NOVOPOLOTSK, 23 January (BelTA) - Novopolotsk took over as Belarus' Capital of Culture from Bobruisk, BelTA has learned.
The official launch of the nationwide campaign “The Capital of Culture of Belarus” took place in Novopolotsk on 23 January. The festive event was attended by Belarus' Culture Minister Yuri Bondar who gave Novopolotsk Mayor Dmitry Demidov a special certificate. “The year 2018 is unusual and special for Novopolotsk. The city will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Throughout the year the city will hold the activities related to the status of the Capital of Culture of Belarus. The city got it by right. Despite its relative youth, Novopolotsk is one of the largest industrial centers of the country. It cannot boast of ancient monuments but it has developed a rich social and cultural landscape. No doubt the city will support the national traditions of the project that was first held in Polotsk in 2010. More than 200 events are scheduled to take place throughout the year. They will give an impetus to further development of the city,” Yuri Bondar said addressing the residents and guests of the city.
The nationwide campaign “The Capital of Culture of Belarus” was first held in 2010. Every host city implements projects to preserve the cultural identity, popularize the traditions and achievements of the national culture, revitalize creativity, and increase tourism attractiveness. Novopolotsk has something to show and something to boast of. The city has 12 institutions of culture and art, 35 art groups that bear the titles people's, distinguished or exemplary.
The festive events dedicated to the Capital of Culture 2018 are held in many venues. The culture center is playing host to the exhibition-presentation “A Treasure Box” showcasing the achievements of the cultural institutions. The best art groups are performing on the stage of the Palace of Culture of OAO Naftan refinery which hosted the official launch ceremony for the Capital of Culture of Belarus.
The nationwide campaign “The Capital of Culture of Belarus” is held for the ninth time. Novopolotsk will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2018. It became the second city of Vitebsk Oblast to be awarded this status. Polotsk was the Capital of Culture in 2010, Gomel in 2011, Nesvizh in 2012, Mogilev in 2013, Grodno in 2014, Brest in 2015, Molodechno in 2016, Bobruisk in 2017.
