For 20 years, the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs has not merely presented art and culture - it has engaged in dialogue.

With countries, with cultures, with people and communities…

Mrs. Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova has been the Director of the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2019. Since then, we have become accustomed to her positivity, intelligence, and ever-present smile at cultural and diplomatic events throughout the capital and the country. Having taken the lead of one of the most important cultural institutions in Bulgaria, she has, over the course of six years, succeeded in integrating it into two international organizations — EUNIC (the European Union National Institutes for Culture) and GPDnet (Global Public Diplomacy Network). She has also established numerous national and international partnerships, fostering the development of a visible, successful, and sustainable cultural diplomacy.

She holds a Master’s degree in European Governance (New Bulgarian University) and in Slavic Philology (Slovak language and literature, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"). She has specialized in socio- and ethnolinguistics and dialectology at the University of Vienna, as well as at the Slovenian and Slovak Academies of Sciences. She has participated in international research projects exploring Bulgarian communities in Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Crimean Peninsula, within initiatives of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

She has authored dozens of publications in the field of policies concerning Bulgarian communities abroad, and is the compiler and author of the collection "Bulgarians Abroad – So Close, So Far," Vol. 1, 2, and 3, dedicated to their contemporary challenges. Her previous positions include work at the Institute for Bulgarian Language - BAS, the Council of Ministers, the National Palace of Culture, and the State e-Government Agency.

Mrs. Yoveva-Dimitrova is also a member of the General Assembly of the Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the auspices of UNESCO - Sofia, and of the Board of the National Culture Fund.

We met with her to learn more about the 20-year history and activities of the State Institute for Culture - symbolically, on the eve of October 24 - the International Day of Public Diplomacy.

– Mrs. Yoveva, this year the State Cultural Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs celebrates its 20th anniversary. What role has it established for itself over these years in the field of cultural diplomacy - both in Bulgaria and abroad?

– Alongside a rich cultural program and events marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, this year is also a time for reflection - for evaluating our achievements, setting new goals, and planning the future development of cultural diplomacy as a fundamental instrument of our work.

Over the past two decades, the Institute has truly evolved into a team of experts and has established itself as a mediator among numerous institutions and structures, a bearer of dialogue and memory, with a mission to preserve identity and to build international trust through a growing network of partnerships that elevate the role of cultural relations in foreign policy interaction.

The team’s efforts are directed toward preserving the spirit of Bulgarian cultural heritage, presenting our artistic and creative traditions to the world, and opening perspectives for new beginnings. The rich Art Collection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, created, expanded, and shared through the years, is not merely an archive - it is a living legacy, a testimony of continuity, inspiration, and national pride. Our projects, realized in partnership with others, are tools for dialogue and understanding.

That is why the inclusion of contemporary Bulgarian artists, whose works are confidently represented in European collections and exhibitions, is an important step in the mission of art in diplomacy.

When we speak of culture, we often perceive it as something beautiful and refined - music, painting, literature. But when we speak of cultural diplomacy, we actually speak of memory and the present, bound by a moral thread. We speak of a power that does not impose but persuades; that does not divide, but connects.

Over these twenty years, the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs has not merely presented art and culture - it has engaged in conversations. With countries, with cultures, with people and communities. A conversation whose purpose is to show Bulgaria - not only through territory and language, but through spirit, cultural and historical heritage, archaeology, literature, and faith.

And I believe we have earned our rightful place and role in the European and international public discourse. Recognition of this came also this year - from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Mr. Georg Georgiev, from the Ministry of Culture, and from our partner and international organizations. This means we have done a good job!

– What specific events did you organize to mark the anniversary?

– Numerous national and international initiatives are part of our annual calendar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the State Institute for Culture. We also have a special logo and visual identity created to highlight this important milestone.

However, we must mention the culminating event, which we organized and held on May 29 this year, on the eve of our official founding date - June 6, when the Institute was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers at the initiative of H. E. Dr. Solomon Passy, then Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2005.

This major event was a large-scale contemporary art exhibition titled "High Voices," prepared and realized by our team at Toplocentrala - a significant project combining contemporary art, historical memory, and engagement with the pressing crises of our time. The exhibition was curated by the art historian and cultural expert Vladia Mihaylova.

The event also included our official reception, during which we received a special honorary certificate personally from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Mr. Georg Georgiev, in recognition of our substantial contribution to the promotion of Bulgarian culture worldwide and the development of cultural diplomacy. In turn, we presented special honorary plaques to our partners on the occasion of the anniversary.

It is worth noting that this very exhibition, "High Voices," presented also at CUBE Gallery and the Earth and Man National Museum, was among the finalists nominated for Sofia Municipality’s Cultural Awards in the category of visual arts - an acknowledgment of the high quality and artistic level of the project. We hope the exhibition will have a future life and continue to be presented in other venues, as its message and subject matter remain profoundly relevant.

