Placemaking for the Future: Co-Designing Inclusive, Green & Creative Cities

Who we are
The Collective Foundation is a Bulgarian placemaking NGO dedicated to revitalizing public spaces through cultural programming, citizen co-creation, and design-driven transformation. We are laureates of the 2023 and 2024 New European Bauhaus Prize and lead one of Bulgaria’s most recognized urban festivals: Rivers of the City.

What we offer
We bring a tested interdisciplinary method combining architecture, community engagement, and artistic interventions to reimagine neglected urban areas. Our expertise lies in participatory urbanism, youth co-design programs, and embedding environmental values in cultural actions. We work with both local authorities and grassroots networks and are experienced in EU project design and management.

Our track record
We’ve activated over 15 public spaces in Sofia and other Bulgarian cities through temporary or semi-permanent design installations, curated art, and participatory planning. Our flagship festival reached over 246,000 people in 2024 alone. We’ve co-created tools for education in sustainable city-making with local schools and vocational institutions.

Why partner with us
We seek partners for European cooperation on cultural heritage and green transition projects where local participation and creative methods are central. We can contribute methodology, pilot sites, visibility, and public engagement. We're also eager to co-develop learning formats, digital documentation tools, and cross-sector dialogues.