Creative industries in Bulgaria are set to see sustained growth in 2024–2025, spanning sectors such as cinema, music, performing arts, design, fashion, architecture, gaming and digital media. Sofia is establishing itself as a major hub with key events such as Createch Summit, Sofia Art Fair and Sofia DocuMental, which connect the local scene with the international one and develop cultural tourism. Funding and support for the sector encourage innovation, new projects and wider international cooperation.
Creative industries
Creative Sofia in numbers
7,500+
creative companies
33,000+
employees
3/4
of the sector in Bulgaria
is concentrated in Sofia
Sources: National Statistical Institute (NSI)
Funding
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Budget of 70 million euros in 2024 for cinema, music, performing arts, design, fashion, gaming and digital media.
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Creative sector
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Over 7,500 companies and 33,000 employees, mainly concentrated in Sofia.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation
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Support for new products, services and access to international markets.
Sources: Ministry of Innovation and Growth
Small and medium-sized enterprises
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Easier access to resources, professional training and networking.
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Festivals and cultural events
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Key formats like Createch Summit 2024, Sofia Art Fair 2024 and Sofia DocuMental 2024 develop cultural tourism.
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Gaming Industry
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35+ studios and around 1,200 specialists in Bulgaria.
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Forecasted gaming revenue for 2025: 73.35 million USD.
Audiovisual Arts and Film
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Support for the creation of new films and their distribution.
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Participation of Bulgarian productions in international festivals and markets.
Music and performing arts
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Creation of new music and theater projects.
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Support for concert tours, digital distribution and independent labels.
Design, fashion and architecture
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Promoting creative entrepreneurship in modern and fast-growing sectors.
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Focus on innovation and creating competitive products and services.
Digital media and immersive technologies
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Development of virtual and augmented reality, as well as new media platforms.
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Cooperation opportunities in Southeastern Europe through forums such as Createch Summit.
International Integration
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Strong participation of foreign artists and galleries in Sofia Art Fair 2024.
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Attracting global partners and promoting Bulgarian art abroad.
Equality and Social Responsibility
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Sofia DocuMental promotes female presence in cinema through the Best Female Director
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Creating platforms for social dialogue through documentary film.
