Belarus (magazine #1 2016) by BELARUS Magazine

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No.1 (988), 2016 Беларусь. Belarus

belarus www.belarus-magazine.by

Politics, Economy, Culture

FROM THE SVISLOCH TO THE SEINE

Events in Belarus and abroad

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contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 1 (988), 2016 Published since 1930

Sincere Christmas speech

State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

Founders: The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus “SB” newspaper editorial office Belvnesheconombank Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by

Real measurement of respect

Five reasons to visit Kossovo Castle

Warm ice in Minsk Minsk has hosted the

Historical centre both beautiful and functional Grodno is unique in Belarus as

international Christmas amateur ice hockey tournament for the President of Belarus’ prize, with eight teams from various countries gathering in the Belarusian capital for another sporting treat for all ice hockey fans

Formula of precise integration

the only city to have preserved its medieval structure of streets and squares, as formed throughout the 15th-19th centuries

Ten points for cembalo

Love affair with profession Minsker Tatiana Lisavenko is known in the world of theatre as a talented costumier. If she is involved in a performance (around 50 so far in different Belarusian theatres), the director feels that their show must be a guaranteed success

47 Fashionable flax

Good groundwork for new deeds

Peculiarities of one rating According

Final chord According to tradition, the

Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus held the Minsk International Christmas Opera Forum for the sixth time. The forum is known as both the theatre's calling card, and the cultural brand of the country. This culmination of the theatrical year also saw the second annual vocal competition

28 Bright palette for gourmet 2016 announced as the Year of Culture

беларусь.belarus 2016

Беларусь.Belarus is published in Belarusian, English, Spanish and Polish. Distributed in 50 countries of the world. Final responsibility for factual accuracy or interpretation rests with the authors of the publications. Should any article of Беларусь.Belarus be used, the reference to the magazine is obligatory. The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

Publisher: “SB” editorial office This magazine has been printed at State Entertainment “Publishers “Belarus Printing House”. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No. 133 Total circulation — 1988 copies (including 793 in English).

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029. Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45. Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: belmag@sb.by

to the last year rating of the World Bank “Doing business”, our country has improved its position to 13 points, having risen from the 57th place to the 44th one

John Rosman: ‘Calm, peaceful and very promising country’

Vadim Kondrashov Nadezhda Ponkratova

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

Delight, art, youth...

For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency. E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

Editor’s NOTE

The Year of Culture takes a run-up

any forecast that 2016 will be a difficult year, considering the slowdown in the world economy and other signs of crisis affecting many countries. It would be wise to be prepared for difficulties or, even better, to find an antidote to them through careful management and bold innovative solutions. What else can pull society together in the face of such difficulties? The feeling of cultural unity and national identity, as well as pride in one’s own country which still preserves the traditions of hard work and respect for our legacy. It is no accident that 2016 has been declared the Year of Culture in Belarus. Culture, relying as it does on both education and upbringing, unites people of various ages while drawing them together in their desire to gain knowledge and to grow spiritually. It’s never too late to learn and the lessons of culture couldn’t have come at a better time. This year’s first issue of our magazine has several articles which describe the cultural aspects of our country both from the point of view of the past and the forthcoming events. From the Svisloch to the Seine tells us about the painter Roman Zaslonov, whose creativity vividly expands the borders of Belarusian pictorial art and makes it widely known throughout Europe. In reality it is difficult for countries such as Belarus to be among the leaders of global policy. Undoubtedly, there are larger players out there who traditionally carry much more weight in the world arena. However, we can’t be blamed for our lack of involvement, since Belarus is always keen to express its position regarding the problems of the world community. On more than one occasion, Belarusian initiatives have been voiced at the UN headquarters and found support among our partners. In all, co-operation between Belarus and the United Nations Organisation deserves to be viewed as constructive.

This is proven by the activity of the United Nations Office in Belarus. It’s enough just to look at the work done in 2015 to see the truth of this and much is planned for the coming year. 2016 is expected to see a visit by the UN General Secretary, Ban Ki-moon to the Republic of Belarus. You can learn more from our piece Good Groundwork for New Deeds. The current issue of Belarus magazine offers a story about the American John Rosman, who was born and grew up in New York but has realised his American dream, not in the USA, but in Belarus. Minsk has been his home for the past seven years, where he runs his own business, has a flat and is involved in promoting active cycling. “New York and its outskirts lack a great deal in the way of a natural environment, where you can go to relax from the urban bustle. If you want a patch of green, you have to buy it. I didn’t want to have to buy my own slice of nature, so began to look for a place to live abroad,” John says. Readers will be able to learn the details about the American’s lifestyle change from New York to Belarus in our Calm, Peaceful and Very Promising Country article. Everyone wants tomorrow be better than yesterday. But what can we do to ensure this? Where are we moving to as a nation? Belarusian scientists have tried to answer these questions. Recently, the National Academy of Sciences’ Sociology Institute conducted a large-scale research project, entitled Belarus-2030. The results they collected have been compiled and analysed in the book Belarus on the Path to the Future: Sociological Measurement. Scientists have drawn their conclusions based on the opinions and expectations of a cross section of members of the public. Our item What the Future Looks Like explores these conclusions. In a word, read on and you will undoubtedly find something interesting for yourself, since our magazine is for You. By Victor Kharkov

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panorama  Welcome to new digits The country enters 2016 with no analogue broadcasting: a symbolic breaker was switched off on the night of January 4th — leaving the last of the original 19 transmitters in the past

From the President’s New Year address to the Belarusian nation

oday society expects the country to move forward. I assure you that Belarus will follow the path of development and progress. We aim for positive changes in our society despite the troubled experiences of other countries. We must preserve our main values of social harmony, national unity and the sovereignty of our country. It is not an easy time for all of us. Wars and strife in the world lead to economic difficulties. In the 21st century all countries are connected. Trouble and misfortune in neighbouring and distant countries immediately affects ourselves. If we remain united, we will undoubtedly be able to overcome any difficulties and trials. We should be more attentive and kinder to each other. Let’s not waste our energy on resentment, reproaches and quarrels.

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he switching off of the analogue frequencies did not quite manage to comply with the 2006 Geneva agreements made in 2006 as, under those terms, analogue broadcasting ceased in Belarus on May 15th, 2015. The date of the final broadcast was carefully chosen to allow viewers enough time to buy a transmitter for digital TV and for even

 New home promotes wellbeing The new social services building for the residential centre in Korelichi is equipped with all the necessary equipment to ensure comfortable stays for the elderly and disabled

 There’s no place like home Belarusian tourists more often holidaying within the country

“B

elarusians are spending their holidays ‘at home’ more often, as is clearly evident. However, inbound tourism trends are less optimistic, with the flow of Russian tourists falling. Sanatoriums remain popular but have received smaller volumes of bookings, and I don’t think that

the ‘slowest’ citizens to enjoy all New Year TV programmes. The evolution of engineering can be assessed from the point of view of energy consumption. The lamp-based ‘Uragan’ transmitter broadcast only one channel but consumed 60 kilowatts per hour; in turn, a modern transmitter needs just 8 kilowatts per hour to broadcast 8 TV channels and one radio channel.

t has taken around two years to reconstruct the old building, which now boasts a bright façade and comfortable interiors. The Director of the state-run Social Services for Korelichi District Population Centre, Inessa Semibratova, shares her impressions, “We previously had an old building which lacked space and now we can truly boast about our excellent facilities. In the future, six departments will become fully operational including two daycare departments for the elderly and disabled. This year, we also plan to construct a house to allow joint independent visits for the elderly, while also equipping accommodation to be used for the winter season. 48 old people have already registered to attend our daycare departments”. the situation will change in the New Year. Most of the major bookings have already been made,” notes the director of the Republican Union of Tourist Organisations of Belarus, Valentin Tsekhmeister. He adds that tours are popular with foreign tourists, who are using various travel companies: figures are up by around 50 percent. “Everything depends on whether a particular niche has been found to attract tourists. Tours have potential; moreover, medical tourism could also be expanded,” believes the expert.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

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Real measurement of respect

On arrival at the Svitanak boarding house for labour and war veterans, the President asked Director Yelena Varivonchik her opinion on how life for the elderly has changed. She replied, “Our elderly are living better and longer.” Residents of the establishment spoke fondly of their lives, while drinking tea with the President. In echoes of his December 2010 visit, the first he had made to Svitanak, the home was described as a paradise for those who live there.

t’s a worthy tradition that both children and elderly people receive special attention during the Christmas and New Year period, but importantly, they receive no less attention on every other day of the year. Events such as those recently held in Treskovshchina, near Minsk, perfectly illustrate the core ideals of state social policy. Children are our future while the elderly are a valuable source of experience and merit. Care of both young and old generations shows that the society is healthy and the state respects itself. Experience is valued highly in Svitanak, where people from all different

backgrounds are to be found. On this occasion, the tea drinking ceremony gathered a former forensic expert, an honoured teacher, a doctor and several representatives of other professions. The President asked them about the running of the home and recent events and all those present eagerly shared their views. They spoke of the reform of the law enforcement system, educational programmes and the situation in other parts of the world. Interestingly, the elderly demonstrated a sound knowledge of events taking place both in Belarus and abroad. They live life to the full and are firmly in touch with reality. State social policy actively pursues this goal, aiming that

people from the older generation should remain active members of the society for as long as possible. According to the Labour and Social Protection Minister, Marianna Shchetkina, longevity has increased in the country in recent years. However, this results in a growing number of the elderly which could be considered a burden on society. With this in mind, the Ministry is developing different mechanisms to support old people. Some are assisted at home and others are invited to residential houses. Some are taken care of by state funding and others receive help on a paid basis. The rental institute is already demonstrating good results: an elderly person donates their property (usually accommodation) to the state and receives qualitative care and support instead. Ms. Shchetkina informed us that an updated comprehensive system for support of the elderly is to become fully operational in five years. The President has asked that this period should be reduced to three years. There are also plans to safeguard rental arrangements to prevent fraud. It’s no secret that some businessmen have been found to make use of old people’s vulnerability to take their property and leave them no money to live on. The President has demanded the introduction of measures to prevent such deals and has asked for assurances that the law should act seriously against those found guilty of cheating the elderly in this way. On leaving, Mr. Lukashenko presented the residents with winter presents: down kerchiefs to the women and scarfs for the men. He refused to accept any words of gratitude: saying that this was merely the care and responsibility of the President. By Dmitry Kryat

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RELIABLE and functions under the conditions of a sovereign and independent state…Apart from its beautiful buildings and cathedrals, the Church has been part of the soul of the nation and it will always remain so. No one will be allowed to destroy the unity of our Church.

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Sincere Christmas speech

On development Yes, we’re part of the Orthodox world that is called the Russian Orthodox church. We don’t aim for indistinct autonomy and independence. I will say openly however, and this will be the subject of my discussions with the clergy, that the Church should develop. It needs to improve and I aim to encourage it to do this and hopefully this will not cause controversy.

On life in the new year

It’s no coincidence that St. John Chrysostom called Christmas the ‘mother of all holidays’. This is a day that gives us all the light of faith and hope while filling our hearts with warm feelings of joy and mercy. It also gives us an opportunity to contemplate another period of our lives. In this respect, the President’s visit to the Christmas service at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk on January 7th was deeply symbolic. Alexander Lukashenko’s traditional presence at the church on such a day wasn’t limited to lighting Christmas candles and offering congratulations to parishioners and the clergy. In an impromptu speech, the President addressed the congregation with heartfelt and spiritual thoughts on the most vital and pressing issues of modern society.

The new year will be difficult. It is not because we don’t work hard but because the world is changing. It’s hard sometimes to adjust to the knowledge that the things we value today may be different tomorrow. Our aim is to protect our people and to give them security and a normal life is a sacred one and one we must strive for.

On the most important issues

It’s always difficult when various new theories appear: to reform, to destroy and then to create something new. We will continue to value the assets we have and not dismiss lightly everything that our people have worked hard to create, at the same time we must embrace change where necessary.

We see many difficult issues in our country. Therefore, our first thought is for God to protect us and to help keep our country safe. We cannot ask for more. The future of our country will depend on us making things happen ourselves.

On the essence of state policy I promise that everything the state is able to do will be done for the nation. However, it will be in addition to the things you are able to do for yourselves, your families and children. Our policy will primarily focus on children and elderly people. We will do everything we can to protect every person, and make their lives longer and more comfortable.

беларусь.belarus 2016

On fundamental issues

We will continue to live in an absolutely democratic society, no matter how much we are criticised. Those who criticised us should be silent now as they see that Belarus has no less democracy and human rights than other countries. I have always talked about the main thing being the right to live safely. It is not a democracy when shooting is heard in the streets every day and many people are killed each year.

On the Church’s role Today the Church in Belarus is one of the strongholds of our state. It offers a balance in our society along with other public authorities and organisations. The Church has been and continues to be one of our backbones. However, everyone should understand that the Church acts

On ill-considered reforms

On the inviolability of principles We’ll help those who need our assistance. We’ll continue to offer support in the way we did before, even if there must necessarily be budgetary constraints. We’ll have stricter policy for those who are able but don’t want to work. We’ll continue to pursue our well-balanced peaceful policy but will not allow any infringement of our territory, which we value and must preserve for the next generation.

FESTIVE TOURNAMENT

Warm ice in Minsk Minsk has hosted the international Christmas amateur ice hockey tournament for the President of Belarus’ prize, with eight teams from various countries gathering in the Belarusian capital for another sporting treat for all ice hockey fans

the figures on the scoreboard. For example, last year, the national squad of the United Arab Emirates became the most widely discussed team of the tournament because of its presence and due to its limited ‘Arab’ composition. This time, the number of Middle East native residents is higher. However, the first meeting with their rivals from Slovakia (3:14) vividly demonstrated that the southerners have come to snow-covered Belarus to gain experience rather than to win prizes. The Arab ice hockey players are an exception to the rule. Despite the amateur status of the competition, there were a number of former professionals amongst the players to ensure a competitive atmosphere. “For most players the result is of great importance, so I try to play as well as I can,” notes Slovak forward Miroslav Šatan.

The first day of the competition showed that even the slightest loss of concentration on the Minsk ice can cost a lot. As soon as the Finns felt too confident the Germans immediately reduced the gap in the score. Similarly, the Swiss team managed to score five pucks after a lapse in concentration by the hosts. The Russian national team was the major sensation of the tournament. In previous years, they easily qualified for the finals and have won the tournament on three occasions. This year, the owners of the cup lacked preparation and, as a result, the Russians suffered a devastating defeat from the Swedes in the first match — 1:8 — and had to fight fiercely for the right to continue their victorious tradition. However, this year, the Belarusian team, playing against Finland in the finals, celebrated victory, with the final whistle fixing the score at 2:1 score in favour of the President’s team. By Dmitry Komashko

Alexander Ruzhechka

lexander Lukashenko, attending the opening ceremony, pointed out that one of the peculiarities of this competition that traditionally opens the new sporting year in Belarus, is the succession of professional and mass sports that follows. “These competitions have already become a calling card of our country and gained wide popularity in many countries while becoming an unofficial world amateur ice hockey championship.” Undoubtedly, any ice hockey player that appeared on the Chizhovka-Arena ice would agree. On leaving the Minsk ice, competitors become friends again and are eager to speak to the waiting fans and journalists about their former professional daily routine and the atmosphere of the Christmas tournament, being unembarrassed by

The Belarusian team wins the 12th Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of the Republic of Belarus

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paul chuyko

OPTIMISTIC FORECAST

What the future looks like Everyone wants tomorrow to be better than yesterday. What should be done to achieve this? Where are we moving as a nation and what goals do we aspire to? Belarusian scientists have attempted to find answers to these questions. The National Academy of Sciences’ Sociology Institute recently conducted a major study: Belarus-2030. The results were analysed and generalised in the book Belarus on the Path to the Future: Sociological Measurement.

cientists made their conclusions on the basis of a study of mood and expectations of people from many different spheres of life. The Director of the Sociology Institu-

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te — Professor Igor Kotlyarov — explained some examples. Our education system is often criticised. However, when sociologists asked respondents for their opinions, it became clear that everyone was pleased with the education system — including students, parents and employers. Many problems were however

voiced during the survey; among them were low salaries, a lack of motivation and prestige given to teachers, in addition to dozens of other factors which could be improved. A possible increase to the pension age is especially topical. The Departmental Head of the Sociology Institute — Violetta Shukhatovich — recollects previous polls. “Everyone knows the pension age in the neighbouring states and is aware of the economic situation in our country. I’d say that people would not be pleased to see the pension age increased, but they accept the fact that the pension age will have to gradually go up,” she commented. The Institute plans to study public opinion on the issue in detail in March. This year, sociologists plan to spend much of their time on a study of the so-called cultural — or civilised — code of Belarus. Each nation and state have their own historical, national and socio-cultural traditions and features. Ms. Shukhatovich adds, “The major problem of our social policy is how to achieve a balance of social protection and development. Protection mechanisms are well developed and characterise our country as a civilised state but resources for development are limited.” The characteristics of our nation is the key to this balance. According to respondents, Belarusians are normally well disciplined and innovative. They aspire to professional development and demonstrate selfrespect and justice. This shows great potential which can be tapped into to help strengthen the state and formulate social policy. Describing what our country will look like in 10-15 years, Mr. Kotlyarov predicts that it will be an independent, prosperous state — with favourable natural conditions, well developed science, education and medicine. Around 75 percent of Belarusians are optimistic for the future and view our country of 2030 as a state of justice, law, partnership and responsibility. By Yevgeny Kononov

PERSPECTIVES

Formula of precise integration Relying on a theory from the book ‘The Fatal 15th Year’, this said year of each century is thought to set the tone for the whole century. As distinct from previous years, when many parallels were voiced relating to World War one, there is a feeling today that the world — at least in Europe — is not about to spiral into a new historical disaster. The Ukrainian conflict has not transformed into an all-out war as pessimists predicted a couple of years ago. On the whole, 2016 is viewed more optimistically.

