MINSK, 14 March (BelTA) – Ticket proceeds account for some 60% of the budget of the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, Director General of the Vitebsk culture center and the festival Gleb Lapitsky told the journalists on 14 March, BelTA has learned.
“It would be difficult for the festival to develop without financial assistance from the Belarusian government, Vitebsk Oblast, and the Union State. Yet the events are 87-90% self-sustaining thanks to the involvement of big, medium, small businesses and partners,” Gleb Lapitsky noted and added that ticket sales are the main source of financing accounting for around 60% of the budget of the festival.
Belarus' Culture Minister Yuri Bondar commented on the expenses of the festival. “As you know we annually hold song contests for young artists and children. The Culture Ministry earmarks money for the events because they help develop youth art and support young Belarusian talents,” he noted.
The second source of financing is the budget of the Belarus-Russia Union State. The program of the festival traditionally includes the Day of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. This year it will celebrate the music band Pesnyary and Vladimir Mulyavin and will feature artists from the former Soviet countries which is meant to emphasize the unity of the Slavic culture.
Yuri Bondar also noted that Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk brings in more sponsors and partners. “Work with partners is absolutely important. We meet with them and explain what things sponsorship funds will be spent on. I would say that our major partners provide us with targeted assistance. Among them are several major companies from Belarus,” the minister added.
In 2019, the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk will be held on 8-17 July. An opening ceremony and a gala concert will take place in the Summer Amphitheater on 11 July, and a closing ceremony on 15 July. Additional events are scheduled for 8-10 and 16-17 July. The major events of the festival will be the 28th International Song Contest Vitebsk 2019 and the 17th International Children's Song Contest Vitebsk 2019. The forum of arts will also include Theater Meetings, On Seven Winds street art festival, functions at the Vitebsk Oblast Philharmonics and other projects.
