The Collective Foundation

The Collective, established in 2020, transforms neglected sites into beloved community spaces, restores urban nature, and reshapes policy in Bulgarian cities to prioritise ecological development. We work with artists, design specialists, volunteers, and local authorities to create places that are beautiful, inclusive, and beneficial to the environment and quality of life. Our flagship initiative Rivers of the City, which began in 2020, transforms people's relationship with the rivers closest to their homes. It has expanded to six cities. Rivers of the City has contributed to reducing river pollution and it has measurably changed tens of thousands of people's attitudes towards urban waterways as living ecosystems. Our work has received two of the EU's New European Bauhaus Prizes for green and socially beneficial design, a Grand Prix at the European Heritage Awards, and the global Living with Rivers label, among other accolades.