Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kropka, a Belarusian space in Vilnius known for its unique Belarus-themed souvenirs. These beautiful items are created by nearly fifty talented Belarusian craftspeople. The space in Vilnius was launched by former political prisoner Dzmitry Furmanau and his wife Volha.
During the meeting, the store’s team showed the Belarusian leader the works and informed her about the specifics of souvenir production and the meanings embedded in the store’s exhibits. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also held a conversation with the space owners and guests of Kropka.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am truly pleased to see Belarusians creating educational programs and creative spaces, opening stores of Belarus-themed items, and organizing events. Even after the trials they have faced — serving time in prison, being forced into exile, and having to start life anew — they do not give up but continue to work. And this work includes caring for the preservation of our culture and history.
Let me thank every craftsman and craftswoman — you have kept a piece of Belarus in your heart and now you are putting this soul into your creations”.
