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Opinions & Interviews

15 May 2013

Vitebsk might become permanent venue for Gazprom’s festivals

Vitebsk might become permanent venue for Gazprom’s festivals

VITEBSK, 15 May (BelTA) – Vitebsk might become a permanent venue for Gazprom’s festivals, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller told reporters at a press conference in Vitebsk to discuss the corporate art festival Fakel on 14 May, BelTA has learnt.

“While considering Vitebsk as the venue for the Fakel festival, Gazprom top executives specified that if Vitebsk proves an excellent host for the festival, we will keep holding it there,” Alexei Miller said.

This is the first time Belarus has welcomed the Fakel corporate festival of amateur art groups and performers from Gazprom’s subsidiaries. It became possible after Belgazprom became a Gazprom subsidiary and turned into “Gazprom Transgaz Belarus”. Vitebsk was chosen the center stage of the festival for a number of reasons. “The city has hosted a lot of festivals before. It has a wealth of experience in holding big high-level events; it also boasts well-developed infrastructure that was brought in compliance with our requirements over a short period of time, and our requirements are pretty tough,” Alexei Miller said. He noted that today Fakel is an international event featuring performers from France, Slovenia, Austria and China. The festival has an inclusive nature; it aims to promote moral values, celebrate national art, support young hopefuls and encourage new trends in culture. By holding the festival in Vitebsk Gazprom hopes to strengthen friendship between brotherly nations, the Gazprom CEO said.

First Deputy Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko emphasized the high level of technical support at the festival. In his words, despite the title of Belarus’ cultural capital and many years of experience in holding various festivals, Vitebsk approached the preparation for the festival with increased vigor and diligence. Considerable investments were put into improving the infrastructure, concert grounds, and hotels. Vladimir Semashko pointed to efficient teamwork while addressing all the preparation-related matters on the part of Gazprom.

The final stage of the 5th corporate art festival Fakel is taking place in Vitebsk on 13-19 May. According to Vitebsk Oblast Vice-Governor Vladimir Terentiev, the city has welcomed 2,700 visitors, including 1,300 participants of the forum who live in Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, Novopolotsk, Vitebsk District and Gorodok District. “We have done a lot over a short period of time. This was good, well-organized and well-coordinated work on the part of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, Gazprom, and Gazprom Transgaz Belarus”, Vladimir Terentiev added. He expressed appreciation to Gazprom for financial support for the art forum.

 

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