Naturally, all projects in our program this year are dedicated to the 20th anniversary, and our special media partner, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), has greatly supported our visibility and recognition, helping us to be more confident and professional in what we do.

By the end of the year, we have several more public events planned in celebration of our anniversary - including international exhibitions prepared in cooperation with diplomatic missions and cultural institutes, as well as a bilingual representative catalog featuring selected artworks from the MFA’s Art Collection, particularly from Bulgarian diplomatic missions in Brussels.

We are also working on an important project that aims to strengthen capacity in cultural management and promote European integration in the Western Balkans — an initiative supported by the Bulgarian Development Aid Program. Additionally, we are preparing an inspiring program for the Month of Enlightenment and Revival, in partnership with the National Academy of Arts and other institutions.

– The link between culture and diplomacy is crucial. What is your view on its role and development in today’s world of wars and conflicts?

– In the world we live in - one filled with challenges, far more often in the field of security than in that of culture - it is essential to maintain awareness and sensitivity to preserve our memory and history, as well as to support the international presence of our talented contemporary artists.

Through our instruments, we strive to contribute to this global scene, encouraging participation in various forums - whether related to cinema or literature.

In these uncertain times, cultural diplomacy is of exceptional importance. It acts not only as a bridge between cultures and nations, but also as a form of "soft power" that places shared human values at the forefront, offering opportunities for open dialogue and the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives.

In the European context, the connection between culture and diplomacy is encapsulated in the concept of "international cultural relations." Cultural diversity forms an integral part of this effort - one that supports and reaffirms the core European values of peace, the rule of law, freedom of expression, mutual understanding, and respect for fundamental human rights.

Accordingly, cultural diplomacy is an inseparable component of both the internal and external policy of the European Union and plays a vital role in global political and cultural processes.

The membership of the State Institute for Culture in EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is a significant step toward integrating Bulgaria into this broader European framework. Thanks to this confident step, taken in 2021, our diplomatic missions abroad can now participate in joint projects with other European cultural institutions - such as the French Institute, Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, and others.

This provides us with a wider platform for visibility and creative engagement, and enables an inclusive, multilateral approach to cultural dialogue - especially in third countries.

– The Art Collection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) – consisting of nearly three thousand works, mainly paintings, graphics, and drawings by renowned Bulgarian classic and contemporary artists – represents one of the richest collections of Bulgarian art. What care does the State Institute for Culture (SIC) provide for it, and has the collection been enriched in recent years?

– The management, preservation, and presentation of the MFA’s art collection is one of the main activities of the State Institute for Culture. A large part of these works are located in Bulgarian diplomatic missions abroad, which provide us annually with information about their current condition. In order to preserve the paintings, it is sometimes necessary for some of them to be returned to Bulgaria for restoration, reframing, and reassessment.

The collection is enriched every year. In the past five years, works have been purchased or donated by distinguished contemporary Bulgarian artists such as Gredi Assa, Slav Nedev, Kalin Serapionov, Svilen Stefanov, Svetozar Benchev, Vasil Kolev, Ivan Milev, Ivan Dimov, Zoran Mishev, Emanuela Kovach, Antonia Duende, Vasilen Vasevski, Tsvetelina Rusalieva, Albena Shtenovska-Eglov, Lyudmil Georgiev, Nina Ruseva, and others. It also includes works by Bulgarian artists who have successfully developed and continue to establish their creative careers abroad, such as Alzek Mishev (Italy), Dimitar Genchev (Netherlands), Yanko Tihov (England), Miglena Savova-Ochler (Switzerland), Desislava Unger (Austria), and Valentin Bakardzhiev (Netherlands).
In 2021 and 2022, part of the newly acquired works were presented in joint exhibitions entitled "Upgrading" (Parts I and II), as well as virtually, available to the wider public of the Mission Gallery.

In 2019, on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service, a representative exhibition entitled "Diplomacy and Art" was created, featuring emblematic works from the MFA’s art collection. The exhibition was successfully presented in a number of national and regional museums and galleries in Sofia, Ruse, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad, Veliko Tarnovo, and Kazanlak. In 2022, the second part of the exhibition was shown in several Balkan cities: at the National Museum of Montenegro in Cetinje, the Museum of Literature and Theatrical Arts in Sarajevo, the National Gallery in Chifte Hammam, Skopje, and the Parliament in Tirana.
For both exhibitions, bilingual catalogues were created, presenting the collection in its full splendor through legendary names in Bulgarian fine art such as Konstantin Shtarkelov, Vasil Stoilov, Ivan Milev, Boris Nenov, Georgi Bozhilov-The Elephant, Yordan Katsamunski, Svetlin Rusev, and others.

