Culture Awards Gala 2025 // Moldovan president says culture has always been bond keeping society united

Outstanding personalities from theatre, literature, music and other artistic fields have been honored at the 2025 Culture Awards Gala, organized by the Culture Ministry. The awards were presented by President Maia Sandu and Culture Minister Cristian Jardan.

During the ceremony, the head of state emphasized the fundamental role of culture in strengthening society and preserving national identity. Maia Sandu praised the contribution of cultural figures, who manage to keep society anchored in authentic values, beyond the challenges of the times.

“We honor what brings us together, beyond eras, challenges and generations. Culture has always been the bond that keeps society united. It is the memory that reminds us who we are and where we come from, but also the spiritual infrastructure that allows us to build bridges where history has raised walls. Culture helps us understand our identity and value the experiences that, over time, have proved the resilience of our people,” said Maia Sandu.





The president stressed that respect for culture was, at the same time, respect for the country’s future.

“Through what you do, you remind us that a country that respects its culture is a country that respects its future. You, the people dedicated to creation, help us stay anchored in the values that truly matter, even in an increasingly technologized and rushed world. Through your work, you constantly remind us that the human spirit cannot be replaced by algorithms,” added the head of state, thanking the laureates for their effort and contribution.





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For his part, Culture Minister Cristian Jardan highlighted the scale of the cultural sector of Moldova and the role of the more than 17,000 employees working in this field. The official noted that the gala was a gesture of recognition of the daily work carried out by cultural professionals.

“Culture unites us, represents us, promotes us and makes us known in the world. However, it involves a great deal of daily work, responsibility and continuity. This evening is dedicated to those who make culture possible and bring joy and emotion to the public. We are talking about a sector that brings together over 17,000 employees of Moldova and operates through an extensive network of institutions at national, local, and regional levels,” noted Cristian Jardan.





Among the laureates of the 2025 Culture Awards Gala, there is Oleg Organ, coordinator of the Blue Frame project, a cultural initiative that brings photographic archives and objects of historical value to the public’s attention. According to him, the project aims to showcase visual heritage that, until recently, had no exhibition spaces.

“Our project aims to bring photography onto the stage and to highlight visual archives that until now have not had exhibition space. We have collections of old photographs, including images of deported people and objects from the Archaeological Center that document history and collective memory. Photography is a form of art accessible to everyone and an important tool for promoting culture,” Oleg Organ told MOLDPRES. He emphasized that the project offered, especially to older generations, the opportunity to relive experiences from the 20th century.

Alexandru Plesca, an actor at the Mihai Eminescu National Theatre, received the Valeriu Cupcea Award in the field of theatrical art. The artist appreciated the recognition, noting that 2025 had been an exceptionally productive year professionally.

“For me, this award is very important, especially since 2025 was a professionally rich year: I had four or five premieres, most of them with leading roles. I believe that the Culture Ministry and Mr. Minister Cristian Jardan noticed this. I wish all my colleagues at the National Theatre to receive awards, because this is where the most talented actors and directors are,” said Alexandru Plesca, underlining the role of theatre in raising the cultural level of society.

Director Roman Burlaca was awarded for the Born in Moldova project, an artistic initiative dedicated to identity and local values. According to him, events of this kind are essential for supporting and motivating creators.

“Moldova needs moments when culture is celebrated and valued. Creating art or working in the creative industry here is not easy, and such occasions provide motivation for artists to continue creating beautiful and meaningful works,” said Roman Burlaca.

The National Culture Day is celebrated annually on January 15, both in the Moldova and in Romania, through a string of cultural events dedicated to promoting authentic values and national heritage.

In a wrap-up press conference, the culture minister presented the progress made in developing cultural infrastructure, noting the restoration and modernization of museums, performance halls and libraries, as well as the support for contemporary arts and independent creation. At the same time, national and international cultural events were organized to promote the cultural identity of Moldova and to attract audiences from the country and the Diaspora.

Another priority area concerns strengthening the legal framework for the protection and registration of cultural heritage, preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural goods and promoting tangible and intangible heritage, including through collaborations with UNESCO. In parallel, the Culture Ministry has invested in enhancing the involvement of young people and the general public in cultural life through educational programmes, festivals, workshops and initiatives, such as the Cultural Voucher and the Access to Culture programme.