The Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania awards young people participating in the "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" campaign, in its 2024 edition. This initiative identifies exceptional children who have achieved outstanding academic results, demonstrated exceptional performance, and produced innovations that have a significant impact on society. One such individual is Robert Niculae, a 15-year-old plastic artist who has demonstrated remarkable development and gained international recognition.
Robert is widely regarded as one of the most promising visual artists of his generation. The artist commenced his painting career at the age of 8, and by the age of 11, he had staged his inaugural solo exhibition. The artist's oeuvre, drawing upon the rich tradition of Romanian church architecture, vernacular housing, and folk costumes, is characterised by a mature and expressive impressionist style. To date, Robert has participated in four solo exhibitions and 40 national and international group exhibitions.
In 2024, Robert represented Romania in the first international exhibition organized by the Artio Gallery in New York, where he won second place in the category "Talents from all over the world", in a competition with artists of all ages. He has already exhibited in important institutions such as the Bulandra Theater, the Romanian Navy Museum and the National Library of Romania, and has been awarded numerous prizes in national and international art competitions. At the moment, his works can be admired in an exhibition at the Romanian Senate.
"I paint in order to delight others and to bring traditional Romanian values back to the present. Churches, peasant houses and folk costumes are for me a source of harmony and emotion, which I can express freely on canvas", said Robert Niculae.
The campaign was joined by several partners from the private sector, who choose to be actively involved in training a new generation of young people capable of providing Romania with a dignified and competitive future. Among them is Trust Brokers, a leading Romanian insurance company, which has chosen to support Robert Niculae.
"I believe that the Romanian business environment has not only the responsibility but also the opportunity to get actively involved in supporting young talents. Both my colleagues and I personally were deeply moved by Robert's passion for Romanian church painting and his sincere desire to be an ambassador of our traditions to the world. Even though all the 100 candidates selected by the Foundation are extremely valuable, he particularly caught our attention", said Alexandru Ivan, CEO Trust Broker.
The campaign "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" is an initiative of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania, which aims to identify and promote young people with outstanding achievements in fields such as science, art, sport or innovation. The 100 finalists are included in the Catalog of Romanian Excellence, available on fundatiadanvoiculescu.ro.
Registration for the 2025 edition of the "100 Youngsters for Romania's Development" campaign started in January and will close on December 31.
