On February 26, 2026, the Image and Text Award was presented for the first time. established by the Bulgarian-European Cultural Dialogues Centrе оoundation in recognition of the significant contribution of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ruzha Marinska to Bulgarian art history and the study of Bulgarian art in the context of European cultural tradition.
The award is given for original scientific works in the field of art studies published between January 1 and December 31, 2025, and aims to encourage and support the development of art studies in Bulgaria.
The winner is Dr. Maria Miteva, associate professor at the Institute of Art Studies at BAS, head of the “New Bulgarian Art” research group. She was honored for her monograph Art and Commission. On Artistic Practice in Bulgaria in the 1930s and Early 1940s (“Изкуство и поръчка. Из художествената практика в България през 1930-те и началото на 1940-те години”), published by the Institute of Art Studies – BAS. The decision was made by a jury consisting of: Ms. Adelina Fileva, director of the Sofia City Art Gallery; Prof. DSc Blagovesta Ivanova, Lyuben Karavelov Higher School; Dr. Rossitsa Gicheva, New Bulgarian University; Dr. Stoyan Sgourev, Audencia Business School – Paris; and Dr. Todor Petev, New Bulgarian University and “My Museum” Foundation. The publication’s exceptional scientific contribution was highlighted, distinguished by its in-depth analysis of significant unexplored archival material as well as its clearly formulated socially significant problem and convincing interdisciplinary approach.
Three other scientific works by the Institute of Art Studies were also nominated: Icons from the National Church History and Archaeology Museum (“Икони от Националния църковен историко-археологически музей”). Collective work. Published by the National Church History and Archaeology Museum and the Institute of Art Studies, BAS; The Iconographers Yoan Popraykov from Elena and Yoan Popnikolov from Gabrovo (“Зографите Йоан Попрайков от гр. Елена и Йоан Попниколов от Габрово”) by Assoc. Prof. Alexander Kuyumdzhiev, PhD, and The Churches of Mesembria in the Studies of Architect Pyotr Pokryshkin (“Месемврийските църкви в проучванията на архитект Пьотър Покришкин“) by Sen. Asst. Prof. Stanislav Stanev, PhD. The “Image and Text” Award is an annual award that aims to draw public attention to Bulgarian art studies, raise the visibility of scientific research in the field of art history, and emphasize the place of Bulgarian art in the context of European cultural and historical tradition.
