Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 3 May (BelTA) – The international arts festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk continues to gain popularity worldwide, director of the forum and head of the World Association of Festivals Alexander Sidorenko told journalists on 3 May, BelTA has learned.

This year, the organizers received a record high number of applications from performers from different countries, including amateurs and professionals. Alexander Sidorenko pointed out that the organizers are trying to find ways to make the festival more accessible for a greater number of spectators. Outdoor venues will be used for this purpose.

The Slavonic Bazaar song contest enjoys a growing interest from performers. Singers from Columbia and Argentina will take part in the contest for the first time this year. A representative of Mexico won the Slavonic Bazaar contest a couple of years ago, which spurred interest from Latin American countries.

The 25th edition of the arts festival is expected to gather a record number of participants. Last year, the forum brought together performers from 42 countries.

A special session of directors of the World Association of Festivals will be held in Vitebsk as part of the festival. It will include a ceremony to accept new members to the organization. International festivals held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Lithuania and Malta are among candidates for joining the World Association of Festivals.

Director of the arts festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Alexander Sidorenko was elected president of the World Association of Festivals in 2015.