how to play
If you already have your festival ribbon like this one:
Just wear it visibly and look for other wearers. When you find one, go up to them, interact, and create a memory together. If you don’t know how to break the ice, just say the code word “TLAKA” and smile. When you’re done, share your memory or the "essence" of your interaction with our AI chat bot via the link below. You can also ask the bot about all the rules of this game and the festival program.
After the festival, our AI assistant will summarize all of the insights, and we will create a collective story about connection.
If you’re reading this but don’t yet have your festival ribbon, ask for one on our Instagram:
TLAKA is a creative initiative formed by a group of young artists dedicated to fostering contemporary art in rural and provincial areas. Inspired by the Bulgarian tradition of collective work and mutual aid, our goal is to build a dynamic community around socially engaged art practices. Our vision begins with transforming an old barn in the picturesque village of Srednogorovo into a vibrant art residency, a space where creativity thrives and local communities connect through culture and sustainability.
Our Projects
Connection Code
"Connection Code" is an interactive creative game designed to transform urban spaces into vibrant networks of spontaneous encounters and artistic expression. Participants wear distinctive textile bands featuring QR codes. Upon meeting another participant, they initiate spontaneous creative interactions—photos, videos, texts—sharing these through the QR code. This playful exchange encourages genuine communication, creativity, and community building.
Creative Chain Bulgaria
Creative Chain Bulgaria is our upcoming initiative as part of the ETH Sofia conference, designed as an NFT art exhibition and networking event. It aims to bridge the gap between emerging Bulgarian contemporary artists and the vibrant NFT community, offering exposure, education, and collaboration opportunities. The event features:NFT Exhibition: Showcasing both established NFT artists and contemporary artists new to blockchain technology.Networking Sessions: Connecting artists directly with crypto enthusiasts, collectors, and industry experts.Educational Webinar (Digital Residency): A preparatory webinar series providing essential knowledge about NFT technology, marketplaces, and current trends, led by industry professionals.Through this event, we foster meaningful connections between art and technology, empowering artists to expand their creative and professional horizons.
Art Workshops with Students
In collaboration with the local high school of arts and design in Kazanlak, we conduct a series of multidisciplinary masterclasses. Led by experienced educators, these workshops engage students in various contemporary art practices throughout the academic year. This educational journey culminates in a student-curated exhibition in May, showcasing the creative outcomes and the value of multidisciplinary art.
Main Residency
Scheduled for March 2026, our primary residency in Srednogorovo will gather a group of young artists to explore socially relevant themes through artistic practice. The residency encourages dialogue, experimentation, and the creation of community-centered art. Concluding with an exhibition in Kazanlak, the residency will not only highlight the artists' work but also strengthen local engagement with contemporary art practices.
Contact us
For collaborations or more information:[email protected]