Moment of truth for Europe

n April 12th, President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, the French President, François Hollande, and the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko. After 15 hours of continuous discussion, they met journalists to demonstrate the Minsk agreements they had just signed. Minsk became the launch pad of a new peace process which continues to define expectations of change for the better.

To realise these changes, international relations are guided by accepted norms. One of them dating back to Winston Churchill who said, “Britain has no lasting friends but lasting interests.” The Minsk agreement has managed to propose a new interpretation of this pragmatic formula as voiced by the great man. The quote can now read: ‘Minsk has lasting friends and lasting interests’. Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe — both geographically and politically. Accordingly, it’s in our interests to act as a bridge of peace rather than war, to be a bridge of cooperation rather than confrontation. This formula is the basis of Minsk’s major foreign political policy for the future.

Minsk is an anchor in a turbulent world

efore speaking about Belarus’ role as a geopolitical bridge, we should firstly assess our major domestic political event: The Presidential elections on October 11th, 2015. For the last twenty years President Lukashenko has been head of the independent Belarusian state — ensuring continuity in the most recent era of Belarusian history. The West should see this from the perspective of the preservation and

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PERSPECTIVES development of a sovereign Belarusian state. Today Belarus is among the few European countries which enjoys stable development and has no problems with its continental neighbours. The elections of 2015 demonstrated that the role of a political bridge — symbolising the nation’s unity — is important for domestic development as well. It ensures progress without interruption or power vacuums, thus avoiding a Ukrainian situation, where a gap between the country’s west and east, between its elite and the rest of society, resulted in social conflict. In another vivid example, a historical gap between traditionalism and forced democratisation has resulted in a major war in the Middle East. Belarusian democratisation is developing gradually; President Lukashenko plays the role of a political anchor which ensures stability of the state vessel. Belarus’ sovereignty and independence is the key point for all Belarusians; irrespective of changes and reforms which might take place in the future. The recent Presidential elections are seen as a significant precursor to the Belarusian parliamentary elections scheduled for 2016. Three candidates failed to offer serious competition to President Lukashenko but, relying on their accumulated experience, they are now preparing to take part in the parliamentary campaign. Public discussions on the path of Belarus’ development are likely to continue. On leaving our country after the Presidential elections, a delegation of foreign observers — including representatives of the OSCE/ODIHR, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly — promised to return in 2016. Their recommendations deal with changes in election legislation and the expansion of party roles. Importantly, the political forces which took part in the Presidential elections were given a powerful impetus to regulate themselves in the parliamentary elections. They all demonstrate an interest in ensuring the country’s development without political vacuums but with the continuation of an independent Belarusian history.

беларусь.belarus 2016

Belarus to act as guarantee of security

ne of the major foreign political results of the last year which will define the 2016 agenda is rooted in the West’s attitude towards Minsk. At present, this attitude is more realistic, pragmatic and respectful than it has been in the past. What has changed the EU’s view? Firstly, Minsk has become a successful venue where peaceful negotiations on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict were facilitated. President Lukashenko reaffirmed that Belarusian, Russians and Ukrainians have always been and remain fraternal nations. Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei explains the key foreign political belief, “We’ve never attempted to play to the benefit of any side to damage another side. We are sincerely interested in ensuring peace and stability in our region but these should not be

This is the philosophy of Minsk’s mission as a mediator. The Ukrainian crisis has led the whole of Europe into deadlock. Whatever geopolitical prerequisites for its origin existed, no side wishes to start a fully-fledged war. Minsk has become an anchor for the ship of European diplomacy which is sinking on the Dnieper. The Ukrainian conflict has thrown light on the fundamental problem of European security. Old ‘Helsinki’ rules are no longer relevant, indeed, were not after Kosovo. Progress in diplomatic policy is required. The European Union has previously failed to take into consideration the opinion of other partners, namely Russia. Accordingly, the development of clear policy, to be adopted by all sides, is high on the agenda. This means that the Minsk process will continue — though on a wider, all European, scale. Some analysts predict that Minsk-3 might follow Minsk-2. Are these ambitious plans? In fact, Minsk has become a means of ensuring security in Europe; this refers not only to the settlement in the Ukraine. Belarus is situated at the crossroads of the European continent’s major transport

Today Belarus is among the few European countries which enjoy stable development and has no problems with its continental neighbours detrimental to our relations with Russia. Our three nations have always lived together. The existing tension in our region, including that between two of our nations is unsettling. If two brothers quarrel, there should be the third who will make efforts to reconcile them. In this respect, we are not merely playing the role of a mediator but are trying to do everything possible to ensure the Ukrainian nation is at peace.”

and trading routes, while significantly contributing to the strengthening of security. The country ensures a secure shield against drug trafficking and illegal migration, while successfully counteracting human trafficking. Mr. Makei views these as prerequisites for normalising relations with the European Union. “In the course of time, the EU has begun to understand that Belarus is not a puppet in someone’s

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PERSPECTIVES

hands but an independent state which keeps to its independent policy proceeding from the national interests. Of course, a combination of circumstances also helped the EU to realise the principles by which Belarus is guided when making foreign and domestic political decisions. We have no naïve expectations that all roads will be open tomorrow and the EU will embrace Belarus. However, a tendency to normalise relations is at least present,” he says. In this respect, a statement made by the US State Department Office is topical. On December 16th, the USA and Belarus had the second session of the working group on democracy and human rights. The USA has noted that increased respect for democracy and human rights in Belarus is a major condition for the improvement of bilateral relations and is valuable for the country’s prosperity. Taking into consideration further positive steps in the field of democracy and human rights, the USA will study the possibility of reciprocal moves in the prospects of the final normalisation of relations. The USA also supports the idea of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Belarus.

Belarusian resource for old Europe

he normalisation of relations with our western partners is one of the major political trends of 2016. What are the grounds for this optimism? Firstly, the fact that the Belarusian resource was neglected until the old European order faced new challenges. Under pressure from the increasing migration process, the fact that Belarus can act as an example of a traditional Christian civilisation is perceived from a new angle. The country can become a keeper of European traditional values in the classical sense. The Belarusian nation is a unique example of inter-ethnical solidarity. Modern Europe is moving towards this and Belarus can share its experiences with partners and neighbours. The economic desire to strengthen our country’s ties with the EU is also present. In the last twenty years, mutual turnover has increased 40

fold and among Belarus’ major trading partners in Europe are the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Lithuania, Italy, Poland and Latvia. Certain countries have played the role of an icebreaker in relations between Minsk and Brussels. In 2014, consultations on issues of modernisation and talks on simplified visa procedures and readmission began. In 2015, Belarus joined the Bologna Process, also receiving the status of an observer in the Northern Dimension. In recent years, some mechanisms of interdepartmental interaction with Germany have been opened. In relations with France, a bilateral intergovernmental commission on trade and economic co-operation was set up and, in 2015, its first session was held. There has also been the launch of a project to realisation of joint investment and production plans. At the same time, Belarus’ lack of access to the EU’s preferential trade agreements and financial resources hampers full normalisation of relations. Moreover, the legal base is underdeveloped. Our country is ready to play its part in lifting all barriers and expects its European partners

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PERSPECTIVES will follow a similarly open, fair and constructive approach. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to France, Pavel Latushko, comments, “I think the period of pragmatism in our relations with the European Union is beginning. European politicians and decision makers have probably realised that the policy of pressure and sanctions yield no result. It’s possible to establish relations primarily through dialogue, while solving existing problems and finding solutions to them. I hope that 2016 will be a positive year in Belarus-EU relations.”

Integration of integrations

insk is known as the informal capital of postSoviet integration. The headquarters of the CIS — where a free trade zone operates — are situated here and the major agreements on the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union (aimed at Eurasian economic integration) were signed. The process never stops and as well as its achievements, it sets new challenges for its participants. Sadly, many withdrawals and restrictions exist in the Eurasian Economic Union; these hamper the prompt establishment of the single economic space. The ceasing of the free trade regime between Russia and the Ukraine has added another challenge. This is the result of the beginning of a free trade zone operating between Ukraine and the EU and Kiev’s joining the EU’s anti-Russia sanctions. Under these difficult conditions, Belarus is consistently defending its national interests. Minsk and Kiev have agreed a plan of further action to lift restrictions on mutual trade. This was put into place several days prior to the beginning of the EU-Ukraine free trade zone operation. The Ukrainian President signed a law on Measures to

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Stimulate Foreign Economic Activity: from January 1st, 2016, it is abolishing an additional import fee applied to Belarusian produce. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry is pleased: the lifting of the additional import fee will make it possible to eliminate the operating tariff barriers on the access of Belarusian produce to the Ukrainian market — while creating grounds for the increase of exports of Belarusian products to Ukraine. In general, our country follows the philosophy of ‘optimum integration’ which envisages the co-operation of not only two major integration blocks of the

Gates to SouthEast Asia

he Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Vietnam, Valery Sadokho, talks about Vietnam’s significance for the promotion of Belarusian economic interests in South-East Asia, “An agreement, signed between the Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam in May 2015, opens new horizons for the development of trade and economic relations between

Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe — both geographically and politically. Accordingly, it’s in our interests to act as a bridge of peace rather than war, to be a bridge of cooperation rather than confrontation. This formula is the basis of Minsk’s major foreign political policy for the future continent: the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union. The third partner — China — is also present in the process. If the 21st century is to become ‘Chinese’ (as analysts have predicted due to the country’s high economic growth), then this trend will affect the European continent as well. This is a coupling of projects of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Eurasian Economic Union. These projects jointly aim at co-operation with the EU. Movement towards the common economic space on the continent will no doubt entail a global synergetic effect. Last year, an agreement was signed on the establishment of a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam. One of the first foreign visits of the re-elected President Lukashenko was a state trip to Vietnam.

our countries. Taking into consideration the established free trade zone, we view Vietnam as a foothold for our presence in South-East Asia and for joint sales of our produce to the neighbouring states, in particular, ASEAN. ASEAN is among the major world blocks: it boasts a population of over 600m, accumulated GDP of more than $2.5 trillion, foreign trade of over $2trillion and sustainable economic development.” In 2015, integration processes in South-East Asia achieved a new level when the ASEAN was established. Co-operation will strengthen three major avenues: politics and security, economy, and the sociocultural sphere. The single market of the Association is now operational; despite some exemptions, it lifts all barriers to trade between South-East Asian states.

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PERSPECTIVES

An agreement, signed between the Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam in May 2015, opens new horizons for the development of trade and economic relations between our countries

BEAM machine building corporation and the organisation of co-operation in the sphere of assembling some models of trucks adapted to the local market — jointly with Vietnam’s TMT Motor corporation. In 2015, MAZ liaised with another major Vietnamese machine building corporation — SAMCO — as part of

By Nina Romanova

Belta

The establishment of the free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam has created an additional impetus to the growth of Belarusian exports to South-East Asia. On signing the agreement on free trade with Vietnam, Belarus will be able to integrate with a major world economic block: ASEAN. This document is also politically grounded — making it possible to strengthen the strategic partnership of both sides based on many years of close co-operation between the EAEU states and Vietnam, while confirming our adherence to the development of trade and co-operation in the Asian-Pacific area. In this respect, industrial co-operation, development and the mining of natural resources and possible joint realisation of agricultural and infrastructure projects are the key avenues of co-operation with Vietnam. Among the major existing projects are the expansion of the acting MAZ truck assembling facility in Vietnam on the basis of the local

an industrial collaboration. First samples of low-floored city buses were produced and a contract was signed to manufacture another 30 MAZ passenger vehicles in 2016, in Ho Chi Minh. There are good prospects regarding the exports of Belarusian fertilisers, BelAZ dump trucks, tyres, medicines, food and special machinery to Vietnam. Among the planned major projects are the establishment of assembly facilities for Belarusian engines, tractors and agricultural machinery, joint ventures for production of milk products, and complex fertilisers using Belarusian raw materials and technology. It’s important for Belarusian enterprises to use the existing experience of successful co-operation with Vietna mese companies. In particular, Mekong Machinery, from Ho Chi Minh, has liaised with MTZ JSC for over 20 years, exporting thousands of Belarusian tractors (which have proven their high quality) to the markets of Vietnam and neighbouring South-East states. Relying on these markets, it’s important to promote our economic interests not only to the Vietnamese market but also other ASEAN markets. President Lukashenko’s recent visit and the character of the talks confirm that the two leaders are aiming at a full strategic partnership. It’s likely that Vietnam will become a true ‘gateway’ for Belarus to South-East Asia.

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BELARUS IN GLOBAL POLITICS

For countries such as Belarus it is objectively difficult to be one of the leaders of the global politics. There are obviously much bigger players around backed by different traditions and weight categories. But no one can reproach us for intentional inaction. The country has always been open and keen to express its position on the issues of concern to the international community. Besides, Belarus has been repeatedly putting forward its initiatives at the rostrum of the UN headquarters that by the way have been supported by its partners. At large, the cooperation between Belarus and the United Nations deserves to be viewed as constructive from different standpoints. This message is, by the way, well confirmed by the proactive and meaningful work the UN Office in Belarus does. A quick look at the past year is enough to see this. This year also promises to be very eventful. 2016 is a year United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to come to the Republic of Belarus.

Good groundwork for new deeds

“W

e, the peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind...” These are the words with which the United Nations Charter begins, of an institution whose foundation is believed to be one of the major outcomes of World War II. In 2015, the United Nations whose aims since then have included prevention of global conflicts between nations and that at present covers almost every aspect of the life of the mankind on the planet in its attempt to achieve equality and justice for all, celebrated its 70th anniversary. But it is not only the UN’s seventieth anniversary the year of 2015 will be best remembered for by the world community. We witnessed a historic event as a result of numerous consultations and discussions including those in Belarus — adoption last September at the UN General Assembly of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development along with a set of seventeen sustainable development goals. In some way or another, in 2015 the UN interventions in all the countries covered challenges of sustainable development. And Belarus was no exception there. On the contrary, it is our country that can boast of one of the most exciting campaigns ever devoted to these two key events: the United Nations’ 70th

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anniversary and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals. Let’s take a look back at the history. Since the UN’s founding in 1945 Belarus foreign policy has been tightly linked to the United Nations. The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic was one of its founding members. On April 27, 1945 the founding conference held in San Francisco took a decision to include the Byelorussian SSR into the list of the first original members that founded a new international organisation to pay tribute to the invaluable contribution the Belarusian nation made to defeat fascism, respect and commemorate millions of people who sacrificed their lives for freedom of not only the Belarusian nation but of many nations of Europe that were under the Nazis heel. Besides, Belarus also was the first post-Soviet country to open in May 1992 in its capital the United Nations office. Therefore almost since the very formation of the independent Belarusian state, the United Nations has been represented in Belarus. Its work in the country includes a wide number of challenging areas: climate change, environmental protection, energy efficiency, migration, economic development, human trafficking, democratic governance, human rights and many others. With its support and actions Belarus has helped the United Nations to gain a stronger footing both

BELARUS IN GLOBAL POLITICS at the national and international level. Significant joint projects and productive cooperation for about three decades make it possible to talk about outstanding successes reached. As regards the most recent events confirming close cooperation, they apparently include a visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to the UN headquarters in New York which is well known to have hosted the summit to take place on September 25 resulting in the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030. It is important to note that in his speech at the Summit Alexander Lukashenko stressed there is a link between any nation’s progressive development and peace and security. It can be viewed as an official message sent by Belarus of its readiness to cooperate with the UN and the international community at large for the implementation of its global commitments. It is the summit in New York indeed where these 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted. In order to make a reality there will be three most important prospects over the next fifteen years: to eradicate extreme poverty, to fight inequality and injustice and to take all possible efforts to mitigate climate change.

