By Nina Mozheiko: Now the Belarusian art has its own national award. The first award ceremony in the country was held today in the Minsk Palace of Arts. Professional artists took part in the contest. According to the contest’s rules, they provided works made in the last 3 years. A professional jury chose the winners in different types, genres and techniques – all in all, there are 10 nominations.
Back in August 2016, the Ministry of Culture proposed the idea of Belarus having its National Award in Fine Arts. Now, every 3 years, professional Belarusian artists will receive awards from the state.
The news has stirred up domestic art space. In one month, dozens of applications came in from all over the country to the Ministry of Culture. The selection committee narrowed the list of applicants to 63.
The jury of the contest includes true experts of their field. 20 professionals had to assess their co-workers. Artists of all ranks were competing – both mature professionals and newcomers.
The Awards prizes were made of glass by the creative duo of Timashkov and Pirogov. Their 3 metre sculpture Embrace has become an example of the Belarusian land art.
One of the first prizes was received by an artist who is now in the top five masters of the world and works in the ancient Byzantine technique of enamel art. It was him who helped revive the Cross of Saint Euphrosyne. Sergey Belookiy, the innovator of our time, also received an award. Philanthropists who support contemporary art were noted, too. Contemporary art is now going through a Renaissance of sorts.
