Novopolotsk has taken over the baton of the cultural capital of Belarus
The grand opening of the republican event "Cultural Capital of Belarus" took place in Novopolotsk. The Minister of Culture, Yuri Bondar, took part in the festive events and presented a special certificate to the Chairman of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, Dmitry Demidov. "For your city, 2018 is an unusual and special year. Novopolotsk is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Throughout the year, events related to obtaining the status of the Cultural Capital of Belarus will be held. The city received it for a reason. Despite its relative youth, Novopolotsk is the largest industrial center in the country. The city cannot boast of ancient monuments, but a rich socio-cultural sphere has been created here. There is no doubt that the traditions of the republican project, which were laid in Polotsk in 2010, will be supported and developed in Novopolotsk. More than 200 events are planned to be held throughout the year. They will give an impetus to the further development of the city," said Yuri Bondar, addressing the residents and guests of the city.
The republican event "Cultural Capital of Belarus" has been held since 2010. In each of the cities declared the cultural capital, projects are implemented to present cultural identity, develop and popularize traditions and achievements of national culture, activate creative initiative, and increase tourist attractiveness. Novopolotsk has something to show and be proud of. There are 12 cultural and art institutions in the city, which host 35 groups with the titles of People's, Honored, and Exemplary. Festive events dedicated to the Cultural Capital of 2018 are held on several sites. An exhibition-presentation "Skarbonka Tvorchastsi" (Treasure Chest of Creativity) has been organized at the Center of Culture, where cultural institutions have presented their achievements. The best creative groups perform on the stage of the Palace of Culture of OJSC "Naftan", where the official opening of the "Cultural Capital" event took place.
"Belarus".This republican event is held for the ninth time. Novopolotsk became the second city in the Vitebsk region to receive the status of cultural capital. In 2010, the most cultural city in the country was Polotsk. The status of cultural capital was awarded to Gomel (2011), Nesvizh (2012), Mogilev (2013), Grodno (2014), Brest (2015), Molodechno (2016), Bobruisk (2017).