Like previous years, 2015 was very rich in events held in Belarus under the UN auspices. They were conferences devoted to technical cooperation for development, HIV prevention, quality of asylum systems. They also included creative works competitions — peace art and essay contests. They also included workshops, exhibitions, lectures, dozens of speeches and hundreds of meetings Like previous years, 2015 was very rich in events held in Belarus under the UN auspices. They were conferences devoted to technical cooperation for development, HIV prevention, quality of asylum systems. They also included creative works competitions — peace art and essay contests. They also included workshops, exhibitions, lectures, dozens of speeches and hundreds of meetings. The visits to our country of Mr. Wu Hongbo, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Michel Kazatchkine, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Cihan Sultanoglu, Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS, Mr. Ahmad Al Hindawi, UN Secretary-General Envoy for Youth, Ms. Zsuzsanna Jakab, World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Europe and a number of other dignitaries representing the United Nations system did not go unnoticed.

Sanaka Samarasinha, UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus

Over the next fifteen years 193 UN member states are believed to take great efforts to achieve a set of sustainable development goals adopted in September 2015. One of the key roles in implementing these goals and changing our world for the better is no doubt played by the youth. Today’s youth are a quarter of the world's population and of course largely determine today’s social and economic development laying the foundation for the planet’s future. Compared to previous generations, today’s youth reach maturity, both physical and social, at earlier ages, , they are known to set high expectations for themselves and for the society in which they live. Young people are known to have a growing interest in the ways to improve the world. Young people, as never before, are actively connected to each other. One of the reasons is new media and globalisation. Young people have the potential and power to change the world for the better. They apparently have the capacity to curb the problems our world is facing today or will face in the future and solve them. The year of 2015 is known to have been declared the Year of Youth in Belarus to develop creative, scientific, and professional potential of young people, get them involved in social and economic changes in Belarus. In addition to active engagement of this most proactive group of the population in numerous activities, which is one of the priorities of the United Nations office in Belarus, it is worth mentioning an official ceremony held in July to nominate members of the UN Youth Advisory Panel. The Youth Advisory Panel is basically a new project and as such it is a consultative body which will, if required, make recommendations to the UN organisations on the issues of youth and participate in the activities of UN agencies affecting young people. Understanding the relevance of the statement

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BELARUS IN GLOBAL POLITICS

UN-70 Express in Belarus aims to expand Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

that young people should have a voice in all matters that affect them — whether education, science, culture - the creation of the UN Youth Advisory Panel was a starting point for making this idea a reality. And apparently the most memorable event of the last year is UN-70 Belarus Express for Sustainable Development Goals, a shared initiative of the UN Office in Belarus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. This initiative got possible through the experience of the "Beijing Express" sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1995 when 200 women representing the countries of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States travelled aboard from Warsaw to Beijing to take part in the UN Fourth Global Conference on Women. UN-70 Belarus Express for Sustainable Development Goals was officially launched at the Tree-of-Peace planting ceremony. In many cultures around the world planting of a tree is a symbol of universal peace and hope. White blossoms of a weeping cherry (this tree was planted in Loshitsa Park in Minsk) in its turn symbolise purity (virginity) and rebirth. A weeping cherry has been selected as a symbol of mourning for the fallen. For generations to come, this delicate and graceful tree will serve as an enduring symbol of harmony and unity. As is the case with the world community, a weeping cherry requires careful and steadfast nourishment. And only by virtue of unwavering care and attention this tree, much like peace, will grow strong, robust and resilient. We will be able to watch the weeping cherry grow and bloom in Loshitsa Park in Minsk for many years ahead. By the way, the ceremony attended by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Cihan Sultanoglu, Ahmad Al Hinda-

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wi, UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus Sanaka Samarasinha and numerous representatives of the UN, the diplomatic corps and the government mirrored a similar event initiated by the Republic of Belarus that took place on May 5, 2015 at the UN’s headquarters in New York. The same day also became a key moment with regard to the prospects for cooperation between the United Nations and the Government of Belarus over the next five years: signing of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the Republic of Belarus for 2016-2020. The document is a very important tool for defining a joint strategy of the United Nations organisations in Belarus. It was prepared by the UN Country Team in Belarus in consultation with the Government of Belarus, civil society, the private sector, vulnerable groups, national and international partners with the aim of promoting and protecting human rights in the country and improving lives of the people of Belarus. The UNDAF is designed to support the achievement of the national development priorities in the field of sustainable development of the Republic of Belarus based on increasing economic competitiveness, innovation development, structural reforms that ensure knowledge-based economic growth and human capital development, responsive and accountable governance, environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources. Promotion of gender equality and human rights in line with this human rights-based approach are the overarching principles streamed across this Framework Programme. The UNDAF focuses on four strategic areas of response, which are in line with the mandate of the UN, and key national priorities outlined in the National Strategy for Sustain-

BELARUS IN GLOBAL POLITICS able Socio-Economic Development in the Republic of Belarus until 2030. It should be noted that the strategic areas will set the main direction and scope of action of the UN’s development assistance to the Government of the Republic of Belarus over the next five years and include: • Inclusive, responsive and accountable governance; • Sustainable economic development; • Environmental protection and sustainable environmental management based on the principles of green economy; • Sustainable development of human capital: health, education, social inclusion and protection, comprehensive postChernobyl development. Please, note that the difference between the two Framework Programmes is essential. This applies both to the content of the documents and the process of their preparation. The

Framework Programme reflect both national priorities outlined in NSSSED-2030 and the five-year Programme of Social and Economic Development, but also reflect 17 Sustainable Development Goals signed by the world leaders and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in September 2015 in New York. After a short excursus, let us come back again to the ‘UN70 Express’. After its departure on October 23 from the Minsk Railway Station, the UN-70 Express visited Grodno, Baranovichi, Brest, Gomel, Mogilev and Vitebsk. This 8-day UN journey around the cities of Belarus involved twenty government agencies, 33 embassies, representatives of over 45 countries, 246 UN staff, 19 UN agencies and partners, 150 non-governmental organisations, 25 private sector partners, 15 universities and 9 schools including the OSCE, the EU, the Global Fund, Maria Sharapova Foundation, the US Agency for International

UN Youth Advisory Panel

first UNDAF was inspiring in its nature and had very ambitious goals, targets and scope of financing. Cooperation with partners from the Government was the main focus. The new Framework Programme is to a larger extent more inclusive. The process of its formulation gathered non-governmental organisations, private sector and, most importantly, groups that will seek assistance as part of the Programme including entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, refugees, HIV-infected persons. It was developed as a result of numerous consultations, discussions and negotiations. Another significant difference of the new UNDAF is that it includes only those strategic areas of response the implementation of which involves efforts of many UN agencies rather than one. All the four strategic areas of the UNDAF, similar to eight outcomes, are well linked together: no goal can be achieved without reaching the others. Four strategic areas of response of the

Development and a number of media partners. To that end, the events held aboard and in the cities were attended by over 150 thousand people. In each city we covered different SDGs. Good health in Grodno; quality education and gender equality in Brest; reduced inequalities in Gomel; no poverty, zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities in Mogilev; affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action in Vitebsk. The UN-70 Belarus Express for SDGs mission was to bring people together and to give them a chance to talk to and hear each other. We are confident to say throughout the history of the UN’s presence in Belarus, this campaign has been the largest outreach projects, but at the same time the most vivid demonstration ever of how the Government and the UN can work together to get tangible benefits for the society.

2016 беларусь.belarus

BELARUS IN GLOBAL POLITICS The journey of the UN-70 Express finished on October 30 in Minsk. There still was some time left until the end of the year indeed. It was still the time of active work. To that end, on November 20, Universal Children’s Day, the UN in Belarus launched an information campaign ‘Inclusive Belarus: SDGs for all’ to help fight fear and stigma and give hope to all those who feel excluded from the society they live in. The culmination of the campaign coincided with the Human Rights Day celebrated annually in December. On this day, a number of experts and professionals in their respective areas got together to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review at the international seminar in Minsk. The Universal Periodic Review is a unique process which involves a comprehensive review of the human rights records in all the countries of the world. Belarus, in its turn,

Last year was very important on the planet. The world celebrated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the foundation of the United Nations. At present, while heading for the future, many are pinning their hopes on the new Sustainable Development Goals and their achievement. The year of 2016 promises to be no less eventful. One of such largest events will apparently be the international conference ‘Chernobyl Accident and Society: 30 Years after Catastrophe’. Supported by the UN in Belarus, the conference is planned to take place in April and its main objective will be to promote further cooperation in overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster and sustainable development of the affected areas. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is also expected to visit Belarus this year. The UN Secretary-General received an official invitation from Belarus President Alexander Lukash-

UN-70 Express visits Mogilev

went through the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review in May 2015. The international seminar became a platform for discussion and sharing views and best practices. The information campaign ‘Inclusive Belarus’ finished on the International Migrants Day which is also celebrated in December. Today, globalisation and advances in communications and transportation have resulted in a significant increase in the number of people willing and having capacity to move to other countries. The new era has opened up new opportunities and at the same time has also posed new problems and challenges for the communities worldwide. The staff of the International Organisation for Migration and the UN Office in Belarus joined the international campaign ‘Candlelight Vigil’ to commemorate the lives of the migrants who had lost their lives and pay tribute to the suffering they face on a daily basis.

беларусь.belarus 2016

The year of 2016 promises to be no less eventful. One of such largest events will apparently be the international conference ‘Chernobyl Accident and Society: 30 Years after Catastrophe’. Supported by the UN in Belarus, the conference is planned to take place in April and its main objective will be to promote further cooperation in overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster and sustainable development of the affected areas

enko at the Summit on Sustainable Development and the 70th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. The exact dates of the visit are still unknown. While the suitable moment for this visit could be April when Minsk will host the conference on the Chernobyl disaster. Besides, in 2016, the United Nations Development Programme will celebrate its 50th anniversary of its founding. Specifically in Belarus the UNDP has been operating since 1992. In accordance with the Agreement with the Belarus government, the main purpose of the organisation is to support and supplement the national efforts at solving the most important problems of economic development and to promote social progress and better standards of life. To this end, this year, no doubt, promises to become another year rich in good deeds of the UN in Belarus. By Vladimir Mikhailov

BUILDING SITE

Dwelling outlooks

The price of accommodation built with state support, for those on the waiting list, has remained unchanged since late 2014, despite the longheld premise that inflation affects all spheres. The current cost per square metre countrywide is almost equal to the average salary: Br7mln (over $460) — against an average June salary of Br6,800,000. You’ve mentioned falling prices for commercial accommodation. Truly, private builders have had to cut their profits: from huge amounts to more modest. If we covert Dollars to Roubles, we could argue that commercial accommodation has risen in price, since 99 percent of our citizens receive their salary in Belarusian Roubles.

It was initially planned to build 5 million square metres this year, including 2.5mln with state support. Not long ago, these plans were amended, so what’s the new figure? Around 4 million, including individual and rental housing, in addition to accommodation in villages and constructed to state order. This year, around a million fewer square metres will be built for ‘subsidised’ accommodation: the total figure should reach 1.5 million. The same figures (with state support) are planned for 2016. Falling volumes definitely affect construction organisations. How can this situation be changed? Everyone is experiencing hard times. Volumes have fallen significantly, as investment programmes have been cut and people lack money. Integrated homebuilding factories are especially affected, operating at just 80 percent capacity (or

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ew and second hand flats are becoming cheaper, inspiring Alexander Gorval, the Head of the Construction and Architecture Ministry’s Department of Housing Policy, to ponder whether state orders should become an alternative to housing co-operatives and whether shared-equity construction is to enjoy a bright future. The housing market is seeing prices fall for flats. In H1 of 2015, the cost of each square metre for newbuild homes fell by 16 percent, reaching around $1,200 in Minsk and as low as $800 in the suburbs.

2016 беларусь.belarus

BUILDING SITE less). They would happily export their services but our neighbours, the Russians, are also building less accommodation. Belarusians have been constructing across Russian regions but are still working to less than full capacity. Company managers are seeking out orders but, if they fail, employees must take on fewer shifts in order to keep their jobs. However, hope is not lost. We’re now negotiating with Pskov Region; agreements have been signed to build around 360,000 square metres in Kaluga Region. In recent years, long delays at construction sites have been rare. Might this problem emerge again? The key reason for delays is not criminal (as with Terrastroyinvest) but non-payment. If money is not transferred within a deadline, work stops. At the moment, there are about ten such

Some have been disbanded. This has happened at the initiative of HCCC members. Seeing that construction of their house is delayed, they seek alternatives. Meanwhile, those on the waiting list (for state support) are satisfied with the system of state order. Is this mechanism functioning properly? Absolutely. Over the past six months, 5,158 flats have been built by state order — six times more than in 2014. State orders have replaced housing and construction consumer co-operatives: capital construction managements are now building accommodation using privileged loans and selling them to people on the waiting list. Russia is planning to abolish shared-equity construction as being too ‘risky’.

Over the past six months, 5,158 flats have been built by state order — six times more than in 2014. State orders have replaced housing and construction consumer co-operatives: capital construction managements are now building accommodation using privileged loans and selling them to people on the waiting list sites in Belarus and the figure has remained unchanged over recent months. Some houses are being successfully completed while others are delayed. At least, they aren’t 150, as it used to be previously. There’s currently a ban on new housing and construction consumer co-operatives. Will it last long? No new housing and construction consumer co-operatives have been set up for two years. We help those already operational; most are in Minsk and in Minsk Region. This year, several dozen housing and construction consumer cooperatives are to come into operation by winter but no more are planned.

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We have no plans to act similarly. On the contrary, not long ago, we settled all our agreements to minimise possible risk to equity holders at legislative level. We’ve pegged payments to the National Bank’s refinancing rate for those who might decide to give up on construction plans. As a result, people will be saved from significant losses. Moreover, we’ve a few major organisations able to build accommodation from their own funds, to sell privately on the market. The use of bank loans raises the price of a new flat by around 40 percent so we plan no significant changes.

 Satellites ready for launch General plans for Minsk’s satellitecities are ready

ix such settlements are located no more than 60km from Minsk: Dzer zhinsk, Zaslavl, Logoisk, Smolevichi, Fanipol and Rudensk, with the latter being viewed as the most optimum alternative, boasting good local transport infrastructure and several industrial enterprises for employment. Much attention will be paid to developing Minsk’s agglomeration, which is related to developing satellite-cities, the Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park and the construction of the second ring road. All these have been taken into consideration in developing a new general plan. Meanwhile, the general plan is only an important document while new homes are still need to be built. At present, only one house has been constructed so far, in Smolevichi. At the end of last year, the 2016 budget was discussed at the city council’s session. In particular, participants focused on the volume of financing for a district of high-rise homes in Rudensk. 700,000 square metres of accommodation (or over 10,000 flats) are to be built there. Moreover, in line with a Governmental decree, state enterprises and joint stock companies (with a 50 percent state owned share) are obliged to build 250,000 square metres of accommodation in 2016, or around 4,000 flats: 180,000 of these square metres will be in Minsk and in the Minsk Region.

By Svetlana Devyatkova

BRANDS

flax

Our ancestors used to say that gold is harvested after flax is seeded. Several years ago, the state decided to revive the former glory of our ‘northern silk’, for use by doctors, firefighters, builders, energy workers, fashionistas and housewives.

