About This Project
Summary
Belene, once Bulgaria’s longest-running labor camp, carried stigma and silence. To break the taboo and counter Russian propaganda still portraying communism as “the better times,” we partnered with Sofia Platform Foundation to transform the site into part of the 100 National Tourist Sites. A permanent exhibition, survivor testimonies, and an online campaign reframed Belene as a place of remembrance and learning, making it an essential cultural and historical destination.
Goals & Objectives
Our goal was to confront the silence around Belene, raise awareness of communist repressions, and inspire both locals and visitors to see the site as a valuable cultural and historical destination, turning a place of stigma into one of learning, remembrance, and civic engagement.
Results & Impact
Visits to Belene almost tripled in the last year, transforming it into a major stop for domestic tourists. The local music festival became a partner, amplifying community pride. Most importantly, attitudes shifted — locals now recognize Belene’s potential as a tourist and cultural landmark.
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