The Parliamentarians of the Union State discussed joint cultural projects in Vitebsk
The hosts of the meeting did not miss the opportunity to take advantage of the presence of deputies, representatives of the Standing Committee of the Union State, as well as relevant ministries of Belarus and Russia to raise problematic issues. It was precisely this frank, interested tone that was set by Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev during the conversation with the parliamentarians.
During the meeting, topics related to the expansion of the cultural and information space of the two countries, the implementation of socio-cultural programs and events were discussed.
As emphasized by Alexander Segodnik, Deputy Chairman of the Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly for Social Policy, Science, Culture and Humanitarian Affairs, Union State projects are primarily aimed at preserving national identity and historical memory.
In particular, he supported the initiative of the Regional Executive Committee to develop the Ilya Repin Museum-Estate, whose name belongs to the common cultural heritage.
– The artist's estate near Vitebsk is well-visited; it is very popular with both Belarusians and Russians, – noted Alexander Ivanovich.
"Zdravnevo," which the painter called "his own state," has long been under the patronage of the Union State. Plein airs for young artists from Belarus and Russia, and international conferences are held here.
Recently, the book "A True Friend of Russian Classics," featuring letters and diaries of Alexander Zhirkevich, was published by "Khudozhestvennaya Literatura" with the assistance of the Standing Committee of the Union State. This Russian writer, collector, and public figure frequently visited the estate of Ilya Repin.
The parliamentarians also had the opportunity to visit "Zdravnevo" and appreciate its appeal, as well as the potential to enhance its attractiveness by creating a modern exhibition center for joint Belarusian-Russian programs.
Another issue raised by the commission of the Parliamentary Assembly was voiced by Alexander Sidorenko, General Director of the International Arts Festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk." It concerns the technical equipment of the Summer Amphitheater. The equipment installed here has long exceeded its service life and requires replacement.
In this regard, Vitebsk counts on assistance from the Union State budget. Alexander Sidorenko also noted that, unlike many countries whose representatives participate in international song contests, Russia does not hold qualifying rounds. This affects the level of Russian contestants and the popularization of the joint cultural project.
The experience of the Vitebsk region in developing interregional cultural ties and contacts was discussed as a separate issue. Gennady Egorov, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work, Culture, and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee, quoted the renowned philosopher and culturologist Mikhail Bakhtin, who lived and created his works in Vitebsk for some time: "...it is clear that life is easier when one knows their language, the culture of their country, and other peoples. We need a dialogue of cultures."
Vitebsk region is an example of such a mutually enriching dialogue. We have established long-term cooperation with many Russian regions. Gennady Egorov is convinced that our relationship, which has stood the test of time, is destined to successfully develop in the future, filling and enriching itself with new content.
The declaration of 2018 as the Year of Small Motherland in Belarus has become an additional incentive for the development of traditions and customs, as well as for the initiative.
And Sergey Bozhenov, a member of the State Duma Committee of the Russian Federation for Education and Science, noted that it is useful for Russians to study Belarus's experience in spiritual and moral education of youth.
Margarita Levchenko, Head of the Department of Social Policy and Information Support of the Standing Committee of the Union State, spoke about the organization of a training seminar at the children's rehabilitation and health resort center "Zhemchuzhina" in Lepel district. For many years, children from the regions of Belarus and Russia most affected by the Chernobyl disaster have been undergoing health improvement at this sanatorium through vouchers from the Union State.
During the meeting, deputies of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia identified priority areas and projects of the Union State in the fields of culture, art, and cinematography.
Among the largest are the reconstruction of the Brest Fortress, the revival of the ancestral estate of the great Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky in the village of Dostoyevo, Brest region, and the creation of a memorial to the Soviet soldier in Rzhev, Tver region.
Funds will traditionally be allocated for the "Slavianski Bazaar" festival, the festivals "Youth for the Union State," "Creativity of the Young," and master classes for students of art institutions in Russia and Belarus. This year, within the framework of the arts forum in Vitebsk, awards in the field of literature and art will be presented.
The program of the parliamentarians' visit included a tour of Vitebsk's main attractions, as well as laying flowers at the Eternal Flame of the memorial complex dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War – the liberator soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region.