MINSK, 2 December (BelTA) - The Colors Speak inclusive exhibition opened at the University of Culture art gallery in Minsk on 1 December, BelTA learned.
The Strong in Spirit project is an initiative born from a love of life and a belief in the healing power of art. Within the project, children with special needs collaborate with renowned artists to create paintings, genuine pieces of art. The project has become a symbol of hope for the children in all the country's social residential care facilities. According to Labor and Social Security Minister Natalya Pavlyuchenko, there are currently nine such social residential care facilities for children across the country, housing about 1,500 children.
The opening of the exhibition was attended by Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, who has repeatedly supported the initiatives of the Belarusian Peace Foundation. “The very title 'Strong in Spirit' embodies those profound meanings that have united people around both the contest and the exhibition. It is very challenging to bring people together to paint, to see the beauty of the world, and to express it in an unconventional format, yet one that, as it turns out, is accessible to everyone. This requires perseverance, patience, and strength of spirit, both from those who made the paintings and from those who guided the process. Every person who sees the exhibition will strive to be strong in spirit, to reveal the talents by turning to God. Each of us receives strength from above in response to our striving, prayer, and the shared support of those around us who care,” His Eminence said.
The Strong in Spirit project is an initiative born from a love of life and a belief in the healing power of art. Within the project, children with special needs collaborate with renowned artists to create paintings, genuine pieces of art. The project has become a symbol of hope for the children in all the country's social residential care facilities. According to Labor and Social Security Minister Natalya Pavlyuchenko, there are currently nine such social residential care facilities for children across the country, housing about 1,500 children.
“The initial idea to participate in the project and paint a picture together with the children was very welcomed. I can definitely say that everything worked out: seeing how engaged the children were in the process, how these artworks were born. It was clear that we were doing everything right. Each participant tried to express themselves, to show their hearts and the difficult journey they are going through. This project reflects the inclusiveness of our society, our compassion and empathy,” she noted.
The exhibition features 48 paintings, including 39 works by children with special needs and 9 works by adults, well-known people who have joined the Strong in Spirit project. The exhibition opened ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and represents another phase of the international humanitarian and charitable project Strong in Spirit implemented by the Belarusian Peace Foundation in collaboration with the Russian Peace Foundation, with the support of the Labor and Social Security Ministry of the Republic of Belarus.
“When we embarked on this project, we had faith that art has the power to heal, and love erases all boundaries. Now, looking at these paintings, we are convinced that our faith has taken on color. Each canvas has its own story, the story of a child that often began with serious trials. But their souls are filled with incredible light; they are grateful for every moment of this life. We adults often forget to rejoice in each day. We managed to prove to our little friends that they can become famous artists. They succeeded; they just needed a little help," said Maksim Misko, Chairman of the Belarusian Peace Foundation.
Displaying inclusive art is one of the priority areas of work, said Marina Tatarevich, Director of the University of Culture art gallery. “We sincerely believe that art has the power to unite people and makes us kinder. Our space has been open for many years to ensure that everyone can be heard through art,” she emphasized.
The exhibition features 48 paintings, including 39 works by children with special needs and 9 works by adults, well-known people who have joined the Strong in Spirit project. The exhibition opened ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and represents another phase of the international humanitarian and charitable project Strong in Spirit implemented by the Belarusian Peace Foundation in collaboration with the Russian Peace Foundation, with the support of the Labor and Social Security Ministry of the Republic of Belarus.
“When we embarked on this project, we had faith that art has the power to heal, and love erases all boundaries. Now, looking at these paintings, we are convinced that our faith has taken on color. Each canvas has its own story, the story of a child that often began with serious trials. But their souls are filled with incredible light; they are grateful for every moment of this life. We adults often forget to rejoice in each day. We managed to prove to our little friends that they can become famous artists. They succeeded; they just needed a little help," said Maksim Misko, Chairman of the Belarusian Peace Foundation.
Displaying inclusive art is one of the priority areas of work, said Marina Tatarevich, Director of the University of Culture art gallery. “We sincerely believe that art has the power to unite people and makes us kinder. Our space has been open for many years to ensure that everyone can be heard through art,” she emphasized.
As part of the project, a dedicated account was created on a messaging app, gathering the stories of the project participants and the stories of the artworks. Anyone interested can explore them. One of the participants attended the opening of the exhibition and expressed immense gratitude to the country that helps them realize their potential and to the foundation that gave them the chance to showcase their abilities to the world. The young woman dreams of putting together an exhibition featuring the paintings created by children with motor disabilities.
The opening of the exhibition was attended by Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, who has repeatedly supported the initiatives of the Belarusian Peace Foundation. “The very title 'Strong in Spirit' embodies those profound meanings that have united people around both the contest and the exhibition. It is very challenging to bring people together to paint, to see the beauty of the world, and to express it in an unconventional format, yet one that, as it turns out, is accessible to everyone. This requires perseverance, patience, and strength of spirit, both from those who made the paintings and from those who guided the process. Every person who sees the exhibition will strive to be strong in spirit, to reveal the talents by turning to God. Each of us receives strength from above in response to our striving, prayer, and the shared support of those around us who care,” His Eminence said.
The exhibition will be running until 14 December.
Photos by Tatiana Matusevich/BelTA
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