– The MFA also has an open-air sculpture exhibition. "Mother" by Ivan Lazarov is its earliest work and emblem, while "The Three Columns" by Ivan Rusev is visible to everyone passing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What is the current state of the sculpture park?

– The MFA’s sculpture exhibition has been presented on multiple occasions both to official guests of the ministry and to the general public - for instance, during the European Heritage Days initiative and open-door events. The sculpture park was established in 2005 and curated by Svetlin Rusev. A large part of the works in this exhibition were donated by Belgian collector and patron of contemporary Bulgarian art, Hugo Voeten. The extensive park in his estate in Geel, Belgium, is the largest museum of Bulgarian sculpture in the world.

"The Three Columns" by sculptor Ivan Rusev, located in front of the ministry’s entrance, have indeed become a symbol of the institution. The collection displayed within the inner park area includes authentic archaeological monuments, monumental and park sculptures, as well as contemporary works spanning from the early 20th century to the mid-21st century. The work "Mother" by Ivan Lazarov, which you mentioned, was created in 1939 on commission from the National Museum and was provided to the MFA by the National Art Gallery. This piece, along with several others from the collection, is currently exhibited in the sculpture space of the National Gallery - Kvadrat 500.

Our team makes every effort to preserve and maintain the sculpture park to the best of our abilities. For example, we managed to restore one piece last year, but unfortunately, climatic factors and limited resources have had a lasting impact. A comprehensive rearrangement and restoration are necessary. We hope to soon have the budget required for the complete restoration and reorganization of the sculptures.

– The "Traveling Exhibitions" program is one of the leading initiatives of the State Institute for Culture (SIC). What does it consist of?

– The "Traveling Exhibitions" program is a collection of documentary exhibitions that are lightweight and easy to transport, and some of them can even be printed locally by our diplomatic missions. This is an accessible yet highly effective way to expand awareness of Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage and to highlight the country’s contribution to international cultural cooperation and intercultural dialogue.

The program’s content is enriched annually. At present, the most popular and in-demand exhibitions include "Bulgaria and the Mosaics," developed by the Balkan Heritage Foundation, which aims to showcase Bulgaria’s rich and diverse mosaic heritage from antiquity to the present day. The exhibition has already visited numerous prestigious locations around the world, including Italy, Hungary, Norway, Slovakia, Tunisia, and Spain, and continues to attract great interest among international audiences.

Another popular exhibition is "Bulgaria from a Bird’s Eye View." It presents a selection of 25 large-format photographs by Alexander Ivanov, taken from a hang glider and dedicated to the beauty of Bulgaria’s natural and historical landmarks. It has been shown in an impressive number of cities, including Rome, Bucharest, London, Vancouver, Vienna, Bratislava, Baku, Prague, Madrid, Oslo, Frankfurt, Jena, Erfurt, and others.

Many of these exhibitions are the result of collaborative efforts between academic, museum, and state institutions and are based on in-depth scholarly research. They are adapted for presentation to multilingual audiences. An example of this is the exhibition "Bulgarian Monuments under the Protection of UNESCO," dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Bulgaria’s membership in UNESCO and the 75th anniversary of the organization’s founding. It includes academically verified texts in Bulgarian, English, and French.

– At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, held in July 2025 under Bulgaria’s presidency, the exhibition "The Ancient Treasures of Bulgaria" - part of the State Institute for Culture’s "Mobile Exhibitions" program - was presented. How was it received by that audience, one of the most distinguished in the world?

– The exhibition "The Ancient Treasures of Bulgaria" is another popular one from our program. We are delighted that it had the opportunity to be part of the cultural events accompanying the 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. This provided us with an exceptional chance to present one of our most emblematic examples of cultural and historical heritage at one of the world’s most prestigious forums.

The exhibition has been part of festivals and museum programs in London, Oslo, Stockholm, Warsaw, Prague, Islamabad, Lagos, Abuja, and Mexico, and everywhere it has enjoyed great success and strong public interest. I would also like to highlight the active involvement of Dr. Alexandra Milanova from the Institute of Balkan Studies, who personally presented the exhibition and delivered lectures in Africa, London, Prague, and other locations.

This exhibition was developed by a team of scholars from the Institute of Balkan Studies with the Center for Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and stands as a testament to our long-term and highly productive inter-institutional partnership. Thanks to this collaboration, the State Institute for Culture took part as a partner in the international conference "Cultural Diplomacy and the Balkans: Achievements and Challenges in the Contemporary Era," held on October 23, 2024, in the panoramic hall of the National Gallery – Kvadrat 500. We also participated in a series of public lecture-discussions jointly organized with the embassies and cultural institutes of France, Poland, Slovenia, Greece, and Albania.

– You are working on the project "Strategic Cooperation between Bulgaria and Norway in Support of Bulgaria’s International Commitments to Combat Antisemitism and Preserve Jewish Heritage." What does this project entail, and what is the Institute’s contribution to it?

