Lidiya Varbanova

Dr. Lidiya Varbanova is a Professor and Head of the Master's Program in Management in the Performing Arts and Industries at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA). With extensive international experience across 60+ countries, her expertise spans cultural policy development, arts management strategies, and cultural entrepreneurship.

Her research examines innovative approaches to managing arts organizations, with focus on international expansion models for creative ventures, sustainable cultural development, and digital transformation in the arts sector. Dr. Varbanova has developed academic programs in arts management and regularly serves as visiting professor at institutions worldwide.

Awards:

• European Prize for Teaching Dragan Klajc
• Fulbright Scholarship
• Japan Foundation Scholarship

She provides consultancy to government agencies and NGOs on cultural policy, organizational development, and innovation strategies for creative industries. Dr. Varbanova is an active member of UNESCO expert groups on cultural diversity and serves as evaluator for European Commission cultural programs.