The photo exhibition “A Europe of Diasporas” will begin its European tour Monday June 27 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The event will be held in the building of the Regional Administration at the initiative of the local group of AGBU of Young Professionals and under the patronage of the Governor of Plovdiv, Mr. Zdravko Dimitrov.

The exhibition consists of 20 prints selected among the entries of an international photo competition organized in the first three months of 2016. The entries into the competition presented personal perspectives on the life and heritage of the Jewish, Armenian, Roma and Assyrian diasporas in Europe. The exhibition thus puts on display the beautiful work of 14 outstanding photographers from 11 different European countries. These photos were first exhibited in the European Parliament on May 2 during the conference “A Europe of Diasporas”.

The ancient city of Plovdiv, once Bulgaria’s capital, is due to become the European capital of culture in 2019 and has been home to several diasporas for centuries. Armenians, Jews and Roma in particular have been an integral part of the socio-economic development and of the cultural life of Plovdiv since the time of the Roman Empire. Sourp Kevork Church, the House of Culture and the school at the foot of the hill Nebet Tepe are an important religious, educational and cultural centre for the Armenians. The Zion Synagogue and the Monument of Gratitude are the places to discover Jewish heritage and community life both in the past and today. Plovdiv also hosts the biggest Roma community in Bulgaria.

After Plovdiv, the exhibition will be on display in Naples at the “Faito Doc” festival, Italy, on August 1-7. It will travel to Romania, Spain, and other European countries in the autumn.

Venue: Regional Administration Plovdiv, address: “Pl. Nikola Mushanov” №1, Plovdiv-4002
Date: Monday, June 27th, 2016
Cocktail Reception: Starts at 5p.m.

Contact in Plovdiv:
Haik Garabedian
Email: Haik.t.garabedian@gmail.com
Tel: 0888 084100

For more information or to book the exhibition please contact:
Sargis Khandanyan
Email: sargis.khandanyan@agbueurope.eu
Tel: +374 60 722 203

About the project. “A Europe of Diasporas”is a network of diasporas in Europe. It aims to help affirm the notion that diasporas have been part of the European story for many centuries and that they are an asset for Europe. It promotes the idea that diaspora identities need not be tied to a territory or to a source of authority to be legitimate and valuable. The Europe of Diasporas projects is funded by the European Union.

Phiren Amenca is a network of Roma and non-Roma volunteers and voluntary service organizations creating opportunities for non-formal education, dialogue and engagement, in order to challenge stereotypes and racism.

The European Union of Jewish Students is a pluralistic, inclusive and non-partisan umbrella organization that supports Jewish student unions throughout Europe and represents its members in international institutions and organizations.

AGBU Europe coordinates and develops the pan-European activities of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. Established in 1906, AGBU is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. AGBU Europe runs numerous programmes in fields relating to academic research, the preservation and promotion of heritage, education and culture as well as awareness raising, advocacy and leadership training.