Prof. Dr. Lidia Varbanova
Senior Consultant, Lecturer and Researcher
Prof. Lidia Varbanova is an esteemed figure in the field of arts management and cultural policy. With a diverse range of professional experiences as an educator, consultant and researcher in strategy, policy development, capacity building, management, entrepreneurship, and digitalization, Lidia’s expertise spans across more than 60 countries. Her dedication to fostering the growth of arts, culture, and creative industries is evident through her specialized focus in these areas. As an academic, Lidia has made a significant impact through her roles as both permanent and visiting professor in prestigious universities and training centers across Europe and Canada. Her contributions to academia have been recognized with prestigious awards such as Dragan Klaic European award for excellence in teaching, FULBRIGHT Program, Japan Foundation fellowship, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation post-doctoral award; and scholarship from Webb Memorial Trust, Oxford. Lidia’s key books are: Strategic Management in the Arts,(2013) and International Entrepreneurship in the Arts (2016), published by Routledge (New York/London).
Currently, Lidia holds important roles shaping global cultural discourse. She serves as a member of the UNESCO Expert Facility for the implementation of the 2005 Convention on Cultural Diversity, advocating for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage worldwide. Additionally, she leads the MA Program in Management of Performing Arts and Industries at the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts, guiding future leaders in the creative sector. She is also the Project Lead for NATFIZ for two European projects – EMPACT and IN SITU: Place-based Innovations of Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-Urban Areas. She currently offers online masterclasses, organizational consulting and coaching for emerging arts entrepreneurs through her website www.lidiavarbanova.ca. Lidia Varbanova’s multifaceted journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to advancing cultural sustainability and innovation on a global scale.
28 January 2016