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Fashionable

o d e r n i s at i on began with processing: Orsha Linen Mill supplies 8 percent of the global market for technical linen fabrics but was in danger of lagging behind technologically. Now, over $200mln have been injected, notes Igor Yeshchenko, who heads the Range Development and Advertising Department at Orsha Linen Mill. He tells us that the first stage of modernisation has significantly improved the quality of fabrics. He explains, “After the revamp, our factory #3, which focuses on exports, doubled its production volumes. Our 170 new knitting looms produce fabric of European standard in width and quality. The finishing factory is simultaneously being reconstructed but is already partially operational, with new equipment being installed very soon. We’ll be able to manufacture fabrics for premium clothes. However, the most interesting avenue is that of cottonised yarns, which are utterly groundbreaking.”

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BRANDS

Note  Orsha Linen Mill is the only company in the country producing linen. Over 75 percent of its produce is exported, to over 30 countries. It supplies 3 percent of the world’s linen.

Belarus is already producing fine quality, close woven linen, using a quality of flax previously used only for making bagging and hard thread. With properties similar to cotton, it’s suitable for the sewing industry, meeting buyers’ high requirements. Over 70 percent of Belarus’ flax is of this type, but new technologies have made it possible not simply to process these huge volumes of ‘less than perfect’ raw material but to use it for the most modern and fashionable trends. Those who’ve never visited the Mill’s shops may not have seen its soft linen bed covers and tablecloths, so popular at the recent Sochi Business Forum. Besides non-iron bedding and loop towels made from cottonised flax, there are sets for the banya, linen curtains and curtain lace. All are ecologically friendly and durable: an ordinary towel can survive 50-60 washes while those made at Orsha manage 300. Although modern producers aren’t usually interested in durability, Orsha Mill views this as a sign of quality. Tamara Volodko, the Mill’s leading fashion designer, asserts that cottonisation has changed the face of flax. “We’re convinced that flax beat-

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en tow is no worse in quality than that made from long grain. Moreover, it has just 1.5 percent ‘cockle’ after additional processing, allowing less creasing. Jacquard fabrics are gaining in popularity and many private firms are using them to sew clothes. Moreover, diverse forms of processing make it possible to achieve the necessary effect with Belarusian linen,” she comments. Few could have imagined that the factory would come to master knitwear, but stylish scarves are now being sewn in the experimental laboratory, as are heavy fabrics for outwear, and light companion-fabrics. In summer, Ms. Volodko’s collection, featuring linen footwear and jacquard fabrics, received the highest award at the Ples — Linen Palette Festival (hosted by famous Russian fashion designer Vya cheslav Zaitsev). The second stage of modernisation is currently in full swing, with around $50mln being spent. Mr. Yeshchenko is convinced that the firm is on the right path, saying, “Flax has received due attention, as is fitting, as our national symbol. Flax has great export potential.”

To ensure durability for your linen, observe these rules:  Wash at no higher than 40 degrees, without bleach;  Never spin, as fabric can lose its shape or wrinkle, making it impossible to iron;  Dry flat — it will do so quickly;  Don’t overdry — especially on hot summer days. It’s better to iron linen wet, using an iron with a steamer.

By Olga Kruchenkova

business

Peculiarities of one rating According to the last year rating of the World Bank “Doingbusiness”, our country has improved its position to 13 points, having risen from the 57th place to the 44th one. With this result among the CIS countries Belarus has outranked Russia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Tajikistan. sociation, Valery Porshnev, is convinced that, next year, we’ll manage to improve further, since WB experts will be able to take into account improvements made this year. It’s also expected that businesses will work alongside energy specialists to solve certain issues. “We’ve created all conditions for technological connection and have released Decree #397, enabling us to perform a range of services from one application. Many entrepreneurs still prefer the old scheme but then ‘go off the rails’ and return, to be connected. Probably, they are embarrassed by the financial issue.”

1 (1)

Singapore

47 (64)

Cyprus

2 (2)

New Zealand

51 (62)

Russia

3 (4)

Danemark

52 (63)

Moldova

53 (40)

Israel

5 (3) 44 (57) 45 (56)

4 (5)

By Polina Kononoga

In different sections of the rating Belarus has the following rates

Country

The Republic of Korea Hong Kong, China

Attitudes may vary towards the ratings, with some countries ignoring the Doing Business report. Last year, an independent committee set up by the World Bank to monitor the importance of the Doing Business report announced that its relevance and impact may not warrant the effort. Nevertheless, for many, the assessment remains important. Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has tasked his government with reaching the top twenty by 2018. Our goal is slightly less ambitious, aiming to reach the 30th position: a goal not far off.

12 (40) 34 (51)

Registration of enterprises

Obtaining permits for construction

89 (148)

57 (94)

Protection of minority investors

63 (60) 25 (145) Taxation

International trade

55 (55)

Turkey

Connection to the electric power supply system

Belarus

67 (102)

Kyrgyzstan

Registration of ownership

Ensurance of contracts execution

Italy

83 (96)

Ukraine

Receipt of loans

Insolvency process

7 (3) 109 (104)

29 (7)

69 (68)

Nadezhda Ponkratova

e’ve made a breakthrough across several positions. In particular, our country has moved from 40th place to 12th for ‘Complexity of New Business Registration’ while ‘Dealing with construction permits’ has shifted from 51st place to 34th. We’ve also managed to considerably improve our position in the nomination for ‘Getting electricity, having occupied the lowest places for several years. According to the Energy Ministry, in this year’s ranking, Belarus has moved from its previous 148th place to 89th. Deputy Chief Engineer of Belenergo As-

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GROWTH DIRECTIONS

 Trade relations gradually reviving

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Following the suspension of the EU sanctions, trade between Belarus and a range of European states is looking up, notes Vladimir Ulakhovich, the Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Evident attractiveness The International Road Transport Union (IRU) ready to provide comprehensive assistance to automobile transport initiatives in Belarus

his was noted during the meeting between Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister, Anatoly Kalinin, and the IRU delegation, led by Secretary General Umberto de Pretto. The IRU representatives expressed interest in further co-operation with Belarus. The IRU Secretary General mentioned high level of professionalism demonstrated by Belarusian trucking companies, which occupy leading positions on the international market of freight transportation services. Participants of the meeting have also discussed the development of automobile transport and Belarus’ role in ongoing integration processes in the region, the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union, and the implementation of China’s Silk Road Economic Belt initiative. Meanwhile, the possibility of Belarus becoming an important part of the Belt taking into account the rapidly developing logistics system and the creation of the Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park was also mentioned. The park may become

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a transshipment hub for cargoes being moved from Asia to Europe. The IRU representatives were informed about promising development directions of the Belarusian automobile transport industry and about the country’s transit appeal, including in view of the geographical and geopolitical location. The Belarusian side underlined the IRU’s significant role in taking care of the development of automobile freight and passenger transportation and in improving operation conditions of trucking companies. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) was founded in Geneva in 1948. It operates in over 100 countries representing interests of passenger and freight automobile transport operators, as well as taxi service operators, at the national, regional and international levels. The IRU is intent on facilitating sustainable development of automobile transport, including by means of introducing innovations and professional training of the personnel.

n part i c u l a r, according to the opinion of the BelCCI representative, Belarus’ trade relations have become more active with Spain and France. “Crisis phenomena made our partners revise their trade relations, to become more pragmatic,” Mr. Ulakhovich comments. The BelCCI Deputy Chairman sees the development of Belarusian exports as a key task for 2016. Belarus needs to expand its presence on traditional markets and to master new markets in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia, with help from diplomats accredited in Belarus. The Foreign Ministry recently hosted a meeting of heads of the Foreign Economic Activity Department, and leading Belarusian organisations involved in promoting national exports abroad, alongside diplomats, trade representatives and honorary consuls accredited in Belarus. Participants heard reports on the export and investment potential of the country, and the activity of the BelCCI and of the National Investment and Privatisation Agency.

panorama  Word in native language

 Work and payment for labour as priorities

Reading in Belarusian enables over 1,500 Minsk schoolchildren from ten educational establishments to take master classes with famous Belarusian writers

Social support of unemployed is major focus of new general agreement signed by the Government, and Republican associations of employers and trade unions for 2016-2018, during session of National Council on Labour and Social Issues

hildren’s writer Vladimir Lipsky joined popular TV host Yuri Zhigamont in October, to offer classes in Belarusian culture to second and third year schoolchildren. This month, they’ll pass the baton to publicist Tatiana Sivets and poetess Raisa Borovikova, who’ll be enthusing youngsters with both modern children’s literature and the rich legacy of our Belarusian culture, through games and discussion, rather than textbooks.

Ms. Borovikova is looking forward to sharing the world of Belarusian poetry and fairy-tales with children, saying, “You need to learn your native language from early childhood: the earlier — the better. Few speak Belarusian at home, especially in our cities, so we need to support learning. We have wonderful children’s literature and great writers. Through joint efforts, we can remedy the cultural situation currently observed. It’s a project much needed at present.”

 Second satellite soon to be ready Thw best CIS cosmos experts gather in Minsk for two days

he Head of the Russian Space Agency, Igor Komarov, has joined the Head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Lyubomir Sabadosh, and delegations from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Armenia in outlining further co-operation with the National Academy of Sciences. Belarus’ hosting of the event is significant. Our country has many times announced its interest in developing strategic avenues related to the space sphere and sci-tech production, with results already evident. Belarus joined the list of cosmic states not long ago. In 2012, a satellite was launched and, since then, some Belarusian enterprises have been fulfilling international orders: among them Integral and Peleng. The creation of the second Belarusian satellite was discussed at the Minsk meeting and Mr. Komarov commented, “We are now discussing technical details: its appearance and functions. In addition, we’re developing a business plan to study our market and the payback period.” Preliminary work should be complete within a few months and the satellite should launch in 2017. Our first satellite is successfully operating jointly with the Russian satellite, providing data to warn against impending emergencies. It is useful for forestry and agriculture, as well as the construction industry and map making.

he Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, Mikhail Orda, noted that the new agreement envisages the provision of a proper level of social protection for employees, observing labour rights and guarantees, while creating secure conditions for employment and an efficient mechanism of control. The social protection of employees will be strengthened. “Over the last year, the number of unemployed has risen,” stated Mr. Orda. “Taking into account the necessity of modernising enterprises and attracting investments, this trend is likely to continue so it’s vital to take steps to protect those who may be left without work as a result of these processes. An active employment policy is a priority. It’s necessary to increase unemployment benefits, so that they equate to the minimum wage for ablebodied citizens. We’ve expanded the range of people who are given preference at times of need for reducing personnel, such as those due to retire within three years, those who have sustained injury and those who have contracted illness while working.”

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panorama  First finish line for second ring road

 Bird school lessons begin APB BirdLife Belarus opens school of bird watching — from Dikkop to Hawk

Construction of M14 — Minsk’s second ring road — continues, with first 19km section, connecting М3 and М6, already easing two busy transport arteries (towards Grodno and Molodechno)

ikolay Matyuk, the General Director of Minskavtodor-Tsentr (overseeing the construction), explains that traffic between Grodno and Vitebsk can now avoid the capital. He tells us, “The new road is toll free, and no payment has ever been discussed. According to our calculations, 3,000-4,000 cars tend to take the route daily but the figure is likely to double.”

 Chinese characters on laptop Minsk’s gymnasium #23 enjoys special day as laptops distributed among Chinese lesson pupils

At present, the speed limit on the second ring road is 70km/h, but should rise to 120km/h at some later date. Being made of concrete, the road cannot be salted in its first year, causing a potential hazard in winter. In fact, 3km of the new section uses ‘washed concrete’ (the surface resembles sand paper), increasing tyre grip and drainage, to avoid ice coverage. Meanwhile, construction continues, with preparation and earthworks in full swing along the next section, due to connect Grodno’s М6 with the M1/Е30 Brest-Moscow road.

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he Chinese Embassy and ZTE C orporation recently made a generous present to the only Belarusian secondary school teaching Chinese culture and language. The laptops should prove helpful in enabling students to learn rules and Chinese characters, by playing exciting games. According to Marina Cheushkova, a Chinese language teacher, the innovation makes learning much easier. She notes, “By the time they leave school, our pupils have studied around 5,000 characters: enough to conduct simple dialogue, although only half the number known by most Chinese people.” The laptop donation generated a festive atmosphere, with teachers and children personally thanking the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiar y Cui Qiming, and staging a bright performance in two languages.

he once weekly classes will last for a period of three months, for those aged 12 and above, offering a study of Belarusian bird species. According to the press secretary of the public association, Victoria Tereshonok, the idea originated long ago, but has only just been brought to life. Bird watching is a popular hobby, and is environmentally friendly, enjoying popularity across Europe and America. Ornithologist Natalia Karlionova, a candidate of biological sciences and a leading research officer at NAS’ Scientific and Practical Centre for Bio-resources, tells us that children will become acquainted with all 325 bird species residing in our country. They’ll also learn about the behaviour of birds, their calls and feathering, and diet, across 10 lectures. Five practical lessons in the countryside are envisaged, allowing youngsters to try their hand at identification first hand, by appearance and song.

place FOR LIFE

John Rosman:

‘Calm, peaceful and very promising country’ John Rosman was born and grew up in New York but has realised his American dream not in the USA but in Belarus. Minsk has been his home for the past seven years, where he runs his own business, has a flat and is involved in promoting cycling.

“I

love New York, as it’s my native city. I received my education there, working as a programmer and earning good money. However, at a certain point, I understood that this city and its lifestyle weren’t right for me. New York and its outskirts lack much of a natural environment, where you can go to relax from the urban bustle. If you want a green corner, you need to purchase it. Land is privately owned, as are forests. Many city children

never go into a forest at all, only seeing berries and mushrooms in the shops. I didn’t want to have to buy my own slice of nature, so began to look for a place to live abroad,” John says. Having travelled a great deal, he eventually settled upon the Soviet Union, moving to Leningrad for four months before the USSR collapsed. John continued to live in St. Petersburg for 13 years, and then lived in Protvino for a further four: the city of physicists, in Moscow Region.

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place FOR LIFE Living in Russia, he had many times visited Belarus and had grown to feel an affinity for our country. In 2008, John moved to Minsk permanently, explaining, “It’s a safe, clean city with so many trees and large parks. I haven’t run a car since living in the USA, preferring my bicycle. In this respect, Minsk is very convenient, having wide pavements, which allow you to cycle away from the traffic. It’s a great advantage for me. Moreover, Minsk’s bicycle infrastructure is still developing.” John has founded a company involved in software development and, in his spare time, cycles round Belarus, enjoying its landscapes and sights. "It’s

America,” he comments. “Local land is private and travellers need to go by road. In Belarus, I can cycle through forest roads and villages and fields. It’s great.” John cycles all year round, as he believes it to be the most effective way of getting about and keeping fit, while preserving the ‘health’ of the environment. The only time when he had difficulties was during Hurricane Xavier, when he had to carry his bicycle through the snow. Of course, it helps to have special tyres to cope with the wet. The American admits that, in winter, in 20 degrees of frost, he receives some odd looks from Minskers. “Most feel that a bicycle is a summer mode of trans-

It’s wonderful that Belarusian nature isn’t privately owned, remaining open to the public. There are a great many beautiful places and wild corners, with no influence of civilization wonderful that Belarusian nature isn’t privately owned, remaining open to the public. There are a great many beautiful places and wild corners, with no influence of civilization. I love to gather berries and, although I’m not fond of picking mushrooms, I know them well. I’m also impressed by Belarusian marshes. I once became bogged down but escaped safely. It’s lovely that Belarus has preserved its marshes, as most are gone in the West. They help preserve the ecological balance, which is very important,” he stresses. John makes most of his trips (his ‘pokatushki’) round Belarus by bicycle; he believes that this brings far more vivid impressions than in travelling by train or bus. “Nothing similar is possible in

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port. Actually, I'm much warmer on a bicycle in winter than those standing waiting for a bus!” he smiles. Mr. Rosman is not merely an ardent bicycle lover: he has been helping develop Belarus’ c y cle movement, heading the Ecological Transport Fund and being a member of the Minsk Bicycle Society public association. John aims to develop

better bicycle infrastructure and supervises the Bicycle Kitchen: a Garage 38 project. This free public workshop for bicycle repair, in Minsk, allows any cyclist experiencing difficulties to drop in for repairs and advice. The former New Yorker is now seriously learning Belarusian. “I’m not progressing fast but I’m persistent,” he explains. John attends language lessons once a week, and also listens to Belarusian radio, as well as reading books by Belarusian classical writers. While putting down roots in Belarus, John hasn’t lost ties with his three sisters in the USA or with his brother, who is in France. They chat by email, and sometimes visit each other. John saw his sisters in America four years ago while his younger sister and brother have come to Belarus. He hasn’t started a family of his own. “I’d always planned to do so, but haven’t gotten around to it yet,” he answers shortly. The American plans to apply for Belarusian citizenship, explaining, “I’m truly happy here. I only regret that I failed to come to Belarus earlier. I love Belarusians and their tolerance: it’s such a very wise attitude. Belarus doesn’t make war with anyone — as other countries do. There is no race or religious intolerance. There are no ethnic ghettos, or areas off-limits to others. It’s a calm, promising and peaceful country.” By Oksana Mytko

YEAR OF CULTURE

Nadezhda Ponkratova

Bright palette for gourmet

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YEAR OF CULTURE

he aims of the Year of Culture are to unite intellectual and spiritual parts of society to preserve our historical and cultural legacy, to develop folk traditions, to cultivate citizens’ love towards their homeland and to support creative initiatives. There has, of course, been many examples of such fine work in previous years, however, this year special attention and funding will be given to cultural achievements and to the creation of new cultural landmarks. Alongside new initiatives, long-term projects currently in progress will be continued. Similar achievements from 2015 give a flavor of the expected activity during the year of culture ahead. Minister of Culture of Belarus, Boris Svetlov, noted, “The draft Code of Culture, which has been worked on for a long time, was adopted during its first reading at the end of 2015 and will be finally approved this year. In my opinion, the ‘Castles of Belarus’ state renovation programme has been successfully implemented. 2015 was also marked by many successful premieres of performances and films. The Yanka Kupala State Academic Theatre premiered ‘The Seagull’ which was then taken to Moscow. The theatre has also created another performance, ‘World War II’, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory. ‘The Little Prince’ ballet, created by Belarusian composer Yevgeny Glebov three decades ago, was staged at the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Opera singer, mezzo-soprano Oksana Volkova became the first Belarusian to open the recent season at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Moreover, an exhibition of works by Goya and Picasso at the National Art Museum was also unveiled late in the year.” Other cultural events of 2015 recognised the 70th anniversary of the victory of the allies over Nazi Germany in World War II. Out of respect to the many victims lost by Belarus during the war, much has been done to commemorate the memory of our forefathers who fought for the freedom and independence of their Fatherland.

