A fire destroyed the “Tryavna Art School” - Help save Bulgarian art!

The National High School of Applied Arts “Tryavna School” has been left without a roof, without equipment, but not without spirit. The school, which keeps alive one of the most valuable Bulgarian cultural heritages, needs our help – now.

On April 4, 2025, in the early hours of the night, a fire broke out that destroyed the roof and several of the school’s specialized studios. The school lost critical equipment, its teaching facilities, and the spaces where generations of artists have been trained in woodcarving, icon painting, and interior design.

Founded in 1920 by decree of Tsar Boris III, the high school is the successor of the Tryavna art school – cradle of masters such as Usta Gencho, Papa Vitan, and the woodcarvers Oshaneца and Buchkuvetza. Here, young talents from across the country are trained in the art of icon painting, artistic woodcarving, and interior design, which unite spirituality, history, and aesthetics. The high school is part of the structure of the Ministry of Culture, and since 2015 it has been a member of UNESCO, recognized as a national cultural institution.

"We may not have a roof, but our spirit has not burned."
– Orfey Mindov, Principal of the High School

Despite the destruction, students and teachers have not interrupted their studies for even a single day. They adapted quickly – theoretical classes are held in another school, while practical training takes place in the surviving workshops. Even the old “mutual teaching” method has temporarily returned, where more advanced students guide the younger ones in a shared studio. Instead of chaos – a revival of the spirit of community and craft.

🛠️ The school needs support now.

After the fire, it lost not only its roof but also a vital part of its material base.

• Specialized studios and modern equipment, including 3D printers, as well as the spaces for practical training in woodcarving and icon painting, were destroyed.

• To continue providing full education, at least 80,000 BGN are needed for new equipment, furniture, and materials for the learning process.

• Recovery cannot happen without the support of donors, cultural organizations, and partners who understand the value of both the spiritual and material heritage of the “Tryavna School.”

❤️ How can you help today?

• Support with a donation (recommended £10) through the JustGiving campaign – www.justgiving.com/campaign/tryavna-art-school. A list of donors (with their explicit consent) will be published on the Little Bulgaria Facebook page and on our website www.little-bulgaria.org.uk.

• Buy original icons and woodcarvings at the charity bazaar during the European Cultural Heritage Festival – proceeds will go directly towards repairs and new equipment. The festival will take place on Sunday, 14 September 2025, 12:00 – 18:00, Stanley Park, Peterborough, PE1 1SZ.

• You can also make a donation (recommended: £10) via bank transfer with reference TryavnaArtSchool.

Bank details:
Bank: Wise Payments Limited, 1st Floor, Worship Square, 65 Clifton Street, London, EC2A 4JE, United Kingdom
Sort Code: 23-08-01
Account Number: 78040625
Account Name: Little Bulgaria UK
BIC: TRWIGB2LXXX
IBAN: GB28 TRWI 2308 0178 0406 25

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Help keep the spirit of the Tryavna School alive!