Multi Kulti Map
The Multi Kulti Map is a bilingual digital and paper-based map that shows authentic restaurants and food stores, owned by Bulgarians, refugees, foreigners from EU and third countries from more than 20 countries, and shares the personal stories of their owners.
The initiative aims at breaking the stereotypes around migrant communities in the Bulgarian society which often lead to discrimination, racism and xenophobia. The purpose of the map is to make visible the cultural diversity in Sofia, Bulgaria and show the positive human face of foreign communities we live with. It takes a step towards building a society that appreciates the cultural diversity of foreigners in Bulgaria and so in the long run promotes the two-way process of integration into the Bulgarian society.
Year(s): 2013 – ongoing
Target group(s): Bulgarians, EU citizens, third country migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, tourists
Website: http://multikulti.bg/map/bg/
Methodology
Multi Kulti Collective checks weather the suggested entries are eligible to be included and then collects all the necessary information, makes an interview with the owner, translates it into English, takes photo, creates an illustrated portrait of the owner, updates the website and promotes it.
The owners share a piece of their personal story, tell about their favourite childhood dish, tell what they like about Bulgaria and what they miss from their country.
Type of product
Paper-based material;
Online resource
Brief description of the product / outcome / method
The Multi Kulti Map is a bilingual digital and paper-based map which lists authentic migrant and Bulgarian restaurants and food stores in Sofia, Bulgaria. There is general information about each spot, photos, interviews with the owner and an illustration of him/her. The public is invited to suggest spots that are not yet on the map.
Impact on target groups / Transferability potential
The Multi Kulti Map promotes migrant businesses that might not necessarily have been known to Bulgarians before and allows the latter to visit places where they will directly interact with migrants in a spirit of mutual enrichment and exchange.
Migrants present their restaurants and shops through their personal stories and their journey to and within Bulgaria which creates a general understanding for and appreciation of the difficulties of being a foreigner in Bulgaria, reestablishing oneself and rebuilding a life in a new place.
In the restaurants and the stores, people find out about each other, overcome stereotypes by having the opportunity for a day-to-day dialogue with members of the migrant communities.
The Multi Kulti Map is a one of a kind tool for the connoisseurs to discover and try different cuisines, spices and drinks.
The Multi Kulti Map also has a measurable impact on the economic integration of migrants by showcasing successful businesses and has already attracted a significant and loyal fan base.
20 000 copies of the paper map have been distributed using the Sofia Municipality’s Tourist Center, the daily Free Sofia Tours, the culinary Menu magazine, all the restaurants and food stores included, different cultural centers, cafes, bars, shops in Sofia.
Promoter of the initiative
Name of organization / individual: Multi Kulti Collective
Country: Bulgaria
Website: http://multikulti.bg/
Contacts: info@multikulti.bg