Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the Venice Biennale — one of the oldest and most prestigious international exhibitions of contemporary art in the world. This year it features the exhibition “Official. Unofficial. Belarus”, created by the Belarus Free Theatre. The exhibition presents the truth about contemporary Belarus through symbols of censorship, the voices of political prisoners, images of total control, and the lived experience of life under systemic pressure. The key message is that Belarusian culture exists not thanks to the state, but in spite of it.
Cultural diplomacy is becoming one of the most powerful tools of support for Belarus. Through such projects, Belarusians have the opportunity not only to preserve their identity but also to share their culture, talent, and resilience with the world.
The creators include:
- Natalia Kaliada, co-founding Artistic Director of the Belarus Free Theatre;
- Mikalai Khalezin, co-founding Artistic Director of the Belarus Free Theatre;
- Daniella Kaliada, curator of the exhibition;
- Siarhei Hrynevich, artist;
- Volha Padhaiskaya, composer;
- Vladimir Tsesler, artist.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today, Belarusian culture is not only about art. It is about resistance and the right to be heard. At the Venice Biennale, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and sets global trends, Belarus is represented through a full pavilion.
I am impressed by the depth and courage of this exhibition. It shows that Belarusian culture lives and develops despite everything. I thank every member of the Belarus Free Theatre and every participant who brings the truth about Belarus to the world. You are an example of true love for your country and its culture.
Today, Belarusian culture is presented at one of the world’s most important art events — and that is a reason for pride. Here in Venice, it is seen, heard, and felt by people from all over the world. And this further demonstrates how talented Belarusians are”.
