Vitebsk will develop the traditions of UNOVIS in urban spaces

"Vitebsk's historical and cultural heritage includes special dates and names that are known worldwide and are of interest to the European community. Therefore, the project for the study, preservation, and development of the historical and cultural heritage of the UNOVIS (Founders of New Art) creative association, which we have been implementing since 2014, has become noticeable beyond Belarus. The European Commission noted it in its booklet "European Culture Days in Belarus."

In addition, a museum dedicated to the history of the Vitebsk People's Art School is being prepared for opening in Vitebsk. In this regard, the German Council of Senior Experts proposed that we create a comprehensive strategic program for the development of the city's visual culture and the involvement of urban communities in this work. This will help Vitebsk residents understand and appreciate the preserved heritage, and know not only the names of Chagall and Malevich, but also what UNOVIS is," explained Valentina Kirillova.

To develop such a program, an expert from the German Council of Senior Experts, Doctor of Art History Wolfgang Oppelt from Nuremberg, arrived in Vitebsk for a three-week visit. He is widely known in European cultural circles and has worked on various projects in 14 countries. He familiarized himself with the collections and resources of Vitebsk's museums – the regional local lore museum and all its branches, the history of private collecting, and the center for contemporary art. He also visited the halls of the future museum of the Vitebsk People's Art School. Tomorrow, a busy program is planned at the Marc Chagall Art Center. Today, the expert is getting acquainted with the district local lore museum.

"It is planned to visit other settlements associated with famous UNOVIS figures. The idea is to figure out how to develop the city and culture through this cultural code.

spaces, including for attracting tourists, i.e. for the urban development program of Vitebsk and its surroundings," said Valentina Kirillova.

Over the three years, the "UNOVIS-FORUM" center has held numerous events, implemented initiatives and mini-programs, among which three have become particularly successful and significant. Firstly, the painting of two Vitebsk trams and a trolleybus based on sketches by UNOVIS members, which have been running on city routes since September 23 last year, attracting the attention of residents and guests.

"This is a good popularization method: those who do not know and do not understand the meaning of the painting will still be interested. By the way, according to the number of tickets sold, we calculated that over 783.5 thousand people have traveled in these trams and trolleybus during this time! I think each of them has touched upon the historical and cultural heritage of the city at least a little," noted Valentina Kirillova. The second notable initiative is the "UNOVIS Alphabet" competition for creating development projects for urban areas related to the visual culture of this creative association. And the "UNOVIS Academy" has worked well – an educational program that included a series of lectures, master classes, and workshops for city residents on historical and cultural heritage.

Dr. Wolfgang Oppelt has already familiarized himself with the results of these programs and proposed some upgrade ideas. For example, supplementing the routes of painted trams and trolleybuses with stands at bus stops with information about UNOVIS or test questions and answer options. To develop the idea and make it more interactive. It would also be good to place posters dedicated to famous figures on houses where they lived or worked, instead of memorial plaques. And to mark such buildings on tourist maps among other attractions. In general, the results of the visit will be summarized on August 31 at a round table with the leadership of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee. In addition, a meeting is planned for September 1-2 at the National Art Museum in Minsk, where specific proposals will also be announced.

Ekaterina Knyazeva - BELTA.