By Diana Kurilo
In early 2010, the Culture Ministry launched its Cultural Capital of Belarus campaign, aimed at developing and enriching regional cultural life, while promoting initiatives to support national culture. The attention of public and tourists was set to be attracted.
The campaign has allowed Polotsk residents and ancient town guests to gain acquaintance with Belarusian cultural achievements and see the country’s artistic teams. In 2010, Polotsk saw performances from Khoroshki dance company, alongside the bands Classic-Avantgarde and Pesnyary. The local Art Gallery housed an exhibition of lithography by Napoleon Orda (from the Belarusian National History Museum’s archive), in addition to paintings by Ivan Khrutsky, dedicated to his 200th anniversary. Exhibitions by Belarusian and foreign modern artists took place.
In mid-January 2011, 400 amateur artistes and craftsmen are to arrive in Minsk from Polotsk to show their creative achievements. Meanwhile, the 2011 Belarusian cultural capital will be announced at a gala-concert of Polotsk artistes.
