Opening of Academic Year 2021/2022 at the National Academy of Art in Sofia
On 27 September 2021, at 11:00am, in the courtyard of the National Academy of Art, 1 Shipka Street, the 125th academic year at the National Academy of Art will be opened with a ceremonial blessing with holy water, a speech by the Rector Prof. Georgi Iankov and handing of student's record books to the freshmen.
On 16 January 1896, the Eighth Ordinary National Assembly passed a Bill on the opening of a state school of drawing and agreed to approve a law on the State School of Drawing in Sofia. A month later, Prince Ferdinand I approved the founding of the new educational institution. On 16 October 1896, the State School of Drawing opened its doors. The founding of the Academy of Arts as the first higher education institution of art in Bulgaria and its further development played a key role in the formation of Bulgaria's artistic life during late XIX and entire XX c. Its significance as a socio-cultural institution since its establishment was expressed not only in regulating the social and professional position of Bulgarian artists at that time, but also in the main directions in which Bulgarian artistic culture was to begin developing after the Liberation.
In 2021, the National Academy of Art opens its 125th academic year. As of today, the institution is still a key factor in the cultural life of Bulgaria. With its wide educational opportunities and its active exhibition, publishing and international activities, it continues to strengthen its image as an advanced and modern art school.