The State Institute for Culture Bulgaria

The State Institute for Culture was established as an independent structure under the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. It is based in Sofia. The MFA determines the annual budget of the Institute, and its program is approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Institute is a network organisation for international cultural cooperation. The Institute supports the Bulgarian cultural and creative sector and diplomatic missions in the pursuit of their international ambitions. The Institute provides information, advice on international cultural cooperation. Our partners and target groups The efforts of the Institute are aimed at rethinking the concept of “export of culture” to projects that increase the possibility of mutual understanding, getting to know each other, co-creation. In this line, we direct the activity of the Bulgarian diplomatic network worldwide. We work in close cooperation with cultural and creative professionals and organisations within the art sector as well as with heritage institutions and professionals. Our services and activities The Institute manages a rich collection of works of the fine art of the Ministry and diplomatic missions. The collection also includes a Sculpture Park in Sofia. The mission of the Institute is to mediate the presentation of the Bulgarian cultural sector abroad. Our website is a source of information and it is a tool for transforming the understanding of the new role of international cultural relations – www.culture-mfa.bg. We organise different types of events in our art gallery The Mission, exhibitions and presentations. The institute is engaged in the training of young diplomats in the field of international cultural relations. Travelling exhibits are produced for the missions’ programs worldwide. Resident programs for Bulgarian and foreign artists have been implemented with partners from the Bulgarian cultural sector.