site.btaBgFACE Foundation Presents Bulgarian Awards for Art, Culture, Education and Science in Los Angeles

Prominent individuals and organizations who have contributed to the promotion of Bulgarian culture, science, and education in the United States were honored during a ceremony organized by the BgFACE Foundation (Bulgarian Foundation for Art, Culture, and Education) and the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles. The news was announced by the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Los Angeles on its official Facebook page.

The festive evening, which included two parts - the fourth edition of the Bulgarian Awards Ceremony of the BgFACE Foundation and the first concert of the organization Bulgarian Classical Concerts - LA - took place at the Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel.

The cultural event brought together hundreds of representatives of the Bulgarian and Jewish communities, members of the diplomatic corps, local authorities from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, artists, public figures, and friends of Bulgaria from across the US West Coast.

The Bulgarian diplomatic mission also published the list of recipients of the Bulgarian Awards for Art, Culture, Education, and Science of the BgFACE Foundation.

Art

Bronislav (Broni) Likomanov, sculptor, painter, and animator, for his outstanding contribution as creator of the monument dedicated to the Bulgarian Alphabet, to be installed in Los Angeles, symbolizing Bulgaria’s spiritual heritage around the world.

Science

Dr. Dimiter Arnaudov, Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology and Division Chief of Neuro Service at the University of Southern California (USC), for his achievements in the field of anesthesiology and for his dedication and care toward the Bulgarian community in Los Angeles.

Education

The Bulgarian School of Seattle, founded and directed by Angela Harsheva, for its outstanding contribution to teaching the Bulgarian language and preserving national identity and cultural heritage among young Bulgarians in the United States.

Culture

The Bulgarian Society of Nevada, for its exceptional contribution to preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture and its inspiring work with future generations.

Special Awards

The Special Award of the President of the BgFACE Foundation was presented to internationally acclaimed actress and singer Irina Maleeva, in recognition of her remarkable and internationally recognized artistic career, philanthropic work, and dedication to supporting Bulgarian cultural events and initiatives in Los Angeles.

The Special Award of the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles was presented to Svetlin Todorov, technology leader and CEO of Shelly US, one of the fastest-growing smart home companies in the world, for his outstanding support of the cultural and business initiatives of the Bulgarian community and the Consulate General, as well as for his active contribution to promoting Bulgaria in the United States.

In recognition of his long-standing support of Bulgarian cultural events, his active role in uniting the community, and his efforts to promote Bulgaria in the western United States, the BgFACE Foundation presented the Consul General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles, Boyko Hristov, with an honorary certificate and the foundation’s bronze statuette, a scaled replica of the monument to the Bulgarian Alphabet that will be installed in Los Angeles.

Congratulatory Messages from Bulgaria and the United States

The event was also marked by acknowledgments from institutions in both Bulgaria and the United States, the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles said.

On behalf of the Bulgarian government, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev sent a congratulatory address to the organizers and participants in the ceremony, emphasizing the role of the Bulgarian community on the West Coast as one of the most active centers of Bulgarian culture in the United States.

In his message, he highlighted the importance of the modern Bulgarian “awakeners” abroad, who through their work, achievements, and love for their homeland represent Bulgaria in the most dignified way.

The California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, sent Consul General Boyko Hristov an official Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the State of California for his contribution to promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and friendship between the Bulgarian and American peoples, as well as for strengthening ties between Bulgaria and the local communities of Los Angeles.

About the Bulgarian Awards of BgFACE Foundation

The Bulgarian Awards for Art, Culture, Education, and Science are held annually on the occasion of National Awakeners’ Day, November 1, to honor the efforts of the Bulgarian diaspora to elevate Bulgarian culture, science, education, and art to the global stage.

Over the years, the awards have become a prestigious tradition and a symbol of recognition for the most distinguished Bulgarians and friends of Bulgaria in the United States, the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Los Angeles said.

Among the notable recipients from previous editions are Hollywood actor and Academy Award winner Jon Voight, Hollywood director and producer of Bulgarian descent Ted Kotcheff, plastic surgeon Nicholas Nikolov, actor Dimiter Marinov, Los Angeles City Council member Traci Park, and others.

The non-governmental organization BgFACE was founded with a mission to unite Bulgarians from different states along the US West Coast, highlighting and honoring today’s cultural awakeners.

Its president is Ognian Gavrilov, lawyer and Honorary Consul of Bulgaria for Northern California and Silicon Valley.