For several years now, the Emprove Foundation has been driving socially significant change by reaching deep layers of consciousness and emotion through the power of art. We have initiated six large-scale art campaigns that have attracted thousands of people and collaborated with exceptional Bulgarian artists from various fields , including:

– photography: Pavel Chervenkov
– sound: Emilian Gatsov – Elbi
– visual art: Rada Yakova, Lada Yankova, Adriana “Addminimal” Gerasimova, Alexandra Nikolova “Al Nik”, Angela Pencheva, Antonia Mechkueva, Asya Koleva, Borislava “BORISLAVAMADEIT” Karadzhova, Ventsislav Yosifov “Jermain”, Gergana Stancheva, Deyana Stareva, Elena Panayotova, Elina Buchukova, Eslitsa Popova, Kalina Muhova, Kapka Kaneva, Kiril Zlatkov, Lyudmil Iliev, Milena Tsochkova, Mila Tabakova, Michaela Karadzhova, Nadezhda Ilieva, Filip Tsarov “Trasher”, Yulian Tabakov
– literature: Stefan Ivanov, Albena Todorova, Biljana Dimova, Eva Gocheva, Kamelia Panayotova, Nadezhda Radulova, Reneta Bakalova, Silvia Choleva
– theatre and cinema: Sergey Zhelezko, Diana Dimitrova, Ognyana Serafimova, Elena Telbis, Aneta Ivanova

We don’t just believe — we know: #ArtAwakens. Our mission is to connect people through creativity inspired by female power.

Our experience has proven that art can change attitudes, address pressing social issues, and unite like-minded communities. So far, we’ve integrated our cause into film, fine art, literature, sculpture, and theatre. We’ve organized exhibitions across cities, held charity auctions, participated in art spaces locally and abroad, and trained artists from across Europe.

Thanks to the public’s growing interest in our work, we’ve reached thousands of people, and hundreds of women have turned to us for support. Over the years, we’ve built a strong and active network that continues to amplify our early prevention messages through their own audiences. This impact is powerful. But for real, lasting, large-scale change, we must go even further.

That’s why we’re looking to partner with emerging artists — especially those who haven’t yet explored the theme of violence in their art — to help spread powerful, awakening messages through festivals, stages, and platforms both in Bulgaria and beyond. Gender-based violence is a global issue. Our next project reflects that.

It’s Time to Multiply the Power of Awakening Art
JOIN US

OPEN CALL

If you believe that:
– art awakens, changes, heals
– images, words, movement, form or sound can speak when voices fall silent
– it makes sense to create side by side with other artists — and with #WomenSurvivors who have emerged from the storm stronger

… then this invitation is for you.

Apply for Emprove Foundation’s new large-scale art campaign “Direction: Strong” and you will have the chance to:

October 2025 – January 2026 
– Collaborate with Bulgarian and international artists and #WomenSurvivors

January – February 2026
– Take part in a 5-day inspirational art residency in the mountains, including therapeutic sessions and creative exchanges

May – December 2026
– Create an original artwork that will travel to leading festivals and art spaces across Bulgaria — bringing strength, inspiration, and awareness at every stop

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Apply by Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Send your application to contact@emproveproject.eu and tell us a bit about yourself, your work, and your idea or direction for the project.

*Please note: Places are limited. Priority will be given based on the order of applications received and their relevance to the cause.*

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About “Direction: Strong”

“Direction: Strong” is Emprove Foundation’s new project, offering a clear pathway for using art to awaken tens — even hundreds — of thousands of people to the strength of women and the price we pay for tolerating gender-based violence.

The program includes:
– an international art residency
– the creation of works inspired by survivors — women from the Women Survivors community — who have overcome not only violence, but also the stigma of victimhood

With the help of a specially equipped exhibition van, these artworks will appear at festivals and cultural events in a pop-up format — provoking dialogue and emotional connection with new and diverse audiences.

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With the financial support of the Bulgarian Fund for Women and the European Union.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of BFW, the EU, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, or the European Commission itself. Neither BFW, the EU, nor the Commission and its structures can be held responsible for them.