International Elias Canetti Society in Ruse, Bulgaria

International Elias Canetti Society in Ruse, Bulgaria    
 
The International Elias Canetti Society was founded in 1992 in Ruse, the birthplace of Elias Canetti. The central goals of the Society include a dedication to researching Canetti's work, promoting the European integration process and participating in rebuilding civil societal structures in post-communist Bulgaria. Through their various methods, the Society’s work encompasses essentially four fields: Cultural mediation, cultural dialog, civic education and academics. The Society publishes its own series of books (Röhrig Publishing – Germany), a bilingual magazine for transdisciplinary cultural studies, and additional literary series in the Bulgarian language. Particular emphasis is placed when realizing cultural, educational and academic projects on cooperation between the countries of the Danubian cultural region. The International Elias Canetti Society holds two events in conjunction with the Elias Canetti Center and the Canetti House.

Elias Canetti Center – a center for cultural and academic dialog

The Elias Canetti Center, founded and operated by the Elias Canetti Society, opened in 2005 in Ruse’s city center... The Elias Canetti Center houses the Austrian Library “Elias Canetti”, conference rooms, and the offices of the International Elias Canetti Society. The space is increasingly being used by local initiatives, youth groups and students for their events and international meetings. The cultural events and educational opportunities offered by the Center – which include exhibitions, discussion forums, workshops, readings, film screenings, and academic symposiums – are designed specifically for a young audience.

Canetti-House – a forum for alternative culture

In the future, the International Elias Canetti Society plans to establish an international cultural, academic and documentation center in the former Canetti family office building. In order to bring this project to fruition, the Bulgarian state awarded the building to the society per a decision by the Council of Ministers. The project has, however, encountered delays due to uncertainty regarding ownership and a legal dispute associated with the issue.

Despite its current unsanitary condition, the house is being used as an alternative location for events and is increasingly developing into a forum for contemporary art and performance.