Four universities discussed a joint master's degree in arts management, Burgas Prof. Dr Assen Zlatarov University said. The idea is tied to Burgas's bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2032.
The meeting took place at the university, hosted by rector Prof. Dr Sotir Sotirov. Deputy rector for teaching Prof. Dr Sevdalina Turmanova also took part.
The guests were Prof. Miroslav Dachev, DSc, a corresponding member and rector of the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, and Prof. Dr Sava Dimitrov, rector of the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music. Assoc. Prof. Dr Lyubomil Draganov, deputy dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the National Academy of Art, and Burgas deputy mayor Mihail Nenov also attended.
The course will combine management skills with training in music, stage, screen and visual arts. Graduates should be all-round specialists, ready to run cultural institutions, lead projects and organise events across the arts. They will also be able to find jobs in Bulgarian cultural institutes abroad.
Those present discussed how to run and fund the course, what the next steps are to draw up the programme, and how Burgas council can back such projects.
Nenov said the partnership between the universities and local authorities helps Burgas grow as a centre of education and culture. The university said the joint programme will offer more chances to study and build a career in culture and the arts in the city, and fits its long-term vision for cultural development.
The Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music and the Petko Zadgorski Burgas Art Gallery signed a memorandum in October pledging to back Burgas's bid to be European Capital of Culture. Academy rector Prof. Dr Sava Dimitrov signed the document.
The four universities will next work together to settle the curriculum and how the course will run.