– The project "Strategic Cooperation between Bulgaria and Norway in Support of Bulgaria’s International Commitments to Combat Antisemitism and Preserve Jewish Heritage" is an initiative implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies on the donor side, and with the Diplomatic Institute and the State Institute for Culture under the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Bulgarian side.

Our participation as a subcontractor focused entirely on the cultural dimension. During the project period (2022–2023), we organized exhibitions, discussions, workshops, film screenings, and other events related to the research and preservation of Jewish cultural heritage in Bulgaria, as well as to the history and fate of Bulgarian Jews during World War II.

One of the project highlights was the publication of the guidebook "A Visit to the Jewish Quarter in Sofia," authored by Ivanka Gezenko, an expert at the State Archives Agency. The guide offers a detailed study of the history of buildings and public spaces connected to the lives of their residents, providing a new perspective on traces of the past within the urban environment and the attitudes and values they reflect. The selected route outlines the boundaries of Sofia’s former Jewish neighborhood and adds personal and everyday dimensions to the historical narrative of that era.

Another major outcome of the project was the exhibition "The Jewish Street – Reconstruction," displayed at the Regional History Museum – Sofia. The exhibition featured photographs and objects related to Jewish culture and history, preserved in the State Archives Agency, the National History Museum, the regional history museums in Sofia, Pazardzhik, Kyustendil, and Plovdiv, the Dimitar Peshev House - Museum in Kyustendil, the National Ethnographic Institute and Museum, and the National Archaeological Institute and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, as well as the Historical Museum - Samokov. The visualized examples of Jewish material culture were presented in six thematic sections tracing the formation and life of Jewish communities in Bulgaria, the role of the family in preserving identity and long-standing traditions, participation in Bulgaria’s economic and cultural life, and the dramatic events experienced by the residents of Jewish streets in 1943.

The third main "pillar" of the project was the poster collection "Memory and Posters," dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews. The posters were created following a creative workshop at the Sarafov House in Samokov, attended by twelve contemporary Bulgarian poster artists - winners of awards from the International Stage Poster Triennial and other international forums: Anna Simeonova, Ivan Kashlakov, Kiril Zlatkov, Lyuba Tomova, Margarita Doncheva, Maya Staykova, Mila Lozanova, Nenko Atanasov, Petar Chuchuligov, Radoslava Boor, and Strahil Dimitrov. The special guest of the workshop was the world-renowned Hungarian poster artist Péter Pócs.

The exhibition premiered on 14 July 2023 at the Bayrakli Mosque in Samokov, after which it traveled to Burgas, Ruse, and Prague, and in 2024, within the second part of the annual session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, it was inaugurated at the Palace of Europe. The event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews and was jointly organized by the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Council of Europe and the Bulgarian delegation to PACE.

– You have been Director of the State Institute for Culture for six years, and since then, its activity has expanded significantly. Which of your initiatives during this time give you the greatest satisfaction?

– The time since 2019, when I assumed the position of Director, seems to have passed very quickly. Every project, every exhibition, every book presentation or discussion contributes in its own way to the overall atmosphere and the advancement of cultural diplomacy, so I cannot single out just one or a few.

We have also created new program series in the field of literature – "Writing Diplomats" and "Balkan Dialogues" – which provide a platform for authors from the Balkan region. These two programs have successfully showcased numerous creators and built a network of meaningful interactions.

Undoubtedly, our membership in the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), based in Doha, Qatar, is a major success. There, we found new partners, took our place "on a different stage with different actors," and earned the trust of the members of the Katara Foundation. It was at our invitation that Maryam Al-Saad, Executive Director of GPDNet, visited Sofia and participated in an international conference on cultural diplomacy. We have since developed a sustainable and promising partnership that continues to yield results—through exhibitions, film festivals, and other joint initiatives.

– The Mission Gallery is the Institute’s open door to the public. What can we expect there in the near future?

– Following the collective international exhibition "Mythological Transformations," featuring Turkish artists from Izmir University, in the second half of October we expect a guest artist from Germany, who is also of Bulgarian origin, and whose work will undoubtedly be of great interest.

We have several other events planned with our partners, including a guest lecture by Christopher Springham from the United Kingdom, who visited at our invitation to take part in the second edition of the Sofia Art Fair at Sofia Tech Park.

– Your professional dream…

– Dreams are challenges we set for ourselves. If achieving them brings us satisfaction and fulfillment, it means we have succeeded. Our actions leave traces; we are building a community that recognizes our signature - and that, in itself, is the greatest reward.Thank you to your media outlet for the interest and the questions!

Photos: State Institute for Culture to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Above: Ms. Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, Director of the State Institute for Culture to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Below: moments from the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the State Institute for Culture to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 29, 2025 with an exhibition and reception at Toplotsentrala, Sofia