The highly successful Migrants Got Talent initiative, which Multi Kulti Collective has been developing by since 2021, continues in 2025 with a renewed focus on communication activities that showcase the invaluable contributions of migrants to Bulgarian society. 

Through a series of 12 in-depth journalistic pieces in leading media outlets such as Bacchus, Az Cheta, Jasmin.bg, and others, our chairperson, Bistra Ivanova, will spotlight the talents, skills, and achievements of migrants in Bulgaria. The initiative actively challenges racism, discrimination, and hate speech, striving to foster a more inclusive and just society - one where human rights are safeguarded, and diversity is recognized as a strength. 

From 2021 to 2024, Migrants Got Talent produced 416 media publications across more than 35 major outlets. In 2022, the initiative was awarded the Human of the Year grand prize by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee. That same year, Bistra Ivanova, the driving force behind the campaign, received the Agent of Change national award from JAMBA in the Communicator category for her impactful work. These accolades underscore the project's vital role in shaping public perceptions of migrants and reinforcing their positive presence in Bulgarian society. 

Project news:

• Interview with the Ukrainian poet Anna Bahryana in Az cheta (4 April 2025)

Beneficiary: Journalist Bistra Ivanova 
Funding: You and Lidl for Our Tomorrow
Timeframe: January – December 2025 

This publication was created as part of the Migrants Got Talent 2025 project. The project is made possible through Lidl Bulgaria's largest social responsibility initiative, You & Lidl for Our Tomorrow, in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation, the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum, and the Association of European Journalists. The content is the sole responsibility of Bistra Ivanova and does not reflect the official views of the funding organizations.

Photo Workshop 66 is an original project by internationally acclaimed photographer Michaela Vatcheva, who has been running a training and mentoring programme for unaccompanied minor refugee children from the Middle East in Sofia since 2023. As a result of social, cultural, and family circumstances, migrant children often face illiteracy, isolation, and limited prospects for future development in Europe.

The project empowers the young refugees through photography, providing tools for self-expression and self-reflection, helping them overcome isolation and marginalization, promoting diversity, and advocating for human rights. It also works towards greater social justice by addressing systemic exclusion and ensuring the meaningful inclusion of vulnerable groups. By raising awareness of the existence, challenges, and successes of unaccompanied refugee children, the project offers a glimpse into their world - fostering empathy, solidarity, and acceptance within society.

Over several weeks, the children undergo an intensive photography training course, after which they create their own original photo projects. The program culminates in a group photography exhibition in Sofia city center, engaging local authorities, international organizations, institutions, NGOs, media, and the public. At the end of the program, each child receives a professional digital camera as a gift, enabling them to continue their creative and professional development. Ultimately, Photo Workshop 66 gives refugee children hope for a better future.

In 2024, the project was recognized by the European Commission as a best practice.

Project news:

• Reuters made a generous donation of 7 professional cameras for unaccompanied minor refugee children (April 2025)

Timeframe: February - October 2025
Funding: You and Lidl for Our Tomorrow + an in-kind donation of 7 professional cameras by Reuters

This publication was created as part of the Photo Workshop 66 project. The project is implemented with the support of Lidl Bulgaria's largest social responsibility initiative, You & Lidl for Our Tomorrow, in partnership with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation and the Bulgarian Donors’ Forum. The content is the sole responsibility of the Multi Kulti Collective and does not reflect the official views of the funding organizations.

The project Migrant Women Are Strong: A Holistic Approach to Combating Gender-Based Violence focuses on the protection, empowerment, and support of migrant and refugee women in Bulgaria who are at risk of gender-based violence. 

The project includes: 
(1) Research and Assessment: Analyzing the legal framework, policies, needs of the target group, and their access to protection services. 
(2) Recommendations and Advocacy: Developing policy recommendations and advocating for legislative changes. 
(3) Community Engagement: Working with the migrant community to raise awareness, empower women, sensitize men, provide social services, and refer victims to appropriate support. 
(4) Raising Public Awareness: Engaging the local community by creating a broad coalition of NGOs and service providers, conducting a communication campaign, and organizing a socially engaged exhibition. 

This holistic approach ensures protection and access to services for migrant and refugee women while fostering a shift in attitudes toward gender-based violence within both migrant and local communities. It also seeks to engage policymakers in driving sustainable change. 

Project news:

• Open Call for NGOs that work with migrants (deadline: 10 May 2025)

Timeline: December 2024 – June 2026 
Funding: With the financial support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women and the European Union. The views and opinions expressed, however, are solely those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Bulgarian Fund for Women, the European Union or the European Commission Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers. Neither the Bulgarian Fund for Women, the European Union, the European Commission, nor any of their respective structures or entities can be held responsible for these actions or outcomes.