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Memorial Gates unveiled at Trostenets Memorial Complex Together with Khatyn, Trostenets is a symbol of one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, a place of national and universal remembrance for the victims of Nazi genocide. Back in 2014, a site improvement programme was launched. On June 22nd, with the President attending, the Memorial Gates Monument, sculpted by Konstantin Kostyuchenko, was unveiled. New memorial plaques will be added to the Trostenets Memorial Complex in the coming years under the guidance of architect Anna Aksenova. A Memory Road has been also laid up to the Gates, with granite signs commemorating the places where the deaths occurred.

Monument sited in Volozhin at the place of the 1942 massacre On July 2nd, a memorial plaque to commemorate residents of the town, shot here in 1941-1942, was unveiled in Volozhin, at the former stadium, between Belorusskaya and Naberezhnaya streets. In 2014, the remains of 107 people were unearthed here during construction. A monument to ‘The Mourning Mother’ has been in place since 1961, a testament to the victims of fascism buried here. A plaque is situated close to the symbolic figure, reading: ‘To the memory of peaceful residents shot by the Nazis in 1941-1942’. The new memorial on the site of the tragedy has been unveiled thanks to the efforts the editorial office of the ‘Sovetskaya Belorussiya’ newspaper.

Renovated ‘Partisans’ mosaic on Tourist Hotel building in Minsk Alexander Kishchenko’s ‘Partisan Belarus’ mosaic has once again appeared on Minsk’s Tourist Hotel. It’s symbolic that the author’s son took part in its restoration. He works in the Belrestavratsiya workshops where more than half of the original work was restored. The mosaic pattern was saved by a team of professionals, headed by scientific leader Alexander Klimashonok. The mosaic

was created in 1973 and is registered on the State List of Objects of Historical and Cultural Value.

Belarusian folk art introduced in St. Petersburg and Voronezh The exhibition ‘Belarusy.by’ displaying material from the ethnographic research of Belarus in the 20th century has opened in St. Petersburg. The exhibition hall accommodates five hundred exhibits including traditional Belarusian costumes, tableware, and musical instruments from the collection of the National History Museum of Belarus. “In order to understand these people and their traditions, it is necessary to know how they lived, what they wore, and how they celebrated,” said Oleg Ryzhkov, the Director of the Museum. Last year’s cultural capital of the CIS, Voronezh, saw the exhibition ‘Art of Belarus: through the Ages’, sent by the Museum of Ancient Belarusian Culture. Its Director Boris Lazuka described how, in this new collection, Russians will see many things that were saved from churches during the time of destruction. They will also be able to admire several examples of the 18th century Slutsk sashes, worn by priests and gentry at that time. These are highly decorated and brightly coloured objects with significant cultural value. They are accompanied by examples of more commonly worn rural clothes, tableware and other everyday items.”

An exhibition of Slutsk sashes has arrived in Minsk from Warsaw Ewa Orlinska-Mianowska, the curator of the collection of fabrics of the National Museum of Poland, brought six sashes made in Slutsk in the 18th century, to the National Art Museum. Poland’s archives and museums possess 59 examples of these traditional national symbols of Belarus. In common with Belarussians, the sashes are also seen as part of the national heritage of Poland, as they were made and used at the time of the Rzecz Pospolita, a state occupied by both our nations. Ewa Orlinska-Mianowska explained in more detail, “Scientists call these belts ‘kontus-

YEAR OF CULTURE zowy’ (‘kontusz sash’), as people belted kontusz and żupan, men’s wear. They were not only produced in Slutsk. To begin with, they were woven in India, Turkey and Persia (Iran). Manufacturing was even established in Venice in Italy and Lyon in France.” The Slutsk factory was founded by Jan Madjarski in 1767 with the backing of Karol Stanisław ‘Panie Kochanku’ Radziwiłł. Workers were chosen from the local residents. In the first ten years Yan Madzharsky made 758 of these highly prized decorated sashes.

Restoration work carried out on medieval castles In January 2011, the Council of Ministers adopted the state programme Castles of Belarus. It is expected to end in 2018 when 38 sites will have been restored. Experts of the institute Grodnograzhdanproekt and research supervisor Vladimir Bochkov are engaged in engineering research and the design of the first stage of restoration of the Old Castle in Grodno. Since 2003, works to restore towers and walls of the castle have been taking place in Lyubcha. Volunteers from Belarus and abroad are participating in the programme of renovation. Plans for the preservation of 3 towers of the castle in Novogrudok are underway. As for the castle in Krevo, restoration is expected to start this year. According to Galina Balinskaya, Head of the Department of Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs of Oshmyany District Executive Committee, the restoration of the northern tower of the Sapega Palace in Golshany has also begun this year.

Archaeologists add to knowledge of the oldest church in Polotsk Up to now, it has been assumed that the most ancient church in Belarus is the Transfiguration Church in Polotsk. It boasts not only the remains of 12th century walls, but also frescos dating to the period inside the church. However, recent excavations have changed experts’ opinions about the initial shape of the church. It appears that it was considerably larger than we see it now. Denis Duk, Head of

the scientific expedition and Polotsk State University’s Pro-rector responsible for Educational Work and Yevgeny Torshin, from St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum, told us about the discovery. They revealed that on both sides of the current construction there were galleries, and in front of the main façade, an extension, which considerably increased the size of the building. During excavations, the scientist struck lucky on more than one occasion. In a crypt to the right of the main entrance they found the seal of Saint Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya, one of the foundresses of the church and monastery. The Ministry of Culture is considering how to work with the Russian restoration team to uncover more details of the ancient church help to keep this architectural masterpiece for us and our descendants.

Open-air archaeological museum created in Belovezhskaya Pushcha Soon we will have more options when visiting Belovezhskaya Pushcha. As well as the aurochs and Father Frost, it will be possible to see how our ancestors lived in 2016 B.C. Scientists from the Institute of History at the National Academy of Sciences are carrying out excavations and will create an open-air archaeological museum in the national park, the first such museum in the country. One of the designers is Vadim Lakiza, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the Institute of History. It appears that not only the auroch reigned in the pushcha, as archaeological sites showing settlements from many different eras have been discovered here.

Icons from iconostasis of Zhirovichi Assumption Cathedral displayed in the National Art Museum It’s been five years since Alexander Yaroshevich and Yelena Karpenko, experts from the National Art Museum, went to the ancient Zhirovichi Monastery in order to remove precious icons as agreed with the Belarusian Orthodox Church. They were taken off the iconostasis (screen) established in the church in 1732. They are

now at home in the National Art Museum and, for the first time since the 18th century, we can see these masterpieces, albeit at arm’s length. In their previous original setting they were at some considerable height and were mostly inaccessible, unlike their present setting.

International festivals of medieval culture held in Mstislavl and Golshany On Zamkovaya Hill in Mstislavl, on the border with Russia, one could watch duelling knights, while the streets of the former capital of the kingdom were filled with craftsmen and culinary experts from all over the country demonstrating their skills. This is the second year that the festival of medieval culture has been held here. In Mstislavl, the celebration is also an occasion to see the 18th century Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other architectural monuments. This year the festival will again take place both in Mstislavl and Golshany, where knights and tourists gather together every year. In 2015, the festival celebrated the 735th anniversary of the city’s first appearance in the historical chronicles, 610 years since the birth of Sofia Golshanskaya, ancestor of the Polish-Lithuanian royal Jagiellonian dynasty, and 405 years since the construction of the Sapega palace which was described as ‘the black castle’ in the famous detective novel by Vladimir Korotkevich.

Belarusians, Lithuanians and Poles celebrated the 250th anniversary of Michał Kleofas Ogiński and the 145th anniversary of Ferdynand Ruszczyc The 250th anniversary of the composer Michał Kleofas Ogiński, celebrated in 2015, was given particular attention by Belarusians. The estate of the musician in Zalesie was restored, while diplomat and collector Piotr Kravchenko, donated copies of 4 documents from the late 18th — early 19th centuries to the restored estate which has now become a museum. He bought the originals of these documents at

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YEAR OF CULTURE The first cards devoted to Belarusian places of Vilnius were issued

In Vitebsk streets during “Slaviansi Bazaar’

auction. The final part of the celebrations took place in Minsk. The National History Museum introduced a goblet which once belonged to Bogdan, the grandson of the musician. It is one of the few original objects which relates to the noble family, and is still held in our country. The silver goblet made its way to Minsk from Rietavas in Lithuania where the estate of Bogdan Ogiński was situated. Wherever Ferdynand Ruszczyc worked, in St. Petersburg, Krakow, Warsaw, Vilnius, he always returned home to Bogdanovo, a village in what is now the region of Volozhin. The landscapes of one’s native village and its vicinities often produce the best creative work by the artist, whose 145th anniversary at the end of 2015 was celebrated by Belarusians, Lithuanians and Poles for the first time together in Bogdanovo. After all, each of the three people are united in considering Ruszczyc as their own artist. Until recently, Belarus had just one work by the painter, ‘Near Church’. The Director General of the National Art Museum, Vladimir Prokoptsov, has curated the first album in Belarus with the works of Ruszczyc. The most important thing, Prokoptsov reminds us, is to restore the estate of the artist in Bogdanovo. Tourists can soon appreciate a new cultural centre on the former estate and restoration works are planned for this year.

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The country also acquired original works by Walenty Wańkowicz, Léon Bakst and Kazimir Malevich Walenty Wańkowicz is the 19th century artist who was born near Minsk and whose life was closely connected with the city. Until recently, Belarus had no examples of works by this master painter. A portrait of the writer Tomasz Zan painted by the artist was brought from St. Petersburg, experts had been unaware of the existence of the work which now belongs to the corporate collection of Belgazprombank, and is stored in the National Art Museum. Belgazprombank has also purchased four of Léon Bakst’s works from collectors in Russia and Great Britain; they were bought for the bank’s own corporate collection. 150 years since his birth, the master painter will be celebrated in 2016. Since 1994, the picture of Kazimir Malevich has hung in the New castle of Grodno but there remains a question mark over the artist. The Director of the Grodno State Museum of History and Archaeology, Yuri Kiturko, is in no doubt however, that the picture of a man with a shovel painted on veneer is the work of the well-known artist, who worked with Marc Chagall in Vitebsk.

The complete set of cards ‘VilniusVilnya. The Capital of Lithuania in the History of Belarus’ was issued by Minsk’s Riftur Publishing House. These are the first cards in the Belarusian language, devoted to Vilnius and its sights. Vilnius is the city where the first Belarusian books were printed in the early 16th century by Frantsisk Skorina. Here, at the beginning of the 20th century, the first Belarusian newspapers were published and the first Belarusian schools opened. The set of cards depicts 10 buildings connected with the lives and activities of wellknown figures of Belarusian, Lithuanian and Polish culture in this ancient city. *** In the Year of Culture there are plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ‘Slavianski Bazaar’. Another significant date is the 75th anniversary of the birth of Vladimir Mulyavin. There will be many more anniversaries of writers such as; the 95th anniversary of Ivan Shamyakin’s birth, the 120th anniversary of Kondrat Krapaiva, the 125th anniversary of Maxim Bogdanovich. Preparations for events devoted to the anniversaries of Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas which we are to celebrate in 2017, will be carried out throughout the year. This year will see approximately 60 international festivals and Belarusian Days of Culture all around the world in places as far apart as Russia, Laos, Vietnam, Turkey and Venezuela. Similar days of culture for Armenia, Moldova, Latvia, Estonia and Pakistan are planned in Belarus. Cultural co-operation with China is being actively developed. An exhibition of Belarusian Orthodox and Catholic icons is being prepared in the Vatican. Finally, the reconstruction of the Belarusfilm film studio will be completed. New monuments will be opened under the state renovation programme ‘Castles of Belarus’. 2016 will become the year of the popularisation of Belarusian art. By Viktar Korbut

SIGHTS

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reasons to visit Kossovo Castle One of the most recognised sights, transporting us to Belarus as a land of castles

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SIGHTS

1 Trends of past years

4 Feeling history

Travelling across Brest Region, you’ll be drawn to the picturesque cities of Pruzhany and Ruzhany. However, on the way, you should drop in to Kossovo, to see its magnificent early 18th century castle: once home to the noble Puslowski family. Kossovo Castle’s 12 crenellated towers look like chess rooks. With one for each month of the year, the four central towers symbolise the summer months. Its 132 rooms are notable for their individual design, having been decorated by once fashionable Italian artist Marconi. With intricate combinations of windows, the rooms are each only fully illuminated by the sun for two days annually.

Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who was not only an Honourable Citizen of France, and National Hero of Poland and the USA, but a general with the American army, was born under the roof of small thatched cottage. A decade ago, that home opened its doors as a museum and place of pilgrimage for those who admire Kosciuszko. Kossovo Castle is located near the great man’s estate, making a trip to both sensible planning. Why not take of tour, and find refreshment in the cosy cafe located on the bank of a small lake, trying local cuisine…

Searching for surprises

Legends abound, including that one room once had a glass floor, with a huge aquarium beneath. It’s not hard to imagine the hosts’ amusement at their guests’ reaction on seeing the chasm below their feet for the first time. Another story asserts that the family kept a lion, due to theft being rife among the servants. Every night, they unleashed the predator to wander the corridors. Many surprises were planned during construction, including an arch designed to create an echo, on the second floor of the eastern side of the castle. If you stand on a certain window and clap, a melodious sound greets you. The castle was famous for its library of 10,000 books, which were sadly lost during the First World War, during plundering. It is also said that, at night, the ghost of Kazimir Puslowski’s grandson roams the corridors, tearing his hair, shouting and running. He lost the magnificent castle at cards.

why Belarus is blue-eyed 5 Understanding

Lakes Vygonoshchanskoye and Bobrovichskoye are also worth your time, as are Oginski Canal and the remains of First World War pillboxes. Relax among tall pine trees, fish at dawn or take to the boundless woods to hunt. By German Moskalenko

3 Recollecting the feats of partisans

The second time that the castle suffered damage was at the end of the Great Patriotic War, when it caught fire during a skirmish between partisans and German Fascists. Nearby, in the middle of the marshes, there now stands a memorial to the partisans. Between 1943 and 1944, Brest partisans were based at the castle, alongside the underground regional committee, editorial office and printing house of the regional underground newspaper Zarya. Now, there’s an open-air museum of wooden houses, dugouts, a well and ‘forest school’. Partisans and their messengers were once able to travel through the marshes via secret routes; even one wrong step meant death. Now, a special boardwalk leads to the camp, pro ving popular with adults and youngsters alike. Young boys are in their element of adventure.

