“We, the artists and intellectuals of Bulgaria, believe that this war is not just a war against the sovereignty of one country, it is a war against humanity and civilization as we know it.We declare our readiness to help our Ukrainian colleagues with everything in our power. ”

This is a quote of a Declaration condemning the war in Ukraine, which to date has been signed by nearly 800 Bulgarian artists, cultural and creative professionals.

The Declaration was initiated by Vera Gotseva, photographer, journalist and activist.

"I strongly condemn Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and I believe that by starting this war Putin is trampling on the peace we have built over the last 80 years.

Even if we don't realise it now - our lives have already changed. I sincerely hope that, for Bulgaria at least, this only ends with the solely economic consequences of the war."

A few days into the war in Ukraine, Vera was spurred by her colleagues' comments on social networks as well as by her own reaction to the events.

"All of us Bulgarian artists condemned what happened very strongly, but we somehow did not react in an organized way," she says. So, on 27 February, she published a short text to be the official response of the art world in this country. 

"It was very important to take a public stance about what was happening because we are people who use our imagination to create works of art that last over time and I think it is our duty and right to take a stand.

On the other hand, we are public figures, we are identifiable, and it's very important in such terrible times in our lives to make a strong statement about where we stand on this war. Art cannot be indifferent because it is part of life itself! This is a position we take both as citizens and as representatives of the cultural sector.

Vera is convinced that in a situation like today's, not just words but actions are also extremely important.

"Most of us are currently involved in various citizens' initiatives that help refugees from Ukraine," Vera Gotseva adds, "The declaration itself connects those hundreds of talented people as a hub through which we can plan various artistic actions very quickly.

On the other hand, right now it is important to use the resources we have – our imagination and artistic techniques - to send as many messages as possible, so that they can act as a kind of alarm, a wake-up call for those people who still think that this war does not affect them."

• Bulgarian artists organise campaigns to support victims of war in Ukraine

Various charity events are currently taking place in Bulgaria. "We deserve recognition for not remaining indifferent," Vera Gotseva notes. She herself will participate with her works in the art sale "Buy or Donate Art for Ukraine" in Sofia, the funds from which will be given to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

English version: Elizabeth Radkova