2016 was declared the Year of Culture in Belarus
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 522 "On Declaring 2016 the Year of Culture" on December 28, the press service of the Belarusian leader reported.
The decree is adopted to unite the intellectual and spiritual forces of society to solve the tasks of socio-economic development of the country, preserve historical and cultural heritage, develop national traditions, foster love for the Fatherland in citizens, and support creative initiatives. The government is instructed to develop and approve, jointly with the regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee, a republican plan of measures for holding the Year of Culture in 2016, covering all spheres of activity (culture of production and agriculture, culture of family relations and daily life, culture of settlement improvement).
Significant attention will be paid to events in the field of artistic culture, which is one of the main means of fostering patriotism and respect for the Motherland in youth. A set of events related to significant anniversary dates for the culture of Belarus is also envisaged.