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Nine Elephants Vol. 3 Festival Explores Urban Ecology in Sofia

festival-fair · 2026-07-01

Sofia, Bulgaria, will host the Nine Elephants urban art festival from July 9 to July 19, marking its third annual event. This year's theme is “Everything We Do,” emphasizing the impact of daily actions on urban spaces. The festival features over 20 projects from a diverse group of contributors, including artists, researchers, and community members, in various locales like Fondovi Zhilihta and Iztok. KADIST, a global partner, joins the initiative this year. Notable events will include Vlatka Horvat’s “Echo Location” and performances exploring labor, as well as closing activities with Vienna's New Choir and a forum on urban innovation.

Key facts

  • Nine Elephants Vol. 3 runs July 9–19 in Sofia.
  • Theme is 'Everything We Do.'
  • Over 20 artistic projects included.
  • International partner KADIST joins this year.
  • Vlatka Horvat exhibits 'Echo Location' at Swimming Pool.
  • Sofia Night Performance titled 'Choreographies of Labour.'
  • Opera Ecologica at Botanical Garden of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
  • New Choir from Vienna performs at Fondovi Zhilihta finale.
  • First edition of handbook 'Imagining Cities' published.
  • Forum 'Spontaneous Cities' takes place during festival.

Entities

Artists

  • Vlatka Horvat
  • New Choir from Vienna

Institutions

  • KADIST
  • Swimming Pool
  • Botanical Garden of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
  • NEWEAST

Locations

  • Sofia
  • Bulgaria
  • Fondovi Zhilihta
  • Iztok
  • Dragalevtsi
  • Krasna Vada
  • Robov Dol Park
  • Businci
  • Zheleznitsa

Sources