For the eighth consecutive year, the Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan and the National Academy of Art have successfully concluded their joint student competition, organized as part of the long-standing partnership between the two institutions. This year’s edition was dedicated to the 2026 Rotary theme: “United for Good.”

The competition provided a platform for young artists to interpret the ideals of empathy, solidarity, and social responsibility through their work. A total of 22 students from the departments of Painting, Graphics, Poster and Visual Communication, Metal, and Restoration participated, presenting original works and conceptual designs based on the theme.

The official judging of the entries took place on June 3, 2026. The works were evaluated by an expert committee composed of representatives from both the Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan and the National Academy of Art.

Representing the Rotary Club were Club President Ivaylo Anagelov, President-Elect Niya Dikova, and Georgi Zlatkov. The National Academy of Art was represented by Prof. Zdravka Vasileva, PhD, Vice-Rector for Artistic and Creative Activities and Career Development (Department of Painting); Assoc. Prof. Emil Bachiyski, Head of the Metal Department; and Assoc. Prof. Vasil Kolev, PhD, Head of the Graphics Department.

Following a thorough review and discussion, the jury awarded the following students:

  • First Place (500 EUR): Izabel Slavcheva, 4th year, Graphics. In addition to the monetary prize, she received an artistic commemorative plaque, a Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan badge of honor, and a diploma recognizing her promising contribution to the Rotary theme of the year.

  • Second Place (250 EUR): Magdalena Zamova, 1st year, Master’s program in Painting.

  • Third Place (150 EUR): Svetoslav Ninov, 1st year, Master’s program in Graphics.

This year’s edition also held a pleasant surprise for the organizers. Among the participants were several impressive works from students in the Metal department—a field that has not traditionally been an active participant in the competition. In recognition of the high artistic quality and original interpretation of the theme, the organizers from Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan established a special additional award of 150 EUR.

  • Special Distinction: Vyara Stoycheva, 3rd year, Metal.

Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan extends its sincere gratitude to all the students who participated, as well as to the faculty and leadership of the National Academy of Art for their years of fruitful collaboration. Once again, the competition has proven that young Bulgarian artists possess not only exceptional talent but also the ability to convey powerful social messages through their art.

The official awards ceremony and the opening of the exhibition featuring the selected works took place on June 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the “Terrace” Atelier (5th floor, New Academic Building, National Academy of Art).

We look forward to sharing these works, which serve as a reminder that when we are “United for Good,” we can create not only art but a better society.