Initiatives of the State Institute for Culture in the Month of Francophonie
March is the Month of Francophonie – a time to celebrate the richness of the French language and culture, as well as the cultural exchange between the countries that share these values. Bulgaria joined the Francophonie Community as a full member in 1993, and the State Institute for Culture under the Minister of Foreign Affairs actively participates in the celebration of this month, organizing and supporting a number of significant events that emphasize the importance of cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue.
On March 10, the photographic exhibition “Morocco in Pictures” was opened in the exhibition space of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will remain open to visitors until March 31, 2025. The exhibition presents photographs of students from the 9th French Language School "Alphonse de Lamartine", taken during their participation in the international FICAP festival in Morocco and takes viewers on a visual journey - from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the majestic Atlas Mountains.
Among the official guests of the event were H.E. Mrs. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Bulgaria and Chairwoman of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in Bulgaria, Mr. Emmanuel Samson, Director of CREFECO, Ms. Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, Director of the State Institute for Culture and representatives of the French and Bulgarian cultural scene. The opening was accompanied by performances by the choir of the French School, a traditional Moroccan dance performed by the formation "Sophistique - Zhivo", as well as a tasting of Moroccan culinary specialties.
As part of the Francophonie Month program, for the second consecutive year, the State Institute for Culture in partnership with the Soleil Foundation is organizing the presentation of the international exhibition "Directions 2". It was opened on March 18 at the "Mission" Gallery with a minute of silence on the occasion of the declared day of national mourning related to the tragic events in the Republic of North Macedonia. The event was presented by the Director of the State Institute for Culture, Ms. Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, welcoming speeches were also delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ivan Kondov, and the curator of the project and president of the Soleil Foundation, Ms. Alexandrina Isaylova. The opening was attended by diplomats from the embassies of some of the Francophone countries: Georgia, RNM, Greece, Albania, as well as H.E. Ms. Zakia el Midaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Bulgaria.
The exhibition presents 24 paintings created during the international open-air exhibition within the framework of the Thirteenth International Francophone Festival "Soleil" in Sozopol. It features artists from Bulgaria, the Republic of North Macedonia, Albania, Georgia, Portugal, Greece and France, who interpret the unique spirit of the seaside city and its cultural heritage through their works.
The Francophone Festival is already part of the country's cultural map and has contributed to the promotion of French culture and art. Over the years, over 200 artists from 10 countries have participated in the plein airs organized by the Soleil Foundation. They allow artists to establish contacts with their colleagues, exchange professional experience and share creative ideas. The exhibition can be viewed until April 16, 2025.
On March 31, at 6 p.m., the Mission Gallery will also host a special event with the participation of contemporary French artist Marion Safriouine from Marseille. During the meeting, she will share her experience and talk about the challenges and opportunities that exist for young artists in the contemporary French art scene. Marion Safriouine works mainly in the field of painting and photography and uses innovative techniques to create visual effects that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. She will reveal how, by manipulating colors, textures and light, she builds works that challenge the imagination and create new dimensions in art.
The French artist’s residency and her upcoming exhibition at the Depoo Gallery are part of the Visionary Foundation’s “Abstract Residencies” program, which aims to promote abstract art and cultural exchange at an international level. The project envisages a two-way exchange between Bulgaria and France in collaboration with Urban Gallery - Marseille and is supported by the National Culture Fund, Mobility ’24 Program, the International Organization of La Francophonie, the National Academy of Arts, Depoo Gallery and atelier Bohemingway.
Through the exhibitions and cultural events organized within the framework of the Francophonie Month, the State Institute for Culture not only emphasizes the importance of the French language and culture, but also creates a space for dialogue and cooperation between different nations. The meeting between tradition and modernity, between local and international artists, turns this month into a true celebration of art and cultural diplomacy, proving that culture is one of the most innovative and sustainable platforms for bringing societies and peoples closer together.