A Bulgarian cultural exhibition has been held in Armagh city to showcase the perspective of Bulgarian people living in Northern Ireland.
‘Northern Ireland Through Our Eyes’ is a photo exhibition project – funded by the National Lottery Community Fund NI – that explores cultural diversity through a series of photographs showcasing the vibrancy of traditional Bulgarian costumes from different folk regions against a backdrop of various iconic landmark locations across Northern Ireland.
The event, which took place in the Aonagh Mhacha Cultural Centre recently was hosted by the Bulgarian Association in Northern Ireland and aimed to illustrate diversity and cultural richness.
This project aims to highlight the beauty of Bulgarian culture and traditions and the participants’ passion for them, as well as the outstanding beauty and culture of the island they now call home.
Dancers and friends of the Association’s own Bulgarian folk dance club ‘Chemshir’ also generously gave their time and efforts to make this unique year-long artistic project come true.
Photos were taken locally at the Palace Demesne and St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, by the talented Anita Hoppe. She also captured images at Queen’s University and Botanic Gardens in Belfast, the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh and Dunluce Castle in Bushmills.
The photos will be displayed in an exhibition in the Aonach Mhacha Centre between now and the end of the year.
Plamena Chem, Chairperson of the Bulgarian Association NI, says that the purpose of the charity is to “unite the Bulgarian community here in Northern Ireland and to make contacts with the people living here”.
Since the formation of the organisation, the Bulgarian Association has partnered with many different organisations to deliver a range of projects. These include a number of on-stage
These include a great number of on-stage dance performances, cultural education workshops, community concerts and celebrations.
Plamena added: “Looking back on all this wonderful work, we feel extremely proud to have been a part of the Bulgarian Association’s journey. We sincerely believe that this adventure will continue and we will deliver many more new projects together.”
