Vitebsk graffiti artists get a chance to bring their art to a legal level

April 8, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. Vitebsk graffiti artists have a chance to bring their art to a legal level. Today, the first open meeting of young artists with representatives of local authorities and law enforcement agencies was held in the regional center, BELTA correspondent reports. About 40 teenagers, who have repeatedly come to the attention of police officers for their "artworks" left on the facades of buildings, bus stops and other city objects, took part in the event. The self-expression of the guys causes constant "headaches" for both the residents of the regional center, who want to see their hometown in an aesthetic form, and the utility workers, who are forced to clean up the results of the youth's creative work. The city authorities decided to give graffiti artists a chance to demonstrate the relevance, creativity and certain artistic value of their works. At the meeting, the first deputy chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Vladimir Katashuk, proposed that teenagers take part in a city graffiti artists competition, which is planned to be held during the City Day celebration on June 25. Specifically for this, objects will be selected, and professional artists and teachers from the Vitebsk State Technological University will work with young participants to improve the artistic level of the works. If the authorities' proposal is supported by the guys, the competition will become permanent. The proposal has been made, and now it is up to the young graffiti artists to decide where the comma will be placed in the phrase "to ban is impossible to allow". Graffiti is a form of street art, one of the most relevant forms of artistic self-expression worldwide. The works created by graffiti artists are an independent genre of contemporary art, an integral part of culture and urban lifestyle. Many countries and cities have their own famous authors who create real masterpieces on the city streets. "Perhaps, someone from Vitebsk graffiti artists will glorify our city with their creativity," noted Vladimir Katashuk. -0-