Artists and musicians to focus public attention

CIS Cultural Capital project aims to attract more tourists to Mogilev
By Semen Kuleshov

The Deputy Culture Minister, Tadeush Struzhetsky, notes that Gomel received 30 percent more tourists in 2011, when it became the CIS cultural capital, compared to 2010. Similarly, during their time as cultural capitals of Belarus, Polotsk was visited by 20 percent more people and Nesvizh by 3-fold more (460,000 tourists).

He emphasises, “We hope that the CIS Cultural Capital project in Mogilev will show Belarusian cities how to interact, organise and host festivals and other cultural events, while encouraging international co-operation.” Oleg Proleskovsky, Belarus’ Information Minister and Chairman of the CIS Council for Humanitarian Co-operation, stresses that Mogilev’s status as 2013 CIS cultural capital acknowledges the importance of the city’s historical-cultural legacy, and that of the CIS as a whole.

Mogilev is well known abroad as an industrial centre, exporting goods all over the globe. However, it also boasts a rich historical legacy, having been a significant centre of cultural, religious and enlightening activity for many centuries. It is a hub of Belarusian spiritual traditions.

The city on the River Dnieper already hosts various wonderful cultural events, known domestically and abroad: the Zolotoy Shlyager (Golden Hit) International Musical Festival, the Magutny Bozha (Mighty God) Festival of Church Music, and the Mart.Contact International Youth Theatrical Forum. In addition, Mogilev is one of Belarus’ museum centres.

The Maslenitsa Kolyadki holiday — dedicated to Christmas — will close Mogilev’s programme as 2013 cultural capital. Belarusian and Russian theatres — including troupes from St. Petersburg and Polenovo (Tula Region) — are to give performances, while modern artists from the Mogilev Region will be putting on an exhibition. The The guests would be able to enjoy works by modern artists of the Mogilev Region and 19th century New Year fir tree decorations, as well as unique artefacts and other objects.

The following year will see two centenaries: of famous artist Pavel Maslenikov and of the building which hosts a regional museum in his name.
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