Bulgaria and China are fostering deeper cultural ties through a series of vibrant exhibitions and festivals. From visual arts to music, these events highlight artistic exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations, celebrating both traditional heritage and contemporary creativity. These initiatives aim to strengthen cultural cooperation and promote openness.
Key Takeaways
- A joint art exhibition in Sofia showcases over 60 works by Chinese and Bulgarian artists, featuring diverse mediums from ink paintings to felt art.
- The "Crossing Mountains and Seas 2025" exhibition specifically focuses on young artists and their teachers, bridging cultural heritage.
- Bulgarian hardcore band Urban Grey delivered a powerful performance at the "Hills of Rock 2025" festival, channeling societal frustrations through their music.
Sino-Bulgarian Artistic Dialogue
A significant joint exhibition featuring works by Chinese and Bulgarian artists opened in Sofia, Bulgaria, on August 18, 2025. This six-day event presents over 60 pieces, demonstrating a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. The exhibition includes Chinese ink paintings, woodcarvings, embroidery, lacquer painting, tie-dye, batik, and digital art, alongside Bulgarian works inspired by traditional textiles, felt, and contemporary interpretations of local heritage. Organized by the China-Europe Association for Culture, Education, Sports and Investment and the Union of Bulgarian Artists, with support from the Shanghai International Cultural Exchange Association, the event aims to foster dialogue, expand cultural cooperation, and promote creativity, aligning with the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative. Deng Xiaoxian, vice president of the Shanghai International Culture Association, noted the exhibition’s role in reflecting the cultural integration between Shanghai and Bulgaria.
Young Artists Connect Through "Crossing Mountains and Seas 2025"
Complementing the broader exhibition, the "Crossing Mountains and Seas 2025" initiative, along with a companion exhibit "Tree · Boat – Contemporary Ink Painting by Zhu Jiangpu," further emphasizes the connection between young artists from Bulgaria and China. This joint venture, hosted at the Union of Bulgarian Artists in Sofia, showcases over 80 pieces that draw inspiration from the intangible cultural heritage of both nations. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of Bulgaria’s engagement with the "One Belt, One Road" initiative and the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Bulgaria and China. Professor Zahari Zahariev highlighted the exhibition’s role in fostering mutual understanding and artistic dialogue based on respect and creativity.
Urban Grey’s Defiant Sound at Hills of Rock
Beyond visual arts, the cultural landscape was also energized by music. At Bulgaria’s premier rock and metal event, "Hills of Rock 2025" in Plovdiv, the veteran Bulgarian hardcore band Urban Grey delivered a performance that resonated with themes of defiance and societal critique. Formed 25 years ago, the band has maintained a reputation for independence and uncompromised messages, often addressing issues like corruption, economic hardship, and democratic challenges in Bulgaria. Their setlist, featuring songs like "Freak Show," "Control," and "Behind the Mask of Justice," served as a powerful musical expression of the frustrations felt by many, transforming the festival stage into a platform for protest and solidarity. The band’s vocalist, Dobromir Ganchev, and guitarist Nikolay "Bebo" Berberov emphasized the importance of authenticity and courage for young musicians.
Sources
- China-Bulgaria art exhibition opens in Sofia-Xinhua, Xinhua.
- Bulgarian hardcore music veterans bring defiance to ‘Hills of Rock’ · Global Voices, Global Voices.
- ‘Crossing Mountains and Seas 2025’: Young Artists Unite Bulgaria and China Through Art – Novinite.com, Novinite.com.
- Exhibition featuring works by Chinese, Bulgarian artists opens in Sofia, Global Times.
