Press releases

MINSK, 21 September (BelTA) – The European Heritage Days in Belarus will be themed around the industrial heritage of the country, BelTA learned from Natalia Khvir, the head of the historical and cultural heritage protection office of the department for historical and cultural heritage protection at the Belarusian Culture Ministry.

“The European Heritage Days is a large-scale cultural campaign held by the countries that are signatories to the European Cultural Convention. Belarus is one of them. Every year, the signatory states suggest topics for this international project. The European Heritage Days 2015 in Belarus will be dedicated to the industrial heritage of the country,” Natalia Khvir added.

In her words, the matter of introducing the industrial heritage of Belarus into the present-day context, including the tourism industry, is becoming increasingly relevant. The industrial heritage forms an integral part of the common cultural heritage that is connected with the social, economic, scientific, and technical activities of people. It includes architecture and design of historic industrial buildings, their equipment, product samples, and technologies. The industrial heritage was created during the industrial and pre-industrial stages of social history. It helps maintain historical and cultural continuity.

Over the recent decades, the need to preserve the industrial heritage of the countries has become increasingly relevant and urgent, Natalia Khvir emphasized. This process has been triggered by the rapid changes in production technologies, when different countries shift from the industrial to post-industrial stage and many enterprises close down, which raises questions as to what to do with the production buildings and equipment. “At present, we observe the process of humanization of the public mind. The interest towards national, regional, and world history and culture, including industrial culture, increases. Countries get interested in using their industrial heritage for educational and tourism purposes,” the specialist stressed.

The European Heritage Days 2015 will be held in Minsk at 23 Oktyabrskaya Street on 24 September. Visitors to the event will enjoy an exhibition of vintage cars, an art fair, a graffiti presentation, a photo exhibition, and performances by poets and musicians.

The campaign has been organized by the Belarusian Culture Ministry jointly with the Institute of Culture of Belarus and with the support of the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, OOO BelRostInvestStroi, OO Mashina Vremeni, and the Papera Press printing house. Attending the celebrations will be representatives of the Culture Ministry, the Council of Europe, the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry, the cultural and educational establishments of Minsk, embassies of foreign countries, youth associations, and members of the public.