Capturing Inspiration to Share It With You
The passion of the creative collective Capturing Creativity for craftsmanship dates back to its very beginnings, and in the case of its founder Rosina Pencheva, even further—to her early childhood. She would sneak into her grandfather’s workshop and watch him work for hours; later, as an adult, she developed a career as a backstage photographer documenting creativity in progress. She spent over four years at the Etar Museum as a photographer and mediator in the processes of updating the museum’s vision and strategy. She initiated youth programs, the revival of creative professions, and new standards for visual communication and events, aiming to establish the museum as a contemporary and significant institution.
A National Treasure for Generations: CRAFTED BY HAND
For Rosina, The New Valuable is far from the first project showcasing Bulgarian craftsmanship. Since 2022, she has been working on the documentary series Crafted by Hand. A Photographic Diary, which portrays master artisans of rare crafts. The photographs introduce the people behind the craft, their work environment, specialized tools, creative process, and some of their finished pieces. The Etar Open-Air Museum is one of the project’s partners, and as part of the museum archive, the photographic research remains accessible for generations.
International Recognition: HOMO FABER
Rosina also proudly holds another title: together with the Etar Museum, she serves as Bulgaria’s ambassador for the international contemporary craft network Homo Faber, curated by the Michelangelo Foundation. The museum and Rosina Pencheva recommended most of the Bulgarian artists selected for the network. Recognition by Homo Faber was also one of the criteria for choosing the artists for The New Valuable exhibition.
CONCEPT AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
Prof. Dr. Svetla Dimitrova – initiator and commissioner, director of Etar Open-Air Museum
Prof. Dimitrova has been Director of the Etar Museum of Handicrafts since 2014. She holds a doctoral degree in Bulgarian history, with research and professional interests in cultural and historical heritage, cultural and economic development, and museology. During her two terms as director, the Etar Museum became highly visible on the European museum scene, and the preserved cultural heritage contributed to Gabrovo joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. With her visionary ideas for the museum’s future and tireless dedication, Prof. Dimitrova is one of the leading museum professionals in the country.
Rosina Pencheva – curator, executive producer, Homo Faber ambassador
Rosina is the founder and driving force behind the creative collective Capturing Creativity, which aims to present and promote Bulgarian cultural heritage in a high-quality manner. She is the creative director of the annual Microfest in Gabrovo and was recognized in 2024 in Darik Radio’s “40 under 40” ranking for successful young Bulgarians.
For The New Valuable, Rosina combines her experience as a museum photographer, her storytelling skills, and her admiration for traditional and contemporary craftsmanship, guiding her on uncharted paths to discover hidden artisans.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimira Krastanova – consultant
Assoc. Prof. Krastanova is an ethnologist and former lecturer at Plovdiv University. Her research interests focus on cultural heritage and its role in contemporary society. She is one of the founders of the Stoyna Krăstanova Foundation, which is dedicated to textile art, its preservation, and promotion.
Vasil Hajigrudev – music curator
Vasil is a musician, composer, creative director, and producer. He chose his path from childhood, founding and participating in dozens of musical formations. His passion for jazz, combined with his organizational talent, has led to a series of unique musical events in unconventional formats and locations across Bulgaria. In line with the exhibition’s theme, his most recent passion is stonemasonry.
SPATIAL AND VISUAL DESIGN
Arch. Antonina Ilieva – exhibition design lead
Antonina is the lead designer and manager of the architecture and design studio PONY architects. She teaches at UACEG and has over 15 years of experience in designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces. She is devoted to creating meaningful built environments that enhance the quality of life.
Kostadin Kokalanov – art director, visual identity
A designer with an affinity for calligraphy, Kostadin co-founded Studio Frank together with illustrator Albena Limoni. He works in visual communications with a focus on branding and identity in both physical and digital spaces. His style is characterized by clever solutions, minimalism, and nods to street culture in monochrome.
