Twelve Schools to Receive Paintings Inspired by Bulgarian Anthems

Twelve digital paintings inspired by Bulgarian anthems and well-loved songs will reach 12 schools as part of the new cultural and educational project 'Anthology of the Bulgarian Spirit'. The initiative was presented on October 26 at the P. R. Slaveykov Regional Public Library in Veliko Tarnovo, ahead of National Awakeners' Day.

The project is organised by the Movement of Enlighteners association. It combines contemporary artistic interpretations, Bulgarian music history and meetings with schoolchildren. At its heart is the idea of 'Painting an Anthem'; the images will be created by young artist Nikolay Parvanov, a graphic design student at the University of Veliko Tarnovo.

More than an exhibition: visits to schools

The programme envisages work with pupils at 12 schools. Children will learn about the authors and meaning of songs such as 'Mila Rodino' (Dear Homeland), 'Varvi, narode vazrodeni' (Go Forward, Revived People) and 'Oblache le byalo' (Little White Cloud). The completed digital artworks will be donated to the schools and remain there after the initiative ends.

The schools named so far include P. R. Slaveykov Primary School in Veliko Tarnovo, Hristo Smirnenski Primary School in Samovodene and Neofit Rilski Primary School in Kilifarevo. The regional library will provide historical and literary references to add reliable context to the artistic projects.

The planned finale includes an exhibition of the twelve paintings and a concert by young performers from the Elita music school. No specific date for the concluding event has been announced in the information available. This report concerns the project's launch, not school sessions that have already taken place.

Sources: Veliko Tarnovo 24, October 26, 2026; Radio Veliko Tarnovo, October 26, 2026.

Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash. Illustrative image; not taken at the project presentation.