The Tsarino Foundation is an international collective of artists and an architect. While restoring a formerly abandoned village in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, their primary purpose is to function as an art platform.

After running a number of full board group residencies in the past, the foundation is now in the process of setting up a more independent residency programme. The pilot runs for one year. Interested? Contact us!

In Spanish, vacuna relates to both 'cow’ and ‘vaccine’. Artist Gonzalo Tow Bautista transformed cow X-rays into Pascual, named after one of 22 Mexican children the Spanish used to export vaccines to their Asian colonies in the 19th century.

Artist Jos Bregman came by to install a public artwork in a tree by the road. The work is permanent and will be included in the sculpture trail once the new map is ready.

Periodically, we release an open call for an artist-in-residence programme partly funded by the foundation. It is also possible for artists to do a self-funded, independent residency in Tsarino.

View documentation of past events such as our residencies, exhibitions, open studios, or the Сряда Филм Фест.

We offer accommodation and studio space in seven houses renovated on a very basic level. The general facilities include an outdoor kitchen and a solar-powered charging station for equipment and batteries.

Construction work was recently completed on the restoration of a large house in the heart of the village, using traditional building methods and materials such as oak wood and natural stones.

View documentation of wildlife and vegetation caught on camera in and around Tsarino, such as lizards, tortoises, (wild) cows, sheep, mules, donkeys, beetles, spiders, mosses, trees, flowers, bushes and other plants.

We offer exclusive privileges and Tsarino merchandise in return of donations to support the renovation and maintenance of the village and its function as a platform for contemporary art.

Send us an email, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on facebook or instagram. Say hello, ask us about residencies, arrange a visit, come to volunteer, or tell us about your idea for an event in Tsarino.