Association of Bulgarian Visual Artists
The Association of Bulgarian Visual Artists (Bulgarian: Съюз на българските художници ) is a professional organization of visual artists in Bulgaria . It was founded in 1932 and is based in Sofia . Forerunners were various artists' associations, the oldest of which, the Association for the Promotion of Art in Bulgaria, was founded in 1893.
After the Second World War, the association fulfilled the function of implementing the "correct" policy in the interests of those in power in the field of the visual arts.
During this time, the association was given the necessary material basis: exhibition halls, artists' studios, etc. The multi-storey building at 6 Shipka Street in the center of Sofia still serves as an exhibition hall today.
There were similar organizations in the other Eastern European countries (see Association of Visual Artists of the GDR ). An exchange took place regularly.
The strict admission criteria were softened after the fall of the Wall. The number of members has remained more or less constant (2008: 2,700 members).