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beauty of cities

Historical centre both beautiful and functional Grodno is unique in Belarus as the only city to have preserved its medieval structure of streets and squares, as formed throughout the 15th-19th centuries

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oday’s historical centre of Grodno occupies 302 hectares. It is not only the centre of administrativepublic life but is busy with traffic and is a dense

residential area. Gennady Talamanov, the Head of Architecture and Townplanning for Grodno City Executive Committee, and the main architect for the settlement, tells us, “Every year, we’ve been reconstructing dozens of

historical buildings, bringing a ‘facelift’ to ancient part of the city. Over 500 municipal and private apartment blocks are located in the centre, with most having been constructed at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. Each year, we’ve been making major repairs on 4-5 apartment blocks and to the facades and roofs of 15-20 further blocks. Across 17 sites, we’ve spent Br18.6 billion, in the historical centre of the city, and have plans for seven new sites.” Grodno’s Old Castle is next in line for restoration, being listed within the Governmental programme Castles of Belarus. Meanwhile, city enterprises are sponsoring the restoration of the Lutheran church. The synagogue’s repairs are being jointly funded by the Jewish religious community of Grodno and by sponsorship. The city’s suburbs are gradually receiving more facilities, including major shopping centres. In 2005, the norm was just 262.7 square metres of retail space

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beauty of cities

per 1,000 people; now, this has almost doubled, to 519.4 square metres. Meanwhile, public catering employment has doubled over the last decade. Recently, the main city streets have been transformed, using an open plan ring road to serve outlying areas and ease traffic flow. There are two overpasses, near the railway station and Suvorov Street, and many streets have been converted to two lanes. In addition, there have been major repairs at the railway station. Public health service buildings have also received attention, being reconstructed and equipped with modern equipment. Repairs are complete at Grodno Regional Clinical Hospital and at Grodno Regional Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, and the Children’s Regional Clinical Hospital has a new building, as well as having its former administrativemedical building turned into a hostel. Grodno’s regional blood transfusion station is now operational too.

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Bytheway  In future it is planned to create the whole museum of sculptures in Kalozhsky park. At creation of exhibit items for the museum, it is planned to continue the topic of cultural and spiritual connection of the history and the modernity of the city over the Neman. Already next year it is planned to conduct the international plein-air of sculptors and to invite to it, apart from Belarusian craftsmen, authors from Poland and Lithuania.

Every year, the city acquires new facilities and services. Between 2011 and 2014, Grodno launched four more preschools, as well as two secondary schools, a spa-baths complex and two youth centres. Another school is to open its doors in September 2015, while December will see the launch of a new kindergarten in the suburb of Vishnevets. Of course, buildings should be pleasing to the eye as well as functional, with good evening illumination of facades and attractive grounds. The city is also known for its sculptural compositions, which are regularly supplemented. By Yuliya Popko

Anniversaries

Delight, art, youth... The new year sees the anniversary of the President of the Republic of Belarus’ special fund to support talented youth. It has been helping young people to progress in their chosen professions for the past twenty years, forming ‘gold reserves’ of the creative elite in the country, the special fund encourages and rewards the very best.

he anniversary celebrations took place on the impressive stage of the Nat iona l Ac ademic B olshoi O p era and Ballet Theatre. Before the concert, the Deputy Prime Minister, Natalia Kachanova, read a greeting from the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, ad-

dressed to the special fund laureates, scholarship holders and prize winners. It was a solemn and proud occasion where the families of the talented youngsters were able to enjoy congratulations and praise for their children and grand-children. To quote: “Your achievements are widely known not only in the homeland, but also far beyond, and your example serves as a

good reference point for contemporaries and an acknowledgement of the opportunities available for talented people in our country.” This is not the first time I have attended concerts by laureates, scholarship holders and prize winners of the fund. Each time, I have enjoyed the contact with the arts and admired the exceptional level of education of our

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Anniversaries

Young pianist Vladislav Khandogiy

musicians, singers and ballet soloists. I also respect their sincerity and the wholesomeness of youth. This occasion was no exception. The young winners of the republican and internation-

The anniversary concert was opened by the piano duet of Darya and Anastasia Lukashenko

patience and effort required on a daily basis to reach such high standards is truly remarkable. The organisers pointed out that the concert was special in several ways.

As well as those who recently received awards, there were also those artistes, whose names are well-known all over the world, attending to congratulate the fund on its anniversary, from the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre al competitions charmed the audience with dance, playing musical instruments, and with vocal performances. It is surprising that at such tender age, these young people can already play like experienced professionals. The

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As well as those who recently received awards, there were also those artistes whose names are well-known all over the world, attending to congratulate the fund on its anniversary, from the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre.

Charm of youth The first part of the concert was opened by the piano duet of ten-year old Darya Lukashenko and her twelve-year old sister Anastasia Lukashenko. The pair have already won musical Olympiads not only in Belarus, but also in Russia, France and Italy, having claimed first prize at more than ten competitions at international level. Last year their names were added to the database of talented youth of Belarus. The two young talents appeared on the stage almost skipping, holding hands, and beaming at the audience. Their demeanour immediately changed, becoming serious and concentrated as soon as they sat at the instrument. The hall filled with their beautiful music. Accompanied by the symphonic orchestra of the Belarusian State Academy of Music under the direction of conductor Andrey Ivanov, the girls performed an extract from the work of Aram Khachaturian entitled ‘Masquerade’. Vladislav Khandogiy, the next participant in the concert, is just several years

older than the young ladies: he is 14 and already well known to the world press thanks to his victory with the Nutcracker at the televised International young musician competition of last year. Throughout the competition, the young participants were under the continuous scrutiny of the TV cameras. But Khandogy ‘outstripped’ all the other musicians from forty-eight countries, and received not only the main prize, but also the people’s choice award. For the first time in the history of the competition the ‘gold’ medal went to a Belarusian. Vladislav does not consider himself to be a ‘star’ artiste. During the celebration he looked outwardly restrained and quiet, but this didn’t prevent him from performing an emotional piano сoncerto with the orchestra of Camille Saint-Saëns. What are the secrets of these talented youngsters? They have sincerity, childish spontaneity and the mischief about which I have already spoken. It is amazing to see these characteristics alongside adult diligence and a capacity for hard work.

Famous names Many of t h e performers at the anniversary concert already have long experience of the international stage. Among them is Andrey Kovalinsky, one of the first to receive an award from the fund in 1996. Today Andrey is known as a ‘leader’ among trumpeters of the new generation. His repertoire includes works by both classical and modern authors, while the artistry of his performance distinguishes him from other musicians. Kovalinsky tours the world with solo and chamber concerts. He has collected numerous victories at the most prestigious world contests:

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Anniversaries

Honoured Artist of Belarus Vladimir Gromov in the character of Toreador, performed couplets from the opera ‘Carmen’

Citta di Porcia (Italy, 1999), Toulon (France, 2000), Maurice André (France, Paris, 2000), Ellsworth Smith, ITG (Germany, 2000) and Tromp Muziek Biennale (the Netherlands, 2002). He is the holder of the Timofei Dokschitzer Award (Moscow, 1992), Priza Riharda Wagner (Germany, 1998) and Karlheinz Stockhausen Award (Germany, 2003). Now Andrey is a soloist in the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra in Belgium. During the evening he performed the trumpet concerto in D Major with the orchestra by Giuseppe Tartini. At the end of his performance the audience exploded with applause and repeatedly asked him to return to the stage. Yekaterina Oleynik arrived from France to participate in the concert, in order to dance the Nikiya variation from ‘La Bayadère’. The balYekaterina Oleynik dances the Nikiya variation from ‘La Bayadère’ ballet

lerina is involved in several foreign projects. She does not need any special introduction as this Belarusian ballerina is famous thanks to her many victories in different competitions all over the world. In Belarus, Yekaterina is known as a unique phenomenon: even whilst a student she was given a solo part in the Bolshoi Theatre. Few ballet dancers have such fortune at the very beginning of their creative careers. A few years later, Oleynik became a leading master of the stage, confirming her status as one of the best ballerinas in the world. She quickly won the recognition of both the European and American public. A collection of children’s clothes by the designer and Presidential Fund prize winner Veronika Kanashevich was shown to spectators in the foyer of the theatre during the interval. Her luxury dresses for young ‘princesses’ have won several design competitions and the brand ‘Veronika Kanashevich’ is now known abroad. In Belarus she is known as a ‘genius of domestic children’s fashion’. The last part of the concert was vocal. World famous hits of the classics were performed. The soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, the Honored Artiste

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Anniversaries

Scholar of the fund violinist Oleg Yatsyna

of Belarus and member of the council of the special fund, Vladimir Gromov, was the first to appear on stage. In the character of Toreador, he performed couplets from the opera ‘Carmen’. It was seven years ago that he was awarded the Frantsisk Skorina medal for outstanding creative achievements, high professional skill and merit in the development of the national culture of Belarus.

Bytheway

Designed costumes by prize winner Veronika Kanashevich

Anatoly Sevko’s bass and Yuri Gorodetsky’s tenor continue to win the hearts of fans of opera at home and abroad. At last year’s world famous Francisco Viñas opera contest, with a record number of participants — 607 soloists from 61 countries, Anatoly took second prize. He also became the holder of the highest scholarship award of the special fund for the third time. At that concert Sevko performed Mephistopheles from the opera ‘Faust’ by

The Special Fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus for the Support of the Talented Youth was created in 1996. Its purpose was to offer all-round aid to gifted children and youth, and also the formation of ‘gold reserves’ of the future creative elite of the country. In 2006 an electronic database of all winners of republican and international competitions held in Belarus and beyond was created. Twice a year the Ministry of Culture of Belarus holds sessions of expert-art commissions to select the very best. Council members consider the level of competitions, degree of professionalism and quantity of the awards won by the applicants. Thus, for the last three years, awards by the

Charles-François Gounod with ‘devilish’ vigour. Yuri is a laureate of the International Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium and a finalist of the International competition of vocalists in Canada and the USA. During the anniversary concert he sang the Nemorino aria from the opera ‘The Elixir of Love’ by Gaetano Donizetti. During his sensual performance the audience appeared bewitched and waited with bated breath so as not to miss a single note. This year’s concert was in a classical style, compared to last year’s participants who sang a variety of songs and even showed some circus performances. According to Victoria Ignatenko, the Head of the Department for the Support and Development of Cultural-Educational Initiatives of the Institute of Culture of Belarus, one of the organisers of the anniversary celebration, the Bolshoi theatre is a temple of classical art, therefore the programme for it was chosen according to the high status of the theatre and the significance of the special fund. The anniversary year lasts for longer than one day of course, in the near future, the Minsk Historical Museum will hold an art exhibition of laureates, prize winners and grant-holders of the Presidential fund. Artists will show their skills and the year will end with a big variety concert to complete the celebrations. By Alisa Krasovskaya

Special fund were given to 354 representatives of youth and 39 collectives of art creativity. In total today, the database (the Institute of Culture of Belarus) includes 834 people and 133 creative collectives. Besides record keeping, the fund regularly allocates financial aid to laureates, grantholders and prize winners, and also pays for education and training, grants and the organising of creative projects. Fund activity is under the close scrutiny of the President of Belarus. Meetings are held annually in the Independence Palace, where Alexander Lukashenko personally presents memorable awards and congratulates talented youth on their creative achievements.

TALENTS OF BELARUS

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TALENTS

Ten points for cembalo Brest’s Shirma Musical College is a true factory of talents, producing thousands of professional musicians, and dozens of international competition winners. Over 100 of its students have won scholarships from the President’s Special Fund to Support Talented Youth. Among them is Alina Yakimuk, from Brest.

lina’s friends know well that she is usually to be found at the college, as she arrives early, often at 6am, and stays late, wishing to rehearse. She’s also there at the weekend, wanting to attend additional classes. Her desire comes not just from the necessity of passing exams but from a deep need to perfect her skills: a habit she has inherited from family members. She tells us, “My four years of study have passed in a flash. I have so many friends at the college, in addition to wonderful teachers. It’s a great atmosphere. However, life continues, and we need to move on.” A member of the Folk Instrument Department, Alina plays the cembalo

but admits that, in childhood, she dreamt of playing the violin. Due to scoliosis, she had to choose between the piano and cembalo. “I was so upset!” she recalls. “A violin was bought and I saw myself as a violin player in my dreams. I awaited classes with anticipation. However, my plans failed. Why did I choose the cembalo? It’s hard to say, but my mother is a pianist so we may have decided to ‘diversify’! The piano is my second instrument.” Before college, Alina studied at Brest’s Gymnasium #4, with focus on music. It’s

no secret that many parents force their children to study music but this was not Alina’s case. She always loved music and studied with pleasure. She had no desire to give everything up, even in the hardest times, to follow her peers’ lifestyle. During her fifth years

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TALENTS

Alina Yakimuk: “My dream came true”

Alina is pleased that Belarusian folk instruments are regaining popularity of studies at school, Alina firmly decided to devote herself to music and to enter Shirma Musical College. During her third year at school, she took part in a regional stage of the Zhinovich Republican Contest of Folk Instrument Players, and came second. “I

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received my diploma but left the stage in tears. Nobody could understand,” she recollects, adding, “I was crying because only the winner gained a place at the national stage. I wasn’t satisfied. At that moment, I realised that I craved this recognition.”

As the Zhinovich Contest is only organised once every three years, she had much time to prepare. Her parents and teachers were amazed by Alina’s determination. Three years later, she won the regional contest and gained the chance to perform in the capital. Sadly, she failed to win on her first attempt but she set a new goal and, in 2012, became a laureate of the Zhinovich Republican Contest of Folk Instrument Players. She entered the Shirma Musical College without needing to pass exams, and claimed a President’s Special Fund to Support Talented Youth scholarship. “This was a great joy and honour for me. My dream came true and I have no doubt that I’ve found my path in life,” she says. The young musician has new plans and dreams now. In July, she’ll try to enter the Belarusian State Music Academy but her ultimate goal is to play with the Zhinovich National Academic Folk Orchestra. “I’ll be the happiest person in the world if my dream comes true. I also wish to lecture; it doesn’t matter where — in a school or at a college. Although salaries are modest, people take this path because they must.” She is already preparing for her teaching job, training a pupil for the second year, and hopes the he won’t give up cembalo playing after graduating from musical school. “The cembalo is a complicated instrument. Many children are perturbed on seeing it for the first time. They’re frightened of its many strings, although they master them with time. The first year is the most important, in building posture and hand position. It’s much harder to change this later,” Alina says. Alina is pleased that Belarusian folk instruments are regaining popularity, with more children taking up the cembalo. At present, just seven people play this instrument at the college while, in the past, there would be four applicants per place. Alina has no doubt that the popularity of folk instruments is reviving. By Pavel Losich

art

atiana’s costumes for performance characters are usually stylish. They are bright and always memorable. With a whiff of modernity, irrespective of what era they depict, Tatiana obligatorily invents details in her costumes which describe the characters they are intended for and influence the performance in general. She admits, it matters little what costumes are used in a show but how well they are matched to it. A costumier is always backstage; although their name is mentioned on posters few people are truly interested in who created the dresses for the performers. Last year, Ms. Lisavenko celebrated a special anniversary; with this in mind, she decided to sum up her experi-

ence by organising a personal exhibition of her sketches — hosted by the gallery of the Designers’ Union. Many actor-friends attended the show and among the guests were also the key personalities who’d played a major role in Tatiana’s career. The party was warm and friendly and the guests full of praise for their host and her work. Ms. Lisavenko recollects the day with great pleasure. Tatiana, what are your feelings looking at the reaction to the show? I experienced real feelings of satisfaction. It was nice to hear praise and appreciation of my work of course. My life is in my sketches, I love my work and it was a great pleasure to me that my joy was shared by my friends and the people I respect and love: Boris Lutsenko, Olga Klebanovich, Bella

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art Masumyan, Valentina and Alexey Yerenkovs, as well as my favourite actors, colleagues and directors. Stage directors also attended; among them were Yevgeny Volkov and Veniamin Marshak whom I view as my teachers. Were all your sketches represented at the show? Only half of them were shown. Each performance and its costumes create a separate story. Some sketches are put aside and new ones are created. Even I was shocked at how many there were! When I sat down and looked at them all and decided what should be in the exhibition it was a hard decision. Eventually, I chose sixty sketches but around the same number have been put aside for now. What was your pathway to the world of costumes in Belarusian theatre? I didn’t take the usual route into the profession but joined the theatrical sphere by chance. I’m a fashion designer by profession; after graduating from Vitebsk Technological University, I worked on my specialism at Alesya Knitwear Factory. I had joined the factory as a fashion designer as there was no other vacancy available (although my diploma was as a fabric artist and I loved to work with interiors). I realise now that this was a risk but I’m always curious about new opportunities. This feature of my character often inspires me to accumulate new experiences and experiment with new ideas. The theatrical world was not entirely new to me: my friends, the Shilov couple, work at the Young Spectator’s Theatre. Volodya is known as one of the best theatrical props designers in the country. Naturally, I often attended her premieres and was even occasionally allowed backstage. Were you already aware of the backstage life then? Yes — to a certain extent. I loved the theatre I knew; I loved people who worked there. My work with costume began with a People’s Artist of Belarus — Boris Lutsenko; he was at that time the chief director of the National Academic Drama Theatre named after Maxim Gorky. He was preparing to stage Molière’s ‘Amphitryon’ and wanted to invite a fashion designer

to help with his costume. The chief artist of the Russian Theatre, Yevgeny Volkov, recommended me, as we knew each other well. I took a risk once again owing to my curiosity, thinking more about the opportunity rather than my chances of success. The work was not difficult, I found it enjoyable and the brief was clear although I worked on the whole collection using mostly my intuition. I was well supervised by Yevgeny and everything turned out to be a success in the end, which was the beginning of my love affair with this wonderful profession. When did you realise that you’d made the right choice? I realised this immediately after ‘Amphitryon’. I was on a high after the show, I’d loved every minute of it, including the people involved in the theatre, whom I really admired. I was in awe of everything and everyone I met. After the premiere — which was a success, Boris invited the production team onto the stage, including me. For the first time in my life, I experienced the energy of the crowded hall. For around two weeks afterwards I felt as if I was walking on air, I’ve tried and failed to recapture the feeling many times since. It was a powerful moment which, figuratively speaking, connected me to the theatre and my work as a costumier. At that time, I wasn’t really interested in the salary as I was so captivated by my feelings and my enjoyment of the theatre!

