Diversity of views as a means for mutual understanding

The first photoexhibition of the “Europe from two viewpoints” educational project has started in “Peramoga” cinema. The exhibition will be open for ten days.

During a greeting speech at the opening ceremony the Advisor of the Eurocommission Representative Office on Belarus Jean-Eric Holzapfel mentioned the photoexhibition as a very important event for improving the relations between Belarus and Europe:

–        Art is an invaluable part of our relations. At the same time this event gives us an opportunity to celebrate, though a little late – the Europe Day, celebrated annually on the 9^th of May. Today we also celebrate the 50^th anniversary of signing of the Roman Treaty, which united 6 European countries. Now the EU unites 27 states. This event together with the other Europe Days allows us to raise the Belarusians’ awareness in the matters of Europe and European heritage.

 The magic of the photos – their reality

The Temporary Solicitor of Slovakia in Belarus Lubomir Regak addressed the visitors of the exhibition in Belarusian. In his view, not just the existence of the exhibition is important, but also the emotional output of photography as a genre:

– The magic of the photos – their reality. The views of their authors on one and the same thing might be different. And in this diversity a broad perspective, which allows us to understand our heritage, is formed.

Stanislav Tapalnitski, the Coordinator of Press and Information of the Eurocommission representative office in Ukraine and Belarus has noted the success of the cooperation with the Belarusian advertising agency “Hepta Group Publicis”.

“This project is very important for two reasons – it is, firstly our first experience of cooperation with a Belarusian company, which took all the organizational responsibility. Secondly, this is a great opportunity to show the European cultural heritage using such a popular means as photography, to compare Belarusian photo-artists’ and Europeans’ views on the European cultural heritage. There were no problems during the preparation, but one – from 300 pictures, submitted, we had to choose 20. This was a hard part”…

After the contest is over…

According to Janis Aizsalnieks, the head of the TACIS office in Minsk, the exhibition could be continued outside Belarus.

– After we summarize the results of the photo contest, after the exhibition is held in the other regional centres of Belarus, we will think about ways to use this photos… Information transmission by the means of art is always interesting, effective and full of emotions…

According to the TACIS coordination bureau by the Council of Ministers of Belarus, Leonid Arlou, the exhibition might be disliked.

It will have feedback!

 – A very interesting exhibition, a wide specter of photographers’ views. There are many places, I’ve seen myself, so it was interesting co compare my perception and photographer’s one. In my opinion, school and university students ought to visit this exhibition. I guess it will have feedback in heart and soul of every visitor.         

Information: “Europe from two viewpoints” project is a series of exhibitions and educational events for Belarusian school and college students. Besides Minsk, the project will be executed in every regional centre of Belarus – Gomel, Vitebsk, Grodno, Brest and Mogilev. The visitors will see Europe from two viewpoints – European and Belarusian photographers’ ones, and the participants of educational seminars will learn more about the organization , history and cultural heritage of the EU member countries.

Yulia Dranchuk

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