Art patron investment gives boost to Belarusian film studio

Art patrons invested 50 billion Belarusian rubles (US$2.35 million) into Belarusian culture in 2015, according to a statement by Minister for Culture Boris Svetlov at the patrons’ awards ceremony last night.

“We have this sum thanks to the support of art patrons. Just to make it clear, this money is enough to shoot five full-length feature films and complete all the works necessary to complete the restoration of Belarusfilm Studio,” said Mr Svetlov. The renovated Belarusfilm studio is due to be completed in December 2016.

“In every area we ask for support in, the business sector is ready to help the culture sector. This happens within the framework of the public-private partnership principle,” he added, noting that several large scale cultural events, such as the “Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk” International Festival of Arts, would not be able to take place without such financial assistance.

Source: Belta (in Russian)