The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences honored the Institute of Art Studies with a GOLDEN plaquette at a ceremony held at the “Prof. Marin Drinov” Hall. The award is for outstanding contributions in scientific and applied research, for significant creative achievements in the field of the arts and on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of its establishment.

The President of BAS Prof. Julian Revalski, Full Member of the Academy, presented the plaquette to the Director of the Institute, Prof. Joana Spassova-Dikova. He noted in his address that in the Academy science and culture have always been regarded as interrelated and inseparable. BAS develops research in the field of culture in line with what is happening in the world. We are proud to say, said the President of BAS, that Bulgarian culture and art, thanks also to the Institute of Art Studies, are known not only in Bulgaria but also in the world.

During the celebration, the Institute of Art Studies was awarded a ”Sts. Cyril and Methodius” plaquette of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. The prize is awarded on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of its founding, in connection with its significant expert, educational and scientific research activities, as well as for its overall contribution as the only specialized institution in Bulgaria for developments in the field of ancient, medieval and modern art culture. The Secretary for Culture, Education and Tourism of the President Ilin Dimitrov presented the plaquette and made a congratulatory address on behalf of the President.

The Director of the institute, Prof. Joana Spassova-Dikova, presented the history, mission and activities of the institute. We are particularly proud of our books, publications, numerous awards, periodicals, electronic resources and rich archive, she said. In her presentation Prof. Spassova-Dikova also focused on the current projects and programmes of the Institute’s scientists.

Congratulatory addresses were read on behalf of the Minister of Science and Education, the Minister of Culture, the Rectors of the “Krastyo Sarafov” National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts’, the National Academy of Arts, the National Academy of Music, directors of BAS institutes, embassies, colleagues, etc.

At the event, the winners of the Institute of Art Studies annual ‘Revitalised Heritage’ Award for 2022 were announced. The prize for special contribution to the creative interpretation of the traditions and values of Bulgarian and world cultural heritage in a contemporary work of art is awarded to conductor and composer Emil Tabakov and artist Rumen Gasharov for their overall creativity. With a musical programme, graduates of scientists from the institute greeted guests on the occasion of the holiday.

The Institute’s mission is to explore the issues of art, architecture and culture in a regional, European and global context; to study and make sense of cultural heritage and national identity. Read more at https://artstudies.bg/