"Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" remains true to the great mission of art: to bring beauty and harmony to the world - A. Lukashenko

July 13, Minsk /BELTA/. The "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" has enabled the peoples of the Eurasian space to preserve their historical community and a unified cultural space. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on July 12 during the opening of the XXI International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. "Undoubtedly, the Vitebsk forum has become one of the seeds from which Eurasian integration sprouts. After all, it has allowed our peoples to preserve their historical community and a unified cultural space," said the head of state. "This forum was destined by fate itself to become a center of attraction for different cultures. After all, even in its name - 'Slavianski Bazaar' - one can hear an echo of both European and Eastern civilization," the President believes. According to Alexander Lukashenko, it is no coincidence that Vitebsk was chosen as the venue for the festival, where "on fertile ground, created from the interweaving of traditions and cultures, geniuses were born and flourished." The head of state noted that at the beginning of the last century, the city on the Dvina was aptly called the Belarusian Paris: "Despite their external dissimilarity, these cities are very close internally. Their streets and squares are filled with an atmosphere of inspiration that gives wings to artists and gives birth to masterpieces." It was Vitebsk that formed the unique character of the "Slavianski Bazaar," making sincerity, openness, intelligence, and the desire to defend aesthetic ideals its main features, the President believes. "This is where Paris lags behind Vitebsk," Alexander Lukashenko added. "The festival does not break creative personalities, it does not force them into the framework of standards and formats. It recognizes the right to a unique perspective in art, values in any work primarily the originality of the concept, the perfection of form, and the depth of content. And at the same time, it remains true to the great mission of art, which has come down to us from the Renaissance: to ennoble the human soul, to affirm human dignity, to bring beauty and harmony to the world," the head of state noted. Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the fact that the entire festival is imbued with respect for the creative uniqueness of each nation and contributes to the birth of new artistic ideas. "In the modern world, the 'Slavianski Bazaar' serves as a beacon of spirituality and goodness," the President believes. "The striving for brotherhood and mutual respect, openness, generosity constitute the essence of the Slavic soul. We are always ready to share the best and to warmly welcome all who come to us with an open heart, to us, Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians." The President noted that during the festival days, the city on the Dvina "becomes the capital of a world art fair, where talents from all over the Earth gather, weaving bright flowers of their unique cultures into a festive wreath." Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that, having passed its twentieth year, the festival has not stagnated in its development but constantly reveals new facets of the world of contemporary art. The head of state compared the "Slavianski Bazaar" to the Olympics. "In terms of the number of participants and the diversity of its program, the 'Slavianski Bazaar' can claim the title of a summer cultural Olympics," the President said. "The main Olympic principle applies here: art, like sport, is beyond politics. The spirit of fair competition and sincere admiration for talent reigns on the stage, regardless of the nationality, faith, or skin color of its owner." "The Olympics are far behind our 'Bazaar.' It is politicized, it has many problems. But the 'Slavianski Bazaar' is an island of free thought, independence, and our 'Slavianski Bazaar' has much to learn from," the head of state noted. This is precisely why, according to the President, the "Slavianski Bazaar" has become one of the most popular launchpads in Europe for young artists. "There is even a saying: whoever first achieves success on the Vitebsk stage will surely become a star. The example of Taisiya Povaliy, Ruslana, Alyona Lanskaya, and many other laureates is the best confirmation of this," the President said. "Every country has its main cultural symbol. For sovereign Belarus, this is undoubtedly the 'Slavianski Bazaar.' And we have never left and will not leave the festival without attention and state support, so that this large-scale forum always retains its inherent breadth and scope," the head of state said. Alexander Lukashenko noted that over the past 20 years, many good traditions have emerged at the festival. One of them is the awarding of the special prize "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding." "It has become so prestigious that it has turned into an estrada 'Oscar,' for which a real struggle unfolds," the President believes. This year, Alexander Lukashenko presented this main award of the "Slavianski Bazaar" to People's Artist of Russia Lev Leshchenko. Accepting the award, Lev Leshchenko noted: "I love Belarus and the Belarusian people very much. Despite the fact that we live in different states today, we are still in one humanitarian space: we sing the same beautiful songs, watch films, read the same books, and walk side by side on the same road. I want this road to never end." The maestro of the Russian stage also thanked the President of Belarus "for preserving this unique and brilliant Vitebsk festival in the post-Soviet space, which unites fraternal Slavic peoples." "We live in different states. But if we look at art, we have become even closer, and we will live in this one state, whose foundation is culture," the President noted. In addition, the Union State Prizes in Literature and Art were awarded to People's Artist of Belarus Georgy Poplavsky and Russian poet Gleb Gorbovsky "for works of literature and art that make a significant contribution to strengthening relations of brotherhood, friendship, and cooperation between the states participating in the Union State." Alexander Lukashenko wished the laureates inspiration and new successes, and to Gleb Gorbovsky, who could not come to Vitebsk due to health reasons, to recover quickly and visit Belarus. The President congratulated all guests and participants of the festival on its opening. "And may this year's 'Slavianski Bazaar' become an unforgettable event for each of us. May it ignite new stars and give us all a good mood," Alexander Lukashenko wished. -0-