The Academic Council of Sofia University has unanimously backed an open letter advocating for the continuation of the Czech Centre in Sofia, following the institution’s announcement of its impending closure. The Czech Centre issued a statement on Monday informing the public that, by decision of the Czech Centres network Director General, its operations in Bulgaria would cease. Planned cultural and educational activities are scheduled to continue until the end of May.
The facility holds significant historical weight, marking its 77th anniversary on May 5. The Centre traces its origins back to May 5, 1949, when an art and craft shop, Ceskoslovenska tvorba Orbis, was established in Sofia under an intergovernmental cultural agreement between Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria. Following the formation of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in 1993, the Czech Centres were established to succeed former Czechoslovak cultural centers abroad.
In light of the planned closure, the Academic Council of Sofia University expressed strong concern. The Council urged that the decision be reconsidered, emphasizing the profound historical and cultural importance of the centre to the relationship between Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. The institution highlighted the Centre’s long-standing role in maintaining cultural ties between the two nations.
The advocacy underscores the value of the czech cultural presence within sofia and its impact on ongoing cultural exchange.
Topics: #czech #sofia #centre
