Mira Svilenova links Glagolitic script to media literacy education

Bulgarian-Canadian artist and researcher Mira Svilenova is turning the ninth-century Glagolitic script into a cross-cultural education project, with presentations in Toronto and an exhibition opening Sept. 9 in Sofia. The work connects ancient literacy practices to modern media literacy and the critical evaluation of emerging technologies.

Why it matters: - Svilenova’s project reframes Glagolitic script as a living communication technology, not just a historical artifact. - The research ties together media literacy, cross-cultural education, visual arts and digital humanities. - The work asks how ancient forms of literacy can help students think critically about how knowledge, culture and meaning move through today’s technologies.

What happened: - Mira Svilenova presented her Glagolitic research-creation practice at the 9th Leadership Camp for International Education in August at the University of Toronto. - The camp was hosted by the Colombian-Bulgarian organization Alliance Bulgaria, founded by Dr. Doris Dukova. - Alliance Bulgaria says its membership spans 86 institutions across 16 countries. - Academics from ten universities took part in the camp to обменяться cross-cultural pedagogical practices and curricula. - Svilenova’s work comes from her master’s research-creation project in the joint Communication and Culture program at York University and Toronto Metropolitan University. - Her next exhibition and presentation open Sept. 9 at Bulgarian National Radio in Sofia, in collaboration with the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad.

The details: - The project examines the ninth-century Glagolitic script as a communication technology. - The research explores how Glagolitic forms can support cross-cultural education, media literacy and critical evaluation of emerging technologies. - Svilenova showed creative and pedagogical pieces at the Leadership Camp, including a 3D-printed book, educational posters and a mirrored acrylic, laser-cut “Cube of Light.” - York University’s Making and Media Creation Labs produced the “Cube of Light.” - The works draw from digitized inscriptions in the Codex Zographensis. - The presentation introduced Glagolitic forms into new material environments through experiential teaching tools. - The upcoming Sofia exhibition will include works received from 200 mixed-media artists through an open call for Glagolitic art. - Contributions came from Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, England, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Türkiye and the United States. - Bulgarian National Radio’s children’s choir will perform live during the opening. - The exhibition is designed to connect language, cultural memory and media through an intergenerational format. - The “Cube of Light” first appeared in “with Glagolitsa Around the Earth” at Kaneff Tower, York University, in May 2026.

Between the lines: - The project builds a bridge between sacred or historical communication systems and current debates over digital media. - Svilenova positions Glagolitic script as a tool for examining how technologies shape access to knowledge, not only as a subject of heritage study. - The international art call suggests the project is also functioning as a transnational cultural network, not just an academic presentation. - Svilenova said the work explores what happens when the historical moment of Glagolitic literacy is put in conversation with today’s faster and wider media systems.

What's next: - Svilenova is traveling to Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary to present the work and meet with researchers. - She will engage with institutions and cultural environments where Glagolitic knowledge has been preserved and transmitted. - The Sofia exhibition at Bulgarian National Radio marks a new international phase for the project. - The broader body of work will continue moving between academic, artistic and public-facing settings.