UNWE Opened Two Murals under the Project Circle of Knowledge on the Facade of One of Its Dormitories

UNWE opened murals on the facades of blocks 23 A and B implemented under the project entitled Circle of Knowledge. It is an urban event involving the creation of a series of monumental murals on the walls of student dormitories, organized by the Visionary Foundation, which aims to create a contemporary and inspiring living environment in the Student City. The project focuses on the theme of knowledge and its exchange between generations as a driving force for progress and the development of society. An important part of the concept is the direct participation of students, who contribute to shaping the environment in the Student City the way they want it to be.

The co-founder of the Visionary Foundation and project manager Deliana Angelova expressed thankfulness to Sofia Municipality for supporting the project through two different programmes. She expressed also thankfulness to the University of National and World Economy for being the first to recognize the idea, and to Prof. Tsvetana Stoyanova and Plamen Penev for believing in young artists.

"I hope that with the UNWE, as one of the leading universities setting a good example in the implementation of a number of projects, we will make a good start to the initiative Circle of Knowledge, because the culture is an integral part of the rise of society. I believe that the Student City needs more culture and art with open access so that we can inspire students and remind them every day about the cycle of knowledge", emphasized Deliana Angelova.

"We are pleased with your enthusiasm and energy, which led to the implementation of this project. Let's make Student City more beautiful place for everyone", said the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. He reminded that the University is a center of education, culture and knowledge, and that the culture is an important part of the mission of UNWE. "The new murals bring us back to this mission. The initiative Circle of Knowledge is a wonderful example of how the art can be not just decoration, but a message - open, accessible to all and inspiring new ideas. I am glad that the UNWE is among the partners in this project together with the National Academy of Arts and Sofia Municipality. We support these efforts with our active work to improve the environment in Student City – by renovating dormitories, improving the spaces between the buildings and creating green parking spaces. The first campus in Student City will also be the result of our joint efforts with the Medical Academy. We do this because we believe that students deserve not only a quality education, but also a modern and inspiring environment for living and development."

Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin, Chairperson of the Programme Council of Europe Programme, which funds Episode 1, said that for her the project shows that art is not only beauty, but also a way of learning and dialogue, including between generations. "What I like most about this project is that it connects young people with the university and the environment in a shared experience. And it shows that the European values can come alive on our streets as freedom of expression and learning without borders."

One of the founders and Deputy Chairpersons of Europe Programme – the Municipal Councilor Ekaterina Yordanova said: "The Programme has funded projects worth over 6 million euros and 255 organizations, which means it is one of the most well-known programmes of Sofia Municipal Council. I would like to mark the Visionary Foundation as one of the organizations that supports young people, works to improve the environment and is strict in fulfilling its obligations. As a graduate of UNWE, I keep it in my heart because the University with a capital letter is always the first. The UNWE is an institution that stands at the top in our country, a place where exceptional professionals work, and I am grateful that they will lead all other universities in this new task of improving the environment together".

The event was also attended by the Municipal Councilor Ivan Alexiev, who also supported the initiative.

Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies, reminded that at her invitation, more than a year and a half ago, it was held the first meeting between the representatives of higher education institutions that have dormitories in Student City and the initiators of the project Circle of Knowledge. She clarified that only the UNWE had responded and fulfilled its commitments by proceeding with the implementation of the idea. “I am glad that we improve the environment in the Student City and I hope that we will set an example for other universities with the murals that are already complete.”

The renowned modern artist Svetlozar Yankov – Sve, author of the mural Window of Knowledge /Episode 1/, located on block 23 A, shared that his concept is a reference to the work of Gustav Klimt and stands the idea that we are not only a body, but also a soul. "I believe that through knowledge we reach this higher level in our nature. It is no coincidence that the heroine of the composition sits on a window that symbolizes the two worlds - inside and outside." He expressed thankfulness to the organizers for lending a hand to young artists, which is a rare occurrence.

Veneta Marinova, student at the National Academy of Arts, is the author of the mural from Episode 2 located on block 23 B. "I gave my all to present the idea of knowledge as the main driving force of humanity so I decided to include the book as the main building block of my composition." The project is implemented with the financial support of Sofia Municipality – Culture Programme, in partnership with the National Academy of Arts.

The Rector Prof. Dimitrov were given as a present photographs of the murals by Ivan Shishiev, creator and photographer of Etudes of Sofia.