The 13th annual UNESCO Creative Cities Summit was held in Fabriano, Italy. A place with a rich culture and preserved past, Fabriano offered great opportunities to Gabrovo representatives, led by Prof. Dr. Svetla Dimitrova, director of the “Etar” Museum.

“We have established very important contacts with representatives of cities in the cluster where Gabrovo is – “Crafts and Folk Arts”. I am participating in the cluster work sessions for the second time, and this gives me the confidence that we are recognizable, that we can count on partnerships. It is important for us to invite representatives of creative cities which bring significance to Gabrovo. Here they will be able to get to know with the conditions we offer – both for residences and for the presentation of various crafts. I think that Gabrovo’s participation in this network will become more and more active,” said Prof. Dr. Dimitrova.

The good impression left by the Gabrovo representatives at the previous meeting show its quick results. The city of Barcelos in Portugal has been invited us to join an international crafts fair in August. Except Gabrovo, only cities from Italy and France are invited.

Prof. Dr. Svetla Dimitrova is convinced that it has been made a serious verification for how valuable partner Gabrovo is.

“The more individual conversations are made, the greater the confidence is that valuable partners can be found. Personal contacts give us a clear idea of who and how we can partner with, find common ideas for the future.”

Prof. Dimitrova is convinced and shared this with the Gabrovo Municipality leadership that it is good for Gabrovo to have one permanent representative so that they will be recognizable for the other participants in the annual meetings of the UNESCO Network.

“The other members of the delegation may be different, but the presence of a leading figure allows for sustainability. For the rest, this person becomes a symbol of the city, in this case – of Gabrovo. In my view, the frequent change of people in the delegation will require new acquaintance.

At the Fabriano meeting we saw both good practices and bad ones. Both are useful. My general feeling is that Gabrovo is an active participant in the UNESCO Network, takes a good place in it and is a desirable partner,” said Prof. Dimitrova.

During its participation in the annual meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the Gabrovo delegation actively took part in the work of the cluster to which our city belongs – “Crafts and Folk Arts”. Good contacts have been established with representatives of settlements from different continents – including Africa, Asia, South and North America. The exchange options discussed with the individual delegations will have a positive effect in the upcoming months.