The project From Words to Stories is a national initiative, proposed by a coalition of LGBTIQ, Roma and migrant organizations, along with the Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria with the main objective to counteract hate speech with focus on xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia along with other forms of intolerance. It will build capacity across communities and professionals and offer training, communication and advocacy efforts to expose the negative effects of hate speech on individuals, social groups and society as a whole; and on creating and promoting counter-narratives, including stories of resilience and diversity. 

The project builds on the experience of project partners in taking a multidimensional and cross-community approach on intolerances in general and hate speech in specific. In addition, the project puts forward the importance of stories of facing, overcoming and countering hate speech and intolerance, which is also reflected in its title. To do that, the project builds capacity in story-holders (minority youth and allies) and story-tellers (journalists, media professionals and content creators); it build bridges between them and equips them with specific knowledge and attitude (for journalists) and practical skills and awareness (for youth) to better tell stories. 

The project then invests heavily in making these stories heard by the general public, using various channels and tools (media publications, youth-led and co-created media content, movie, social engaged art, outdoor and online campaigns, etc.), while at the same time increasing reporting levels and engaging relevant authorities.

Timeline: December 2024 - February 2026
Partners: GLAS Foundation (leading partner), Bilitis Foundation, Association of the European Journalists - Bulgaria, Pro European Network, Multi Kulti Collective (all from Bulgaria)
Funding: European Commission, CERV programme

The Socio-cultural integration for refugee women and children from Ukraine project promotes the socio-cultural integration of refugee women and children from Ukraine, creates connections between newcomers and the host society and raises public awareness of forced migration by countering discrimination, xenophobia and hate speech. The project builds on the A Nice Day initiative, aimed at refugee women and children from Ukraine, which received the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee Human of the Year 2022 grand prize.

The first activity involves organizing 15 socio-cultural events for refugee women and children from Ukraine. Children and women of other nationalities are also invited to them in order to promote mutual integration between the two groups. Community events encourage participants to communicate, learn about each other and spend time in a safe environment. Examples include creative evenings, literary readings, art workshops, wool felting, cooking, visits to cultural and historical landmarks, etc.

The second activity envisages communication activities aimed at Bulgarian society, which give visibility to refugees and their successful integration.

Project news and updates:

• Nowruz - the Afghan New Year, 22 March 2025

• Poetry Night, 20 March 2025

• Children's workshop on Bulgarian folk dances, 26 February 2025

• Jewelry Workshop, 21 February 2025

• Vision Board: Art Workshop, 14 January 2025

• Shared Christmas Dinner, 25 December 2024

• Yalda Night, 22 December 2024

• Interview with the project team on the Bulgarian National Radio, 3 December 2024

Time frame: November 2024 – August 2025
Funding: Bulgarian Fund for Women

The project U4EU 2.0: Youth Shaping Europe's Tomorrow is the successor to the project U4EU: Youth Debating the Future of Europe (2020-2022). U4EU 2.0 continues its mission to empower young people to actively shape the future of Europe, with a primary focus on enhancing youth engagement, democratic participation, and policy advocacy. U4EU 2.0 features a series of youth summits, thematic workshops, training sessions, policy development, and advocacy efforts conducted in nine EU countries. These activities address critical challenges faced by young people, including limited engagement in policy-making, awareness gaps regarding EU institutions and policies, digital literacy deficiencies, and disparities in gender and diversity participation. 

Through transnational collaboration and leveraging insights from extensive research and prior experience, U4EU 2.0 equips young participants with essential skills, knowledge, and opportunities to become active stakeholders in shaping a more inclusive and democratic Europe. U4EU 2.0 is not just a finite endeavor; it aims to leave a lasting legacy of informed, engaged, and empowered young citizens who continue to advocate for positive change in Europe. By promoting youth participation, strengthening democratic values, and fostering inclusive policies, U4EU 2.0 is a beacon of hope for a brighter European future. The project intends to promote a greater sense of belonging to the EU and its core values among young Europeans. 

Project developments:

• Youth Workshop on Migration, Discrimination and Intolerance (Lisbon, 14-15 November 2024) - Photos | Youth Recommendations 

• Youth Workshop on Globalization, Gentrification and Culture (Barcelona, 20-31 October 2024) - Photos | Youth Recommendations 

• Youth Summit on the Future of Europe (Athens, 8 July 2024) - FB event | Photos | Youth recommendations 

• Newsletter #1 (May 2024) - English | Bulgarian

Time frame: May 2024 – April 2026 
Partners: ANCE (Greece) – leading partner, NOUS (Italy), Clube Intercultural Europeu (Portugal), Cross Cultural Bridges (Netherlands), KMGNE (Germany), UNITED for Intercultural Action (Hungary), VOLONTEUROPE (Belgium), Associació Mitjans - Xarxa d'Educadors i Comunicadors (Spain), Multi Kulti Collective (Bulgaria)
Funding: European Commission, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme

The project "No Racism in the Election Campaign for the European Parliament" of Multi Kulti Collective aims to raise awareness and discuss the harmful effects of racism in various social aspects, incl. as a pre-election political tool in the Bulgarian political campaigns and especially in the light of the upcoming European elections. The project seeks to strengthen European values and defend human rights. It also consolidates the efforts of institutions, civil society and the media to prevent racism, xenophobia and discrimination in the political campaign for the European elections.

