Vision: Belarus is our joint art project with you!
Mission: We create conditions for sustainable cultural dynamics, leading to continuous development and free self-expression.
What we do: We initiate. We fill. We unite.
The Belarusian Council for Culture is an independent institution, a coordination hub for the growth, self-organization and sustainability of Belarusian culture.
Table of contents and quick text navigation:
Basic concepts
Who do we work for and who helps us?
Vision, goals and principles of the BCC
Programmes
Sustainability and financial support of the strategy
Introduction (according to the manifesto “More than Culture”)
Today, Belarusian culture is not only creativity, but also a way to preserve the unity of the nation, even if the community is scattered all over the world. It has become the cement that connects people in society and politics.
Investing in culture is an investment in civic responsibility, self-expression and choosing the future. We not only create cultural products, but also form a space for growth and freedom.
Our goal is to overcome cultural stagnation and the consequences of the “lost revolution”. The task is not to save culture, but to create conditions for its growth as the basis of civil society.
We do not need new ministries, but new rules that support the self-organization of creators. Instead of vertical, we need horizontal partnerships.
It is necessary to launch a functional cultural system: education, public, promotion, expertise. And all this has an impact on politics, the economy and society. Read in full.
Basic concepts
Culture (in general) is a system of communication that unites a community through values that are transmitted through education, art, celebrations, politics, economics, upbringing and other aspects of life. Culture influences an individual’s worldview and behaviour.
Culture (according to UNESCO) is a complex entity that includes knowledge, art, morals, laws, customs and other aspects of human life in society. Culture forms a sustainable way of life of a group of individuals, determining values and ways of adapting to the environment.
Culture (according to the manifesto “More than Culture”) is a way of social action that allows a nation to define itself. Culture serves as a resource for self-organization and determines who we allow ourselves to be.
Belarusian culture is a dynamic system that influences the formation of national consciousness. It involves values, traditions, knowledge, arts and practices that create harmony in society, unite Belarusians among themselves, and distinguish us from other cultures.
Modern challenges of Belarusian culture:
- Russification;
- threat of loss of independence;
- mass emigration and repression;
- propaganda and consequences of military conflicts;
- departure of experienced creators and performers from the profession;
- lack of continuity;
- lack of funding and unclear mechanisms for finding funds.
In these conditions, culture becomes a means of self-determination of the nation and an instrument for the preservation and development of national and civic identity. It protects against challenges, contributes to the consolidation of the community, the preservation of historical memory, language and values. It is also a way of adapting to new realities and the struggle for existence.
Who do we work for and who helps us?
Our activities are aimed at those who create culture and preserve the Belarusian heritage through creativity, shaping its future. These are writers, artists, directors, musicians, researchers and educators – everyone who inspires and connects the past with the future via their contribution, wherever they are – in Belarus or in emigration.
We work together with those who help Belarusian culture flourish: with organizations and communities that improve conditions for creators, develop cultural policy, and defend rights and interests. These are independent theatres, publishing and cinematographic initiatives, music projects, cultural hubs and platforms where Belarusian ideas find a home, as well as media and research centres that illuminate and deepen the cultural topic.
Next to us are those who support culture at the international level: lobbyists, political structures of the EU and the USA, which help Belarusians remain visible in the world. And, of course, benefactors, sponsors and donors who believe in the power of culture and contribute to its growth.
All this is a large living community, where everyone makes their contribution so that Belarusian culture can be visible and have a future.
Vision, goals and principles of the Belarusian Council for Culture
Belarusian Council for Culture:
- NOT an alternative Ministry of Culture,
- NOT a labour union,
- NOT an event agency,
- NOT a money dispenser.
We are fighting for Belarusian culture to remain alive, distinctive and free. It should be a space for creativity, not an instrument of ideology. We want it to occupy an important place in society, influence change and be recognized both in the country and internationally. We are against external influences such as the “Russian world” displacing our traditions and values.
In our work, we are guided by the principles of honour, dignity, equality and openness. Belief in education, mutual support and respect for heritage are the basis of our approach.
Our mission is to unite people and efforts for a strong cultural community. We want culture not only to exist, but also to flourish: to promote cooperation between creators in different countries, create high-quality projects and develop civil society.
We strive to ensure that creators have access to resources, can work professionally and self-realize. Culture should go beyond local initiatives and be part of an international dialogue.
In three years, we want to see stronger independent projects, new partnerships and a wider presence of Belarusian culture, which contributes to the formation of national values.
Programmes
1. Culture is a priority
Problem
Culture is often underestimated as a factor in the development of society and the international image of Belarus. It is considered a secondary sphere, which limits its impact on democratic change. This leads to a lack of resources, low recognition abroad and isolation. Without a needs analysis, it is impossible to create effective support strategies.
The goal of the programme is to show that culture is not only creativity, but also a tool for social change, identity formation, politics and economics. To ensure the growth of the sector through cooperation with other spheres and the inclusion of culture in international programmes.
What do we do?
– We track trends and needs of creators in order to plan actions.
– We create platforms for dialogue, organize meetings, conduct negotiations and prepare documents for the development of the sector.
– We advise politicians so that they understand the importance of culture.
– We participate in international events, promote Belarusian creators and initiatives.
– We fight for equal opportunities for Belarusians in the cultural space.
– We cooperate with the media and business, creating new channels for the promotion of culture.
Participants
– Recipients: politicians, officials, international structures, organizers of cultