Lukashenko: The true art of the festival in Vitebsk unites nations and states

According to the head of state, for a third of a century already the festival has been making the beautiful city upon the Dvina River a center of attraction for genuine talents and true connoisseurs of art. “We, Belarusians don't call Vitebsk a cultural capital for the sake of pathos. This status is predetermined by history. Both thousand years ago when the route from Varangians to the Greek crossed the place and today the city was and remains a crossroads of national cultures and traditions of different nations. The rhythm of creative ideas and concepts has always beaten strong here,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president reminded that innovative forms of art were created in workshops of Malevich, Chagall, and other vanguard painters at the beginning of the 20th century. They are now recognized as the world classics. At present the Vitebsk land has become the native place for massive art festivals, contests, national and international forums. It is here that new traditions are born, new talents are uncovered, and the history of modern art is written.

“This history is being written by you – our beloved artists, painters, composers, poets, and folk craftsmen. From the bottom of my heart I thank everyone, who gifts a piece of their soul to our festival. We hear it in songs. We see it in theatrical performances, dance routines, and street performances, in unique decorative goods. All of us – participants, organizers, guests – create a wonderful atmosphere of genuine, true art here that unites nations and states. The art that is splendid in its national identity. The art that is truly high and always rises above political games and intrigues,” the Belarusian leader stressed.