The information heart of the festival. The international press center of "Slavianski Bazaar" has been officially opened in Vitebsk.
Vitebsk has been preparing for a year to receive esteemed guests, noted the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, at a press conference dedicated to the opening of the XXXIV International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".
– We are ready to provide not only venues but also to give a piece of our heart and soul so that the festival news is broadcast to the whole universe, – he said. – May this festival segment become either a starting page or another step towards the artists' fame. And I wish all guests unforgettable emotions, to return to this city once again, to walk through the streets, to visit all the museums and places they did not have time to visit.
The head of the northern region was asked about the economic effect of holding "Slavianski Bazaar" on the development of Vitebsk and the entire region.
– It is difficult to assess the economic effect of the festival. More than four dozen countries are already gathering under its umbrella. Friendships are formed, and a basis for further relations emerges. And this, of course, is a showcase of our country, a showcase of the Slavic world, through which we show the whole world our hospitality, how we can and know how to be friends, and that we are committed to peace, creation, development, and invite everyone to this mutual dialogue, – emphasized Alexander Subbotin.
The festival is always held "under the umbrella of the state, our President," he added. New ideas and projects are supported by the state. The Union State provides significant support in this regard, and a number of programs are held under its auspices.
«Славянский базар» – это не только артисты и концерты, но и инфраструктура, которая работает для комфорта жителей и гостей. Александр Субботин добавил, что в центре, рядом с площадками фестиваля, ежегодно выставляется порядка 400 нестационарных объектов торговли. Дополнительно получается около 3 тыс. мест.
Только нестационарные объекты торговли зарабатывают в фестивальные дни более 3 млн рублей. Помимо этого в праздничный Витебск приезжает порядка пяти сотен ремесленников, которые тоже получают возможность показать себя и заработать.
– За время фестиваля в прошлом году в центре дополнительно было продано 6 тонн мороженого и 20 тыс. литров кваса, – напомнил Александр Субботин.
С каждым годом фестиваль развивается, становится все краше, больше, фактурнее и насыщеннее. Самое главное, форум стал большой площадкой для общения, эффект от работы которой измеряется не только деньгами.
– «Славянский базар» – это своеобразная душа, душа нашего Витебска, единственный фестиваль, который носит название «Славянский базар в Витебске». Для нас всегда очень принципиально, чтобы фестиваль называли правильно. И когда мы говорим о деньгах, то давайте задумаемся, а сколько стоит душа? Вот если можно душу купить, то тогда можно говорить и о деньгах. А мне кажется, что душу купить нельзя. Душа либо есть, либо ее нет, – подчеркнул директор фестиваля, генеральный директор Центра культуры «Витебск» Глеб Лапицкий.
Руководитель форума уверен, что фестиваль давно стал частицей культурного кода белорусов.
– В нынешнее время, когда мы гонимся за познанием штрих-кодов, QR-кодов, главное – не потерять свой генетический код. И молодежь должна этот генетический код нести, – сказал Глеб Лапицкий, отметив, что в зале среди журналистов огромное количество опытных людей и молодежь. Это значит, что у фестиваля есть будущее.
"Slavianski Bazaar" is not only about artists and concerts, but also about the infrastructure that works for the comfort of residents and guests. Alexander Subbotin added that about 400 non-stationary trade objects are exhibited annually in the center, near the festival venues. This provides an additional approximately 3 thousand places.
Non-stationary trade objects alone earn more than 3 million rubles during the festival days. In addition, about five hundred artisans come to the festive Vitebsk, who also get the opportunity to showcase themselves and earn money.
– During the festival last year, an additional 6 tons of ice cream and 20 thousand liters of kvass were sold in the center, – Alexander Subbotin recalled.
Every year the festival develops, becoming more beautiful, larger, more textured, and richer. Most importantly, the forum has become a great platform for communication, the effect of which is measured not only by money.
– "Slavianski Bazaar" is a kind of soul, the soul of our Vitebsk, the only festival that bears the name "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk". It is always very important for us that the festival is called correctly. And when we talk about money, let's think about how much a soul is worth? If a soul could be bought, then we could talk about money. But it seems to me that a soul cannot be bought. A soul either exists or it doesn't, – emphasized the festival director, General Director of the Vitebsk Culture Center, Gleb Lapitsky.
The head of the forum is confident that the festival has long become a part of the cultural code of Belarusians.
– Nowadays, when we are chasing the knowledge of barcodes and QR codes, the main thing is not to lose our genetic code. And the youth must carry this genetic code, – said Gleb Lapitsky, noting that there are a huge number of experienced people and young people among the journalists in the hall. This means that the festival has a future.
Minister of Culture of Belarus Ruslan Chernetsky noted that projects similar to those that fill Vitebsk during the festive days are difficult to find anywhere in the world. And the forum itself is an event not only for the city, but also for the country and for everyone who comes here year after year.
- A third of the world participates in our "Slavianski Bazaar". And every year the number of participating countries grows. This is wonderful. New events and art forms are constantly appearing, - said Ruslan Chernetsky.
He expressed gratitude to the regional executive committee and the directorate for the highest level of the festival's organization and for their efforts to create coziness and comfort for the guests.