Gaudenz B. Ruf is a Swiss national, diplomat and passionate admirer of art. As Switzerland’s ambassador to Bulgaria from 1995 to 2000, he sets up in his residence numerous exhibitions. He supports the development of the country, and the place of contemporary Bulgarian art in this process. At the same time Ruf demonstrates genuine insight. The names presented by him are among today’s Bulgarian artists who in the beginning of the 90ies and today establish the profile of this art.

After the completion of his diplomatic career in 2005, Gaudenz B. Ruf strengthens his commitment to the benefit of new Bulgarian art. He sets up an art award for which everybody may apply, as it is bestowed by a highly qualified independent international panel. This is the first award for art in Bulgaria of this kind. The prize (Gaudenz B. Ruf Award for new Bulgarian Art) stimulates the entire cultural community. It exists from 2007 to 2011. In this period a total of 560 candidates compete for it, 79 of whom are nominated for the award. The works of the nominees are presented at annual exhibitions and published in catalogs.

Since then, Ruf’s financial and time commitment to support contemporary Bulgarian art remains invariably big although the formula of support changes. Instead of an evaluation of completed works, now the focus is on the creation of new works. From 2012 onwards the Gaudenz B. Ruf Award provides support for the

implementation of art works by Bulgarian artists and for events, which present contemporary art in Bulgaria and abroad.

For his merits Gaudenz B. Ruf was awarded on September 12th, 2013 with the Order of “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” / first degree. This is the highest award bestowed by the Republic of Bulgaria for merit in the field of science, culture and education.

During the entire period of emotional and professional commitment to Bulgarian art Gaudenz B. Ruf buys works for his private collection (in two phases – in the 90ies and from 2005). Today it numbers over 100 works.

The current exhibition displays a representative part of this collection. Among the authors are: Bora Petkova, Borjana Ventzislavova, Bozhidar Boyadzhiev, Dan Tenev, Desislava Unger, Elena Panayotova, Emil Mirazchiev, Ivan Kostolov, Kalin Serapionov, Kamen Stoyanov, Kiril Prashkov, Kolio Karamfilov, Kosta Tonev, Leda Ekimova, Luchezar Boyadjiev, Lyuben Genov, Monica Romenska, Nadia Genova, Nedko Solakov, Nestor Kovachev, Nina Kovacheva, Petar Tsanev, Pravdoliub Ivanov, Rada Bukova, Samuil Stoyanov, Sasho Stoitzov, Simeon Simeonov, Slav Nedev, Stella Vasileva, Valentin Stefanoff, Vasil Popov.

And the consecutive huge gesture of Gaudenz B. Ruf to Bulgarian culture – 24 of the displayed works and series of works will remain in Bulgaria as a donation to the Sofia City Art Gallery and its fund Contemporary Art and Photography.