{"id":190208,"date":"2026-06-02T14:11:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T11:11:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/190208\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T14:11:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T11:11:15","slug":"belarusian-culture-forum-opens-in-gdansk","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/190208\/","title":{"rendered":"Belarusian culture forum opens in Gda\u0144sk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n (Pozirk's still from the video address)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

June 2, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>Poland has become the primary cultural hub for Belarusians, opposition leader \u015aviat\u0142ana Cichano\u016dskaja, said during the opening ceremony for the Ko\u015bciuszko Forum in Gda\u0144sk, Poland, on June 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her live-streamed video address at the forum, themed “Culture as a Driving Force of Democracy,” Cichano\u016dskaja thanked the European Solidarity Centre in Gda\u0144sk, which is hosting the event, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the authorities of Gda\u0144sk and the Pomeranian Voivodeship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cichano\u016dskaja also expressed gratitude to the European Commission, which has financed Belarusian cultural initiatives abroad for several years, emphasizing the importance of the EU\u2019s “unique ArtPower program.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It seems to me that a clear understanding has emerged within the European Union that culture is not something secondary, but a central element of security,\u201d she said. \u201cThank you Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, as well as the Nordic and Baltic countries, which support cultural projects and initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cichano\u016dskaja asked Polish authorities to simplify the visa process and expand opportunities for mobility, educational and cultural exchanges, residencies, and professional development for Belarusians. She warned against a scenario where it is easier for creative Belarusians to realize their potential in Russia than in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Let us remember that no dictatorship lasts forever,\u201d Cichano\u016dskaja said. \u201cAll tyrannies crumble sooner or later, but people-to-people bonds endure forever. I trust that Ukraine will win. Belarusians will regain their freedom. Poland will feel safe once again. And culture will play a key role in this.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forum featured a ceremony to honor former Polish President Lech Wa\u0142\u0119sa with the Cross of Good Neighborliness, the United Transitional Cabinet\u2019s award for contributions to Belarus\u2019 democratization and cooperation with other countries. The opposition cabinet\u2019s deputy head, Pavie\u0142 \u0141atu\u0161ka, presented the award to the Polish politician\u2019s son, Bogdan Wa\u0142\u0119sa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the European Solidarity Centre\u2019s Solidarity Prize was presented at the forum to Belarusian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ale\u015b Bialacki, head of the Viasna Human Rights Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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