Eighth Edition
In a Boundless Game
The National Scholarship “With Effort Towards the Stars” 2027 – for young artists up to 30 in five fields of art: Visual Arts, Music, Literature, Dance, Theatre / Performance. Funding, mentoring and a stage in front of a real audience. Apply from 1 November to 25 December 2026.
How to Apply
- If you are a Bulgarian citizen up to the age of 30, you can apply with a project of up to €2,500 in one of five fields of art.
- Register and fill in the application form.
- Send your application by 25 December 2026. You can edit it until then.
How It Works
- You fill in the online form: a biography, a project with a budget, a motivation essay and examples of your work.
- After the deadline, an expert jury reviews all applications and selects the scholars.
- The scholars are announced and the mentoring programme starts in January.
What You Get
01
Budget
Up to €2,500 covering the scholar’s costs for the project they applied with, or for another one that helps their artistic growth and development, plus a year of mentoring.
02
Participation
The scholar takes part in a CULTURAMA festival project, or the selected artists take part in a joint annual project or performance on a shared theme.
03
Support
Help from strategic partners, who offer further opportunities for future projects, for presenting the artists and for building a network.
Scholars
Emanuil Ivanov
Music, 2020
Marta Djourina
Visual Arts, 2019
Phillip Angelov
Music, 2025
Maria Nalbantova
Visual Arts, Finalist 2020
Questions and Answers
Is there an age limit for applying for the scholarship, and what is it?+
The upper age limit is 30. If you turn 30 during the current scholarship year, you can still apply.
Is there a minimum age for applicants?+
There is no minimum age. Keep in mind that the scholarship focuses on growth and development, not on debuts. The applicant should submit the application themselves; for minors, a parent signs a declaration – the template is on the website.
I am still at school and cannot provide proof of completed education. Does that mean I cannot apply?+
You can apply. Applicants may be Bulgarian citizens up to 30. There is no requirement for completed education in the field, nor for applicants to be pupils, students or graduates.
My child wants to apply but cannot submit the application alone. Can a parent help?+
A parent may help technically, but not write the motivation essay or choose the project. The committee needs to sense the applicant’s own motivation and reasons for taking part or carrying out the project.
I am a citizen of another country and do not have Bulgarian documents. Can I apply?+
The competition is only for Bulgarian citizens with Bulgarian documents. The conditions are the same for everyone, and no exceptions are made.
Are there any requirements for the motivation letter/essay?+
The essay is in free form and should present you best: your style, your search and, above all, why you are applying for the scholarship and with which project.
What does the “Theatre / Performance” category include?+
It includes acting – for drama and puppet theatre – as well as directing and playwriting. Scenography is better placed under “Visual Arts”.
I want to study acting and have no specific “project goal and budget”. Is that a problem?+
It is not a problem. Keep in mind that the scholarship is not general support but targeted at growth and development. The budget helps the committee understand exactly what you want to use it for.
Do you accept short film projects? I didn’t see “short film” under “Visual Arts”.+
Yes, we do. There is no separate category – it depends on whether you are a director, writer, photographer or animator. The scholarship is for personal growth and a step forward in your career. If you believe this project will get you there, you meet our criteria.
My project combines dance performance, circus, music and visual arts. Which field should I apply in?+
The scholarship is for your development as an artist: the focus is on you, not the project. The project is just your means of expression, so the field you feel you belong to most is where you should apply.
Can I edit an application I have sent?+
Yes. You can edit and send the form as many times as you like until the deadline.
The Idea Behind the Scholarship
Learn More
The history and the people behind the scholarship – in our presentation (in Bulgarian).
PDF · 15 slides · 7 MB
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