Tatiana Lisavenko obligatorily invents details in her costumes which describe the characters they are intended for and influence the performance in general

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art Have you felt the same after other shows, when coming onto the stage at the end? Sadly, no, I haven’t felt the same feelings since — although many of my costumes were acknowledged as successful and I was also extremely satisfied with my work. In the course of time, I realised that theatre folk are the same as other people. They are not gods. Moreover, an artist’s work can also be routine — which is normal. What about Аlesya? Until recently, I managed to combine my work as a costumier with the development of a collection of clothes for the company. At the moment, I’m a freelancer. What do you need to achieve success in working with costumes? First of all, it’s necessary to be on the same wavelength with a director and a set designer. It is important not only to understand them but also share their vision. If this happens,

novich — had a white mask with broad white clay stripes on her head. She was initially unhappy with it but then said, “If you come to every performance and do it for me, I will agree.” It was a pleasure for me to do this. What personal characteristics does a costumier need to achieve success? Definitely, professionalism — which comes with experience — is a must. However, intuition is also needed. It’s possible to make good costumes which would meet the approval of the artistic council. However, these would not ‘perform’ as needed if an artist fails to fill them with their

Many costumes belonging to my characters could have lived their own lives and been used for a catwalk. I’ll probably prepare a catwalk show of my costumes for my next anniversary then you are on their team. The greatest number of performances with my costumes is at the National Academic Drama Theatre named after Maxim Gorky. At present, its repertoire includes 8 productions for which I designed costumes. Among them is ‘The Taming of the Shrew’; in 2016, it will celebrate its 10th jubilee. In turn, my debut show ‘Amphitryon’ was staged for over 12 years. Some directors are prescriptive about their needs, some provided me complete freedom and then listened to my suggestions. Sometimes we immediately understood each other and the process of work was fast. Sometimes it lasted for months. I was mostly lucky and I always found a common language with the directors. Even during the rehearsals, the costumes are subject to change. Actors can sometimes have opinions on how their character should look and we have to negotiate our shared vision. In the play ‘Oh Dad, Poor Dad…’ by Arthur Kopit, directed by Valentina Yerenkova — an Honoured Artiste of Belarus — Madame Rosepettle — played by Olga Kleba-

own soul and feelings. There would not be much satisfaction for the artist either. Should a play impress you? Not necessarily. In some cases, a play did not impress me itself but I was inspired to work on it. It’s important to find a thread which would connect you with a drama and to see the characters in role. Of course, when I enjoy a play then the sketches are made with true enthusiasm. This happened during my work with Gogol’s ‘Grooms’ — staged by Ms. Yerenkova. Another similar show was ‘The Colonel and Birds’ — staged at Mogilev Drama Theatre by Vladimir Petrovich.

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art What are your inspirations? In our modern times, it is the whole world and the Universe. Of course, these are also travel, books and communication with others. The Internet also cuts the time spent finding out information. The process inspires me. I once needed to find an image of a blind man who was the main character of ‘Alpine Glow’. I was driving to work and, in the Nemiga area, saw a man; homeless but looking colourful. He became the prototype for the design. Some think that an artiste and an actor should enjoy personal empathy. Can you comment?

When other actresses begin demonstrating trust? It took me some time to win the respect of some other actresses. Women are often complicated and they all want to look beautiful on the stage. I understand this and try to design clothes which would make them feel their best. How do you treat criticism? In my youth I was easily offended, but I’m much better at accepting criticism now. I was once accused of having bad taste as I designed a costume of bright pink flowers with green for my character. I love to break the rules and cause a bit of controversy. I like to take risks especially

Mosaic of Tatiana Lisavenko’s costumes

I can tell you a story from our work on ‘Amphitryon’. Boris Lutsenko invited me and said that I should work on making one rather large actress look impressive and beautiful. I was anxious about the meeting and when the actress Olga Klebanovich arrived I was taken aback, realising she wears a size 48, which is not the largest I was expecting. Her costume proved to be a success, Olga looked wonderful, she felt comfortable in the dress I designed. Since then, we have trust and sympathy for each other. It is important for a costume to be accepted by the actor. I must say, I loved to design clothes for large people as I like to break down stereotypes.

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with colours. Artists treat the colour gold with great caution but I once used gold, green and pink colours for a costume as an experiment. Olga Klebanovich’s dresses in ‘Circle of Love’ (by Maugham) were also criticised; some were of the opinion that they were too extravagant. I stick by my design as the character of Kitty will remain in my memory for a long time. Such vibrant personalities as Ms. Klebanovich and her Kitty need bright and flashy costumes. The highest praise for me is the audience’s reaction and Olga’s opinion of course. What happens when a director disagrees with your idea of a costume?

art There are issues which are exclusively under the director’s supervision. I should never interfere in their territory. If a director doesn’t like my idea, I research further and think of something else. What’s the hardest aspect of your work as a designer? For me, a director’s opinion at the first fitting is important. As a rule, I invite them as I believe that the final result will be better if they’re involved from the start and they are a valuable link between myself and the actor. It’s important for a costume to be approved at the first fitting to avoid any changes in the future. It is a tense moment but the most difficult part for me is when the actors come out in their costumes on stage. As a rule, there are no lights and decorations. A costume might ‘collapse’ as a result. I worked on ‘Vado per Vedove’ — staged by Vitas Grigaliūnas; Samuil Marshak was responsible for the scenery. When the actors appeared on the stage, I almost fainted: the costumes did not ‘work’ and looked terrible. The scenery was working against my costumes and overwhelming them. I was terribly upset. Mr. Marshak was not present at the rehearsal so I called him to explain my thoughts that there was no unity of scenery and costumes... He calmed me down — saying that everything would be okay. When the lighting was set up and some details of the scenery were shadowed the costumes worked much better. Over the course of time, I have learned not to panic and stay calm when such crucial moments occur. Have you ever had to work quickly over a costume? There have been plenty of times where I’ve even had to come to a meeting with a director with sketches ready… and they were approved immediately. I had an interesting experience when I was working on ‘Uncle’s Dream’. I had only one month to complete my work while Dostoevsky’s play was full of hoop skirts, bows and lace — which were natural for the 19th century. I love working under pressure though, I met the set director Alexander Kostyuchenko who showed me a draft. I then talked to the director, Modest Abramov. The sketches were put to work after our

third meeting. Mr. Abramov set out the brief clearly — saying that the costumes should show the different colours of an artist’s palette. In turn, Mr. Marshak (to whom I’m very grateful) advised me to play with the structure of cloths. I followed his recommendations — moving the focus point of each outfit. The result was interesting: on the one hand, the costumes reflected the epoch but, on the other hand, different cloth structures made them light and ‘alive’. What characters inspire you? What era is most interesting? It’s easier to make costumed performances from the past. I also love stylised pieces. It’s much more challenging for me to work with modern shows, the design is difficult to envisage initially particularly for the theatre where impact needs to be made through the costume. I experienced a similar situation with costumes for ‘Ninochka’. When Boris Lutsenko saw my sketches he was not impressed with the outcomes and, after the disappointment, we had to work together to create around a hundred sketches until the final ideas were acceptable and the final costumes for the characters in ‘Ninochka’ were chosen. Is it necessary to be able to sew to make costumes? Do you personally sew? I did used to work on the sewing myself many years ago but I don’t sew now. I don’t think a designer should necessarily sew themselves but should be able to understand the art of fit and be aware of a seamstress’ work. What is your personal style? A clothes designer probably comes to the fore. Many costumes belonging to my characters could have lived their own lives and been used for a catwalk. I’ll probably prepare a catwalk show of my costumes for my next anniversary. Who are your favourite designers? In the world of fashion, I love John Galliano as a personality owing to his theatrical and historical costumes. His catwalk events are always true shows. Clothes I’d love to buy would be anything designed by Donna Karan. By Valentina Zhdanovich

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FORUM

Final chord According to tradition, the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus held the Minsk International Christmas Opera Forum for the sixth time. The forum is known as both the theatre's calling card, and the cultural brand of the country. This culmination of the theatrical year also saw the second annual vocal competition.

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l nester

Ukraine and, of course, Belarus. The judges had to admit it was a difficult task to choose the very best, ultimately Nadezhda Pavlova (Russia) won the Grand Prix, while Mikhail Malafiy (Ukraine) won the 1st prize, Victor Mendelev (Belarus) came 2nd and Yelena Stikhina (Russia) was awarded 3rd. The selection of finalists was held over three stages. During the first round, contestants, accompanied by piano, performed one of the arias from a repertoire chosen by the organisers. During the second round, the participants appeared on the stage and M ikhai

hese competitions for young performers are an obligatory part of the image of large theatrical companies. Dozens of international contests, held annually, have one aim: to find new names and to help young and talented performers to master new stages, and to make creative progress. Many contestants are invited to sing in the most prestigious theatres and cultural spaces in the world, including the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus — a member of the Opera Europa Association. At the gala concert of the finalists of the 2nd Minsk International Christmas Singing Competition, the spectators heard the voices of young artistes from Russia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Moldova,

performed two arias from operas by Russian or Belarusian and European composers. The third round included a performance by the finalists in scenes with various stars of world opera accompanied by the symphonic orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre. The international panel of judges was headed by Vladimir Gridyushko, the Director General of the Bolshoi Theatre. The jury was filled with new names Winner of the such as the DirecSinging tor of the Opéra Competition Nadezhda de Rennes and Pavlova (Russia) President of the

“I serve the theatre. The specificity of my profession doesn’t allow to come in the evening, to get everything out of my head and to start doing household chores not thinking what expects you tomorrow at the theatre. No! After the performance I analyze what succeeded and what, maybe, went wrong, think over the work plan for tomorrow, which means what not to forget to say at the rehearsal. You can’t escape from it — such a profession.”

Mikhail nesterov

Chief choirmaster of the Bolshoi Theatre Nina Lomanovich

Chief choirmaster of the Bolshoi Theatre Nina Lomanovich (on the left in the photo) grants the diploma to the first prize winner Mikhail Malafiy (Ukraine). In the background — Vladimir Gridyushko, the Director General of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus

Mikhail nesterov

FORUM

Anzhelina Shvachka, the People’s Artist of Ukraine, is considered one of the best performers of Carmen in the world

Professional Chamber of Directors of Opera Theatres Alain Surrans. For the first time, the future stars of world opera were judged by Christoph Meyer, the Director General of the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, and also the director of the Opera Europe Association Nicholas Payne and Rector of the Belarusian Academy of Music, Yekaterina Dulova. They quickly found a common language with the more experienced judges and paid particular attention first of all, to vocal and professional skill as well as performance. Modern opera is not static, as it was in the past, and the ability of performers to hold the stage is important in dramatic theatre. The spectators were almost unanimous in their appreciation for the contestants and voted enthusiastically for those they wanted to receive the People’s Choice Award. To a storm of applause, the awards went to Nadezhda Pavlova and Mikhail Malafiy. It was clear that the public were pleased with the news: in the near future, the young artistes will perform in one of the performances of the Bolshoi Theatre of

Belarus, and Victor Mendelev — in the Montreal Théâtre Lyrichorégra 20. The Director General and Artistic Director of Théâtre Lyrichorégra 20 (Canada) Alain Nonat presented the special prize to the Belarusian tenor. Michail Malafiy became the holder of the special award at the international contest of vocalists in the French city of Marmande, and the Art Director of the Nuits Lyriques en Marmandais (Lyrical Nights in Marmande) music festival, Philippe Mestres presented the award to the tenor. The Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus once again gave people an unforgettable week of opera. The heart of the programme was made up of main performances staged in the theatre over the last year: ‘The Tsar’s Bride’ and ‘Carmen’ (with invited guests), opera ‘Eugene Onegin’ and the concert of young performers ‘Italian Passion’ (La canzone italiana), featuring Belarusian stars — Maria Shabunya, Yuri Gorodetsky, Ilya Silchukov and Alexander Roslavets. Venera Gimadieva, laureate of the international contests and soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia performed

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FORUM

“Tatiana’s part is my talisman. Wherever I sing the area from it, it always gets the positive reaction of the listeners.” Yekaterina Shcherbachenko — soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, laureate of international contests — in the opera ‘Eugene Onegin’

the part of Marfa Sobakina in ‘The Tsar’s Bride’. The critics variously describe her voice as having a ‘brightness and deep timbre, sparkling and soaring, with a transparency of top register with no hint of sharpness, with a warmth and velvety tone to the bottom notes’. Yekaterina Shcherbachenko, also a laureate of the international contests and soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, won over the audience with Tatiana’s part in the opera ‘Eugene Onegin’, which she herself regards as her signature role. In 2015, she received the Maria Callas award for the best debut in the prestigious Dallas Opera, performing the part of Iolanthe. The appearance on stage of Anzhelina Shvachka, the People’s Artiste of Ukraine and prima donna of the National opera, who is considered one of the best performers of Carmen in the world, caused a storm of applause. Though the artiste has travelled halfway around the world, she has never performed before the Belarusian public. In an interview with the magazine Parterre, she described the Belarusian audience as wel-

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coming and sincere. They undoubtedly also have an appreciation and understanding of music. The festival concluded with a magnificent Final Gala concert. On January 13th and 14th, the Bolshoi Theatre hosted a grand ball, leaving guests with an unforgettable impression of the rustling of magnificent ladies' dresses styled in the fashion of past centuries, cheerful laughter, the clatter of glasses, amusing conversation, beautiful music and dances from the waltz to the polonaise. As well as the Christmas festival, a grand cultural project by the Bolshoi Theatre has already become a tradition. Many of the townspeople can’t imagine the first month of the year without this grandiose holiday with ladies in evening dresses and hooped skirts, men in elegant suits, tuxedos and tailcoats. This year’s New Year ball followed the theme of Ancient Greece: it saw visitors welcomed by charming muses and, of course, the golden-haired Apollo, god of light and patron of the arts.

