The State Institute for Culture Honored by the International Francophone Festival “Soleil” in Sozopol
The State Institute for Culture under the Minister of Foreign Affairs was honored with a prestigious award during the opening of the Fourteenth edition of the International Francophone Festival “Soleil”, which took place on June 1 at the Amphitheater of the city of Sozopol. The forum annually brings together artists, cultural institutions and diplomats committed to promoting cultural dialogue and the values of Francophonie.
During the official ceremony, the Director of the State Institute for Culture, Ms. Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, received the traditional award of the festival – a sculpture by Andrey Moskov – in recognition of the Institute’s contribution to the development of the Francophone cultural community and for the consistent support of the festival over the years.
“We are honored to be part of this significant event, which establishes Sozopol as a space for intercultural cooperation. The State Institute for Culture is participating for the fourth consecutive year with a rich program that presents the cultural heritage and contemporary Bulgarian art to the international audience,” shared Ms. Ioveva-Dimitrova in her speech during the opening.
Among the highlights of the Institute’s participation this year is the opening of the documentary exhibition “Bulgaria and Mosaics”, created by the Balkan Heritage Foundation. The exhibition, which was presented on June 2 at the Archaeological Museum in Sozopol, displays unique examples of Bulgarian mosaic art – from Antiquity to the present day.
Also on June 2, an official session on the topic “Diplomacy and Culture” was be held, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the State Institute for Culture. The event, which took place at the Sozopol Municipal Council building, brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural organizations and partners of the Institute.
The participation of the State Institute for Culture in the International Francophone Festival "Soleil" is another confirmation of the Institute's consistent efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and international cooperation through art and cultural exchange. The works created during the accompanying international plein air will also be presented in an exhibition at the "Mission" gallery at the Institute in Sofia.