The rationale for the project is based on the study "Hate Speech and Euroscepticism in Bulgaria" published by Multi Kulti Collective in 2022. It examines the links between hate speech, discrimination and racism and Euroscepticism (soft and hard). The document demonstrates that vulnerable groups such as Roma, migrants, refugees, people of colour are the most frequent targets of Eurosceptic political parties.

The project had three main activities:

• An outdoor photo exhibition in front of the National Theater in Sofia (30 April - 14 May 2024) will give a voice to Bulgarians and foreigners who oppose racism and send a message in support of human rights, democracy and diversity. These are both victims of racism and prominent figures from public life such as Instagram influencers, pop stars, prominent media figures, respected intellectuals, etc. The photographer of the exhibition is Krasimir Dimitrov. (UPDATE: The team managed to organize a second show for the exhibition. Thanks to cooperation with Sofia Municipality – Oboriste District, First English Language School and 112 Stoyan Zaimov School the exhibition was presented at the Pop-up Gallery on the Fence of the First English Language School and 112 Stoyan Zaimov School (60 Knyaz Aleksandar Dondukov Blvd., Sofia) between 22 May – 10 June 2024.)

• A communication campaign in 10 key media partners and social media, where the personal stories of the participants find a place.

• A community event to consolidate the efforts made by stakeholders from the institutions, civil society and media. 

The exhibition is proud to be carried out under the patronage of the European Parliament. 

The project addresses the European elections and encourages voting, but does NOT take political positions and does NOT call for support for specific parties.

News and Updates:

• Video on Deutsche Welle Bulgaria (10 June 2024)

• Photos from the community event Tea Ceremony Against Racism in the EU (4 June 2024)

• Facebook event for the community event Tea Ceremony Against Racism in the EU (4 June 2024)

• Article in Vagabond Magazine (28 May 2024)

• Photos from the second exhibition (22 May 2024) - the vernissage was cancelled last minute due to a storm 

• Facebook event for the exhibition at the Pop-up Gallery on the Fence of the First English Language School and 112 Stoyan Zaimov School (22 May – 10 June 2024)

• Presentation of the stories, Open Sofia (20 May 2024)

• Interview on Darik Radio (12 May 2024)

• Interview on the Bulgarian National Radio - Radio Sofia (8 May 2024)

• Vernissage photos from the first photo exhibition (30 April 2024)

• Photo exhibition - all photos

• Facebook event for the exhibition in front of the National Theatre (30 April - 14 May 2024)

• Interview on the Bulgarian National Radio - Programme Horizon (30 April 2024)

• Interview on the Bulgarian National Radio - Programme Hristo Botev (29 April 2024)

• Interview on Bulgarian National Radio - Radio Blagoebgrad (19 April 2024)

Time Frame: February - June 2024 
Partners: Sofia Municipality
Funding: European Network Against Racism ENAR
Patronage: The exhibition is carried out under the patronage of the European Parliament. 

The project puts Sofia on the world map by including it in a global visual initiative - creating a collection of covers of the imaginary magazine The Sofianer as a tribute to the iconic covers of The New Yorker magazine. The cities that have so far created their own visual interpretations are Paris, Tokyo, Montreal, Shanghai, Brussels and Milan. The project envisages involving the best artists in Bulgaria through an open invitation on how they see Sofia, presenting their work in an exhibition in physical and online environments and initiating a public debate on the past, present and future of the capital.

Project website

• Special Christmas postcards (December 2024) 
• 2024 Official opening (2 September 2024)
• Exhibition in the U.S. Embassy in Sofia (7 March 2024)
• Open invitation for artists and illustrators 2024 (deadline: 15 July 2024)
• 2023 Winners: Vyara Boyadjieva and Ivet Nyagolova (video)
• 2023 Winners: Nikolay Petroussenko and Sibila Kerelezova (video)
• 2023 Official opening - 11 September 2023 (photos)
• Open invitation for artists and illustrators 2023 (deadline: 10 July 2023)
• 2022 Official opening - 16 September 2022 (photos)
• Open invitation for artists and illustrators 2022 (deadline: 10 July 2022)

Timeline: February 2022 - currently 
Partners: Credo Bonum Foundation, Multi Kulti Collective
Funding: Sofia Municipality, Bulgarian-American Credit Bank, US Embassy in Bulgaria, Mastercard, 5l speakeasy bar