Professor Valentin Starchev wins National Sculpture Award

Professor Valentin Starchev has been awarded the “Ivan Lazarov” National Sculpture Award. The ceremony took place at the “Vladimir Dimitrov – The Master” Art Gallery in Kyustendil, attended by Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev and Kyustendil Mayor Ognyan Atanasov.

Minister Miloshev presented the award, which consists of a statuette by Pimen Zografski, noting the enduring power of art. Mayor Atanasov also presented a check for 4,600 euros to the laureate. Starchev, whose works are held in museums and private collections worldwide, expressed gratitude to his family and noted the importance of sharing Bulgarian artistic achievements with the world.

Other nominees for the 2026 award included Alosha Kafejdiyski, Angel Stanev, Pavel Koychev, and Stefan Lyutakov.