The Directorate of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival has created an anti-counterfeiting group

July 12, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The Directorate of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" Arts Festival has established a group to combat counterfeiting. This was announced today at a press conference dedicated to the opening of the XXI International Arts Festival by Rodion Bass, General Director of the Vitebsk Culture Center and Festival Director, in response to a question from a BELTA correspondent. The festival is tasked with transitioning to self-sufficiency. However, according to Rodion Bass, this task should be addressed not only by the Directorate and the Ministry of Culture but by all economic entities involved in the festival. "Everyone is making money at the festival today, including from the brand name. Many related events, not included in the official program, are held in the city, from which the festival should derive income," believes Rodion Bass. Despite extensive information dissemination, the Directorate has only signed agreements on the right to use the trademark with about a dozen and a half enterprises in the Vitebsk region. In the opinion of the festival director, the number of entities using the festival's trademark in their product manufacturing is much larger. In this regard, a special group has been created to monitor the availability of goods with the festival logo and the legality of its use. Another pressing issue is the use of broadcasting rights for festival events. Minister of Culture Pavel Latushko emphasized that generating additional festival revenue includes selling the broadcasting rights for the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival projects both domestically and internationally. This task has been set by the government for the National State Television and Radio Company. "We need to learn how to do this effectively," stressed Pavel Latushko, expressing confidence that a positive result will be achieved. Speaking about the festival's transition to self-sufficiency, Pavel Latushko noted that the "Slavianski Bazaar" is a profitable event in terms of trade development. According to the Ministry of Taxes and Duties, the trade turnover in Vitebsk during the XX festival in 2011 amounted to Br20 billion, increasing 2-2.5 times compared to ordinary days. In the minister's opinion, the indicator of the festival's extra-budgetary income share at 60% does not reflect the real situation with the festival's revenues; they are significantly higher. Salaries were paid, and taxes were paid from these Br20 billion. Part of these state funds was subsequently directed towards financing the festival. Of course, it cannot be said that the festival is self-sufficient, but the minister is convinced: "A considerable amount of funds provided by the state is covered by tax payments resulting from increased trade turnover." The task of transitioning the festival to self-sufficiency is achievable, Pavel Latushko is confident. -0-