgaria, and KoreoProject (Italy), this program offers participants the unique opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and push the boundaries of art.
Mentored by the director and author Ksenia Ravvina, participants will work on innovative artistic projects throughout the week and present their creations as part of the festival program. Student Lab° fosters creativity, collaboration, and networking, allowing participants to showcase their work to an international audience. Inspired by the theme “tacet”, the lab will culminate in a live presentation at Sofia’s Swimming Pool venue, creating an exciting artistic experiment.
Program Details:
• Duration: 05 – 10. October 2024
• Presentation of the Results: 10th October 2024 | Thursday
• Time: 19:30
• Location: Swimming Pool
• Participants
Discussion°
Cultural Partnerships: Pathways to Collaboration in the Cultural Sector is international discussion which will focus on the challenges and opportunities of building sustainable cultural partnerships. The conversation will explore innovative approaches to collaboration across various artistic disciplines and geographic borders.
Moderated by Stefan Prohorov, the session will highlight real-world examples of successful partnerships, examining how cultural institutions, artists, and organizations can work together to create impactful projects. Participants will also discuss strategies for overcoming common barriers and the potential of cultural collaborations to drive meaningful social and artistic transformation. This event is ideal for cultural professionals, artists, and those interested in advancing collaborative practices in the arts.
Program Details:
•Event: 5th October 2024 | Saturday
•Time: 17:30
•Location: Travellers Club Sofia
English 
Bulgarian