Mikhail nesterov

Venera Gimadieva, laureate of international contests and soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, performed the part of Marfa Sobakina. On the right: Stanislav Trifinov — the Honoured Artist of Belarus — as Gryaznov

By Valentina Zhdanovich

MEMORABLE

Secrets of letter A Another fort within Brest Fortress to open to tourists

undreds of thousands of tourists visit Brest HeroFortress annually. Gradually, the site is being restored, enabling it to open up more and more to visitors. Brest architects Alexander Zharkov and Andrey Vorobey have now 'opened' a forgotten fort, marked by the letter A. Alexander Zharkov regrets that unique Brest Fortress is so little explored. He notes that only Fort Number V is available to tourists. He tells us, “There’s a museum. In the spring, we began the 'Fortification of Brest' fund, as well as developing tourist routes and certifying guides. Why Fort A? It’s a unique construction from 1912-1915. After the war, it was used by our missile-men. It would be wonderful to create a museum there. We have so many materials from the First

World War, the Second World War, and from the Soviet period. We have a great deal to show.” Looking back at the last century, why did people construct forts? Brest-Litovsk Fortress was already falling into ruin by the second half of the 19th century. Its stage-by-stage reconstruction began in the second half of the

1860s. Nine earth-brick forts had been constructed around the fortress by 1888, creating a 30km defensive line. A new layout for development was approved in 1911, comprising 11 new forts. Each was named by letter, about 6-7km apart. By the spring of 1915, the fortress had acquired its finished appearance, and become one of the betterfitted in the Russian Empire. However, it almost did not take part in combat operations during the First World War. Some forts have been destroyed, replaced by industrial and housing estates; others were retroceded to Poland after the Second World War. Some remain today, so why not to show them to tourists? The Rubezh warhistorical club and Fortification of

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MEMORABLE

 History and art Brest’s Saved Art Treasures Museum presents Dmitry Stelletsky’s Boayrs diptych

Brest fund have been set up, and Alexander Zharkov and Andrey Vorobey are leading in this business. I recently took a tour of Fort A. In order to attract people, we need to make sure that people have access to as much as possible. Our guide split us into two groups, giving us tasks to complete. On the barricades, we looked for fragments of a map of Brest-Litovsk fortresses, from 1907, and solved riddles. We were surprised to find out that mines were deactivated during the First World War. Then, together, we released a captive. From the First World War, we passed through to the days of the Polish-Soviet War, then to the Great Patriotic War. Near a semi-caponier, we inspected old demolition works and captured a German! Next followed the liberation of Belarus, and then the Cold War. Finally, we practiced grenade throwing, before buying souvenirs. Our excursion lasted two and a half hours, during which time our guides secretly changed clothes several times, donning the uniforms of various periods of time. Alexander Zharkov hopes that running excursions will help pay for fort preservation. He notes, “There was a time when extreme sports lovers used quad bikes here. Others came to dig (il-

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legally) and, in summer, would dump old home appliances around the site. We used a subbotnik (voluntary unpaid work day) to clear the site and collect rubbish. The fort has huge potential. We could organise not only adventure games but simple sightseeing, cycling and ecological excursions.” Republican wildlife preserve Barbastella is located nearby, and is home to Europe’s largest gathering of overwintering bats. After the withdrawal of the Soviet Army sub-units, a cave microclimate was created in the abandoned buildings, with up to 95 percent humidity and temperatures of 1-5 degrees above the exterior norm. From November until March, over 2,500 bats gather there, including some listed in the Red book. Alexander Zharkov tells us that the nature protection department has been notified about planned fort excursions. He explains, “We’ve received all approvals and have detailed the precise route. It’s good that we have a bat wildlife reserve here. There are also 31 species of mammals, about 100 species of birds, including halcyons and green woodpeckers, two species of reptile and eight amphibian species. Can you imagine?” By Valentina Kozlovich

ew Belarusians are aware of Stelletsky’s work, although he is famous across Western Europe and Russia. Born in Brest, in 1875, the current exhibition is the first in his homeland. Boyars is part of Belgazprombank’s corporate collection and has been in Brest (a cultural capital of Belarus) for some time. Ales Sukhodolov, a leading specialist with Belgazprombank’s Information Policy Department, is confident that Stelletsky’s heritage is of exceptional value. He notes, “The artist often addressed historical topics, and was a bright representative of Russian modernism. We are reviving familiarity with his creativity and restoring the broken tradition.”

Stelletsky was a son of a military engineer, who arrived in Brest-Litovsk (as Brest was called at that time) to reconstruct the famous fortress. He later left the city of his birth forever, going to St. Petersburg to study. Together with Roerich, Bakst, Vrubel and Benois, he was a member of the World of Art Association. From 1914, he created works in Paris. His pieces are to be found at the Tretyakov Gallery, at the Russian Museum and, even, within Russian regional museums. Alongside Boayrs, Belarus owns The Night of St. John (depicting Kupalle celebrations) and The Fairytale. Both were bought at auction in London, in 2013 and 2014.

CINEMA ART

’Forest Truth’ taken by storm In the Soviet times, Belgoskino was not afraid to experiment

nyone who does not view cinema posters as an art form should visit the ‘B elar usian Cinematography of the 1920-30s’ exhibition, hosted by the Belarusian Embassy’s Business and Cultural Complex in Moscow. They will soon be persuaded of the cultural and artistic value in the many examples on display. The show brings together many masterpieces; European collectors are keen to pay good sums of money to buy them, as Ig o r Av d e e v — the Director of the Belarusian Cinema History Museum — comments. “We were offered several hundred thousand dollars for this work,” he says, showing a poster of the film Hatred. “It was directed by Yuri Tarich — a founder of Belarusian cinematography whose biography details an adventurous and dramatic life. The director was born in 1885 in Polish Plock, to the family of a Tsar Army colonel. He attended a Russian gymnasium in

Poland and later took part in the RussoJapanese War and WW1. In the break between wars, Yuri was exiled to the Tobolsk Province for voicing his free thinking ideas too openly.”

How did he become interested in the cinema? Yuri developed an interest in the theatre whilst in exile, performing as part of the Tobolsk Theatre troupe and enjoying huge success among the public. He was known as a wonderful dramatic artiste. He began to liaise with other actors and, as the cinema and the theatre share a single medium in acting, after the October Revolution, he joined the cinema. In 1926, he shot the film ‘Forest Truth’ based on the 1920 Soviet-Polish War, officially acknowledged as the first Belarusian movie. Crowds of people gathered in the street to visit the screening and tickets were in short supply. What about unofficial acknowledgement? I can tell you an interesting story. Belgoskino began its work on January 6th, 1925 and was aimed at developing

film production in Belarus. The ‘Kastus Kalinovsky’ movie was supposed to become the first film shot domestically; it was to be devoted to a Belarusian hero of the rebellion against tsarism, it was however, actually screened only in late 1928. The first project was a popular film on the fight against prostitution. It was made by Osip Frelif, an alumnus of the Moscow State University’s Law Department who prepared the script. The film was shot in Moscow and was screened to the public in 1926 — following the ‘Forest Truth’ movie.

Saving the collection The exhibition is devoted to 192030s Belarusian cinematography… We’ve restored the collection as best we can; the major part of it was lost during the war. When the Germans occupied Minsk on June 28th our people had no opportunity to evacuate the treasures. Moreover, the Belgoskino building in the centre of Minsk was bombarded and many valuable artefacts were destroyed. It’s taken decades to restore them, we’ve been investigating different archives — including those in Moscow. Have you contacted private collectors? There are many fans… Until now, a black market has operated in Moscow where originals are sold for huge sums of money. With the help of our sponsors, we’ve been able to purchase some items there for our collection.

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RARITIES

 In memory of a wedding Last year, the 250th birthday of Michal Kleofas Oginski — author of the famous Farewell to Homeland polonaise — was celebrated. The final and the most solemn part of the festivities took place in Minsk where a precious goblet belonging to his grandson Bogdan, went on show at the National Historical Museum.

Nadezhda Ponkrat ova

Pinocchio in Minsk Many directors have come to us for help to realise their artistic ideas. Among them was Leonid Nechaev. He’s a Muscovite but had no opportunities to shoot his films in Moscow due to great competition. He came to Minsk to film his musicals for children: ‘Adventures of Pinocchio’ and ‘About Little Red Riding Hood’ (featuring Yana Poplavskaya).

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Vladimir Vysotsky’s militar y songs… …were also performed for the first time at Belarusfilm’s movies shot by a great Belarusian director — Victor Turov — who was a friend of Vladimir. When Mr. Vysotsky experienced hard times, the director invited him to write for his film. Vladimir wrote many songs for Mr. Turov’s films; among them are ‘I Come from Childhood’, ‘Storks’, ‘Fraternal Graves’ and ‘Sons Go Fighting’. They each describe an aspect of the Belarusian soul. How many films were screened in the 1920-30s? There were over 60 of them, many having a tragic fate: after 1937, they were put on the list of prohibited films to be destroyed. As a result, around 30 movies were lost forever — including ‘Height 88.5’, vetoed by Stalin himself. What was the reason? At that time, Mr. Stalin proclaimed the Red Army as the most aggressive in the world. The film featured a scene of military exercises when, legend has it, a squadron was entrapped and had to escape. ‘Height 88.5’ was put aside as detrimental to morale and, several years later, it was destroyed. Only a single poster has been preserved. By Boris Orekhov

he silver cup is actually one of the few original artefacts which once belonged to the famous family and is now kept in our country. It arrived in Belarus from Bogdan Oginski’s home of Rietavas. Lyudmila Tolkacheva — a senior research assistant at the National Historical Museum — reveals some fascinating historical details related to the cup. “Its ‘Retow’ inscription, the Oginskis’ emblem, the date of April 16 (28) 1877, the engraved ‘In memory of the wedding’ words indicate that the artefact was presented to Bogdan and his wife Gabriela Maria by forestry staff and other workers at their mansion. The cup was unlikely to be used for drinking; it was a decorative part of the Rietavas interior. The palace was situated to the west of Klaipeda and sadly burnt down in 1909. The cup is one of the very few surviving items.” The museum’s Director — Oleg Ryzhkov — explains how the Rietavas museum was eager to own the cup but the Belarusians were the first to obtain it. Next year, the rarity will go on show in the Lithuanian city. “I’ve visited Rietavas; the city has almost no belongings of the Oginskis. We also suffer similar problems in other places. The Belarusian mansion of the magnates, in Zalesie for example, also lacks any original items. With this in mind, the National History Museum’s acquisition is truly valuable. This event at the end of the Oginski’s anniversary year is a worthy contribution to the preservation of the memory of the great musician’s family.”

VERNISSAGE

Tatyana stolyarova

In early December, the National Art Museum of Belarus hosted a fullhouse opening of an exhibition dedicated to BelarusianFrench artist Roman Zaslonov — a grandson of legendary partisan commander and Hero of the Soviet Union, Konstantin Zaslonov. Many warm greetings were offered by all those taking part in organising the exhibition, which displayed over 40 works.

From the Svisloch to the Seine

ost artists’ studios resemble on another, differing only in their location: Paris, London, New York, Chicago, Grodno,

Vitebsk, Moscow or St. Petersburg. Some studios look onto snow-covered fields or village life, or dark forests. Roman Zaslonov’s Minsk workshop faces an avenue and the grey winter Belarusian sky. Roman has split his time living in France and Minsk for two decades.

We met at his Minsk studio to chat. He welcomes me with humour, pondering the hand of Fate in his work being featured at the National Art Museum: a place he visited initially only as a visitor, to see the works of classical painters. “Who would have thought that, one

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VERNISSAGE day, it would feature a huge banner inviting people to my personal show?” Roman, how did you end up in France? In the late 1990s, I worked with a French gallery, organising several shows. I often brought pictures and, some time later, the gallery owner asked if I’d like to live and work there. While some artists move irrevocably, emigrating forever, with the accompanying rejection of original citizenship, broken ties and, often, homesickness (as happened to many artists following the events of 1917) my case is different. I travel between the two places often, and view Minsk as a permanent resident, although I’ve only spent about two years there of the past twenty. Do you have feel like you have two homes? No! On coming here, something switches on in my head, then switches off on my departure. I don’t feel that I’m going away. It’s different: in Minsk, I need to walk along the street to reach my studio and, in France, I simply need to open another door. Do you have a different circle of friends here? On coming to a new country at the age of 35, you don’t make the same friends as those you’ve known since childhood. However, a great many good people have come into my life. Over the first five years in France, we lived near Nice; now, we live in a village near Paris. People are different there, and didn’t warm to us initially. However, over time, we’ve established more friendly relations: people see that we are ordinary and have no intention of offending anyone. Picasso came to France from Spain and Chagall also moved to France. Most French artists don’t have French names these days. I’m not taking away local employment opportunities and I pay taxes obediently. Are you the only artist in your village? No. Michel Levy — a famous sculptor in the region — lives not far from

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Removal of the studio. Winter. Oil on canvas. 2012

me. On National Legacy Day, I exhibited alongside Michel at the Mayor’s Office. There was a poster up, and local residents are pleased that such good artists live in their village. I’m more eager to live in the city as I age, although Paris is complicated and expensive. Minsk is more convenient and friendly; it has warmth, which is lacking for me in Paris.

Has your lifestyle changed? Only regarding my studio, since I don’t need to go out, putting on coat or shoes, to arrive there. Tell us about your gallery, your themes and canvas sizes… Do you have deadlines to meet? I haven’t had a deadline in years, rather painting what I wish, without restriction on quantity or size.

Final rehearsal. Oil on canvas. 2014

VERNISSAGE Do you have regular customers? A picture has three stages of life. The first is in an artist’s head and in his/ her studio. The second begins when the picture goes on show — either at a Paris gallery or Belarusian museum. This is often the last for many pictures, since they return to the artist’s studio after being exhibited. If a picture is sold, then its third stage of life is launched, as it may be resold many times, which I find pleasing. I like meeting buyers via the gallery and I know many of them. Two even came to my Minsk show from Luxembourg, and had a wonderful impression of our city. They visited the Opera

as paper and a brush. It was a miracle! One of my first pictures was taken to a show and was filmed but they switched off the camera on hearing my answer to what I’d like to become, as I said a shepherd! Then I became a pupil of Mr. Tkachenko, who made me feel that I could do nothing and that drawing was a very difficult process. However, on attending Vasily Sumarev’s studio, I experienced different emotions: it was endless fun. My studies at the Institute were my next stage of development, and probably the most important. With time, I’ve realised that we learn most not from

Do you feel nostalgia? When you leave the country where you once lived, you tend to feel nostalgia for your youth. On returning, of course, you cannot conjure past times. Truly, it’s impossible to swim the same river twice. How did you find your theme? It wasn’t easy. After my military service, I had no idea of what to do. I joined Mikhail Savistky’s studio but couldn’t draw landscapes there. After thinking for a while, I decided to paint artistes I knew; that canvas is now part of my show, since everything began with it. I began to invent. Probably, time will pass and my works will change again.

The red ribbon. Oil on canvas. 2014

Theatre and tried our national cuisine. They view Luxembourg as a large village and Minsk as a major cultural centre (smiling). Roman, are you in contact with our countrymen who’ve settled in Europe? Of course. I see Boris Zaborov, Andrey Zadorin, Natalia Zaloznaya and Igor Tishin — although they work with other galleries. Actually, our past and our common alma mater help us keep in touch. We share a common past, having read the same books and having eaten the same food. How did you become an artist? It’s an ordinary story. Sergey Katkov was my first teacher, and gave me my first new box of watercolours, as well

teachers (however wonderful they are) but from friends. That time was truly golden! My time at the Theatre and Art Institute was also significant. It was known for its wonderful amateur concert parties, which were organised at the drop of a hat, in about a week, although they inspired months of recollections — until the next holiday. Many of those hooligans — Volodya Tsesler, Sergey Voichenko, Dima Sursky and others — are now famous artists. In those years, they created a new environment, giving birth to a new form of art. Sadly, all departments are now separated, being situated in different districts of the city. That wonderful environment split.

After chatting and recalling student days, we began to peruse his old works. Roman showed me large and small canvases, putting them on an easel, smiling. Those landscapes began his long path. Now, how much has been achieved. The road, grass, fields, stones and rivers, all have their own charm and significance. P.S. The museum walls are decorated with his works, featuring red-haired beauties,Mediterraneantowns,knights, flags, bright dresses, delicate glassware and thousands of other mysterious and attractive details. However, even these pictures sometimes depict Belarusian snow, woods, trees and flowers… By Vladimir Stepanenko

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Summer in winter. Oil on canvas. 2015