In the atmosphere of this year's "Apollonia" Arts Festival, where music, theater, and fine arts intertwine, higher education in the arts faced its own challenges. During the panel discussion "The Price of Success" in Sozopol, organized as part of the festival, the rector of the National Academy of Arts (NAA), Prof. Georgi Yankov, outlined the main problems but also shared hopes for the future of the Academy.
Demographics and Competition: Two Main Challenges
Prof. Yankov highlighted two of the most serious threats facing the NAA: the demographic crisis and the increasing competition from newly established arts faculties. These factors create pressure on admissions and require the Academy to adapt its strategy to attract and retain talented young people. However, the rector emphasized that interest in the NAA has not only been maintained but is increasing. ""In recent years, the number of prospective students at the NAA has increased every year"", he stated, adding: ""Young people have come to realize that it's not important to graduate from just any higher education institution, but to gain the necessary knowledge and get a proper education"". This observation suggests that students are increasingly seeking quality and meaningful education over a diploma obtained simply for prestige.
Financial Woes and Constant Renovation
Another painful issue raised by Prof. Yankov is the insufficient pay for administrative staff. According to him, the delegated budget places a ceiling on salaries, which are ""quite low compared to the work they put in"". This situation leads to serious staff turnover, which forces the management to constantly seek ways for additional funding.
Also in the spotlight is the large-scale renovation of the Academy's building, which began this summer. The project, which provides for a serious reconstruction and strengthening, has already provoked mixed reactions. The rector ironically noted that critics have split into two camps: ""Until last year everyone was saying: How can you educate students in such miserable conditions in the 21st century?"". With the start of the renovation, however, the same voice has transformed into: ""How can you destroy the building?"". The rector rejected the accusations, explaining that the project will not only strengthen the building but also add a new floor in the attic space. The idea for the roof to be turned into an open gallery for contemporary art, plastics, and sculpture is particularly ambitious.
Archaeological Discoveries and Development in Burgas
The renovation, planned to be completed in two and a half years, is facing an unexpected challenge. During the excavation work, 13 graves from the 3rd - 5th century were discovered, which may delay the construction activities. This archaeological discovery raises the question of the balance between preserving cultural and historical heritage and modernizing educational infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the NAA continues to develop its branch in Burgas, which has existed for seven years now. Its establishment was a strategic decision, prompted by a study that showed that students in Sofia are mainly from the capital and Blagoevgrad region, and the cost of living in Sofia is very high. ""In Burgas, we have five majors, the leading five majors in the NAA are also in Burgas"", Prof. Yankov explained. The branch already has between 130 and 150 students, which represents an "over-fulfillment of admissions", giving young people from more distant regions the opportunity to receive a quality arts education. In Burgas, the Academy is also creating innovative master's programs, such as "Cultural Heritage in the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast", aiming to train specialists for tourism, museums, and cultural institutions. Even more curious is the announced intention to create a new master's program in underwater archaeology and restoration.
The Final of "The Graduated" and "Apollonia"
As part of the "Apollonia" Arts Festival, the NAA presented an exhibition of its students, which is the final of the large-scale project "The Graduated". The project includes 22 exhibitions at 17 different locations, aiming to bring the works of young artists to a wider audience. According to the rector, this initiative aims to encourage young artists, give them courage, and motivate them to continue their creative path.
The "Apollonia" Arts Festival, which has been held since 1984 and is organized by the "Apollonia" Foundation, has become a hub for hundreds of artists and thousands of art lovers. This year's program includes over 70 events in the fields of music, theater, literature, cinema, and fine arts. On September 1, the festival will also host the presentation of the new issue of the BTA's publication for literature, art, and culture - LIK.