“Slavianski Bazaar-2023” has concluded its vibrant kaleidoscope of events. Of course, we are not saying goodbye, but rather “See you soon” to our beloved “cornflower” festival.
“Slavianski Bazaar-2023” has concluded its vibrant kaleidoscope of events. Of course, we are not saying goodbye, but rather “See you soon” to our beloved “cornflower” festival.
Summarising its results, the General Director of the Vitebsk Culture Centre and Director of “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk”, Gleb Lapitsky, stated:
— The thirty-second festival is already history, but it is also the arithmetic of numbers. Over 200 events (20 more than in 2022) took place at 23 festival venues, which is two more than last year. The festival is not just about numbers, but also, of course, about emotions. Our exhibition programme, among other things, provides these. It was record-breaking: 12 exhibition projects were successfully held. The theatre programme was represented by seven projects. The number of accredited personnel working at the festival was also unprecedented: as of the morning of July 17, it was 5,806 people — a resoundinga welcome return after all our pandemic "ups and downs". The "On Seven Winds" Street Art Fest alone was attended by over 100,000 people. All figures indicate that the festival is loved and anticipated. For these few days in July, the city does not sleep; the city lives by the festival. Yes, some may say that "Slavianski Bazaar" is not what it used to be. Indeed, it is different now, more modern in some ways, but it does not lose its main essence – its soul. This year, it has brought together representatives from 35 countries on the hospitable Vitebsk land.
— Were there guests from Europe among those who attended the celebration? — we inquire.
Gleb Lapitsky begins to list:
— Italy, Spain, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia… There is no point in naming all the countries from memory, as we are sincerely happy to welcome everyone – our festival unites, it does not erect borders.
Judging by the feedback, the new format of the Union State Days has been very popular with audiences. "Slavianski Bazaar" is a project that accommodates the Union State Days, Brazil Day, and Pakistan Day, Gleb Lapitsky muses:
— There is a place for everyone at the festival. As for the Union State projects, we already discussed very in-depth issues at a round table this year, including the touring activities of student groups. The first of these, our GITIS showcase, you have already seen. Next year, we intend to continue our cooperation with GITIS, as well as with other universities and academies. The educational vector will be developed, and the festival will be integrated into all spheres of life.
And this is of great importance and meaning. The GITIS educators, at the conclusion of the theatre laboratory today, said with a touch of irony: "Could we have ever imagined that we would come to "Slavianski Bazaar"? The festival on the Dvina was in no way associated with GITIS for them. But today, the large "Theatre Laboratory" is another successful project of the forum. Because "Slavianski Bazaar" has a place for pop music, exhibition programs – for all arts. Just as 32 years ago, the festival remains true to this golden creative principle.
Gleb Lapitsky added:
— Today, we already know how we will enrich our celebration in 2024. We will strive to include instrumental creativity in the educational vector. We plan to implement this idea with the help of one of Russia's leading universities. We are talking about a new "Instrumental Laboratory" for the festival.