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“Slavianski Bazaar-2023” has concluded its vibrant kaleidoscope of events. Of course, we are not saying goodbye, but rather "See you later" to our beloved "cornflower" festival.

Summarizing its results, Gleb Lapitsky, General Director of the Vitebsk Culture Center and Director of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival, stated:

— The thirty-second festival is already history, but it is also the arithmetic of numbers. At 23 festival locations, which is two more venues than last year, over 200 events took place (20 more than in 2022). The festival is not just about numbers, but, of course, also about emotions. Our exhibition program, among other things, provides them. It was a record-breaking year: 12 exhibition projects were successfully held. The theater program was represented by seven projects. The number of accredited participants for the festival was also unprecedented: as of the morning of July 17, it was 5,806 people – a resounding return after all our pandemic "swings." The "Seven Winds" Street Art Fest alone was attended by over 100,000 people. All the numbers 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 brought together representatives from 35 countries of the world on the hospitable Vitebsk land.

— Were there also guests from Europe at 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 for everyone – our festival unites, it does not create borders.

Judging by the feedback, the new format of the Union State Days was very popular with the audience. "Slavianski Bazaar" is a project that accommodates the Union State Days, Brazil Day, and Pakistan Day, reflects Gleb Lapitsky:

— There is a place for everyone at the festival. And speaking of the Union State projects, we already discussed very in-depth issues at a round table this year, including the touring activities of student groups. You have already seen the first of these – our GITIS performance. 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 significance. The GITIS educators at the end of the theater laboratory today said with no small amount of irony: "Could we have ever imagined that we would come to the Slavianski Bazaar? The festival on the Dvina was in no way associated with GITIS for them. But today, the large "Theater Laboratory" is another successful project of the forum. Because the Slavianski Bazaar has a place for both pop music and exhibition programs – for all arts. Just like 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 the idea with the help of one of the leading universities in Russia. We are talking about a new "Instrumental Laboratory" for the festival.

"SB"