site.btaBulgarian Cultural Institute in Paris Showcases Bulgaria Through Most Beautiful Language – That of Art and Culture, Says Director Bineva

The Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Paris showcases Bulgaria through the most beautiful language — that of art and culture, Director Desislava Bineva said in an interview with BTA. “We work in various fields of art and culture, and I would say we are fortunate to tell the story of Bulgaria through the most beautiful and vibrant language — that of art and culture,” she said.

Bineva noted that the institute was founded over 20 years ago, in 2004. “I don’t know if that’s a short or long time, but in any case, we are storytellers for Bulgaria. I believe this is not a destination, but a journey. It seems to me a good start – to have shared Bulgaria’s story, to have friends here, to have friends in France, and an audience that follows us,” Bineva added.

“We have different audiences in the various fields where we work. In music, visual arts, and through different campaigns in collaboration with local partners here, which I find extremely important. Our latest campaign was with the Documentary Library at the Centre Pompidou, promoting Bulgarian documentary cinema here. We have also run campaigns related to cultural heritage, martenitsa tradition, and contemporary Bulgarian literature, so we work in that sphere too – more campaign-driven than event-driven,” the director said.

Looking ahead, Bineva shared that the institute is preparing two major exhibitions before the end of 2025. “One is dedicated to Christo [Javacheff] and the ‘Christo and Jeanne-Claude’ Centre, which was recently opened in Bulgaria. The other will focus on Georges Papazoff – a fascinating artist who exists somewhat between Bulgaria and France but is highly valued here. I’m very glad we will be able to hold this exhibition in the fall,” she announced.

Regarding literature, “we are also working on several fronts – to present contemporary authors and contemporary Bulgarian literature, living authors,” Bineva noted.

The Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Paris was established in 2004 based on a bilateral cooperation agreement between Bulgaria and France. The main goal of the institute’s policies and planned activities is to introduce and promote Bulgarian culture and heritage to the French public. The institute emphasizes the achievements of Bulgarian culture. Through the mediation of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Culture, the institute maintains close contact with all cultural institutions in Bulgaria and actively supports the development of Bulgarian cultural industries.

The institute showcases the works of Bulgarian artists by organizing exhibitions, concerts, performances, and similar events. It also organizes representative cultural events in France and supports the study of the Bulgarian language and culture within the French community. Additionally, it assists the cultural activities of Franco-Bulgarian associations in France.