Festivals

Museum of Art from the Socialist Period
Under the motto ‘Sameness and Semblance’, 454 artists from 78 countries submitted works to the 12th International Photo Festival—PHODAR Biennial, demonstrating the great interest of artists from all over the world. The international jury selected 274 printed copies, presenting 21 artists from 12 countries, for inclusion in the exhibition. Three prizes were awarded—the grand prix, debut, and humanistic photography.
The regulations for this festival edition were distributed virtually via 44 electronic portals of national associations, specialist educational institutions, and media, placing the biennial among the leading events in world photography and almost doubling the number of participants when compared to previous years.
On 8 June, at 5 p.m., a theoretical seminar on the topic of ‘Sameness and Semblance’ will be held in the exhibition gallery, to be attended by experts in various disciplines of the humanities and the visual arts at St Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA), and other higher educational institutions, galleries and NGOs, along with students, photo enthusiasts and established visual artists. On 22 June, at 4 p.m., a tour of the exposition will be organised for those who wish to learn more.
The PHODAR Foundation was established in 1999 to specialise in the visual arts while focusing on photography, the principal output being the International Photo Festival—the PHODAR Biennial. Its editions are thematic; photographic series and cycles are accepted. The jury consists of 9–11 experts in the genres of photography, the visual arts, and a variety of disciplines in the humanities.
The festival is made possible with the financial support of the Sofia Culture Programme.