Unicef's Schools without Violence programme aims to prevent violence and bullying among children in schools in Bulgaria, in order to help create an atmosphere of safety and support at school, making it a place where children can fully and freely enjoy their rights as human beings.

Unicef has chosen to promote and support this project with an art auction, to be held at the art gallery of the Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan on June 17.

Seventeen Bulgarian artists will be represented with 33 works, in the form of paintings, sculptures of bronze and ceramic, installations and woodworkings. Through making art and participating in the auction, the artists themselves help to fight against school violence.

The general partner of the event, Globul, has already purchased the works from the catalogue, these pieces being Zalez (Sunset) by Biliyana Buchvarova, Zatvoren Svyat (Closed World) by Boris Pramatarov, Bik (Bull) by Kalin Koichev and Interior by Kiril Haralampiev.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov is rumoured to be gracing the auction with his presence, a pleasant surprise for those who will attend (entrance with invitations; for more information, please e-mail tbonova@unicef.org). The football star is a goodwill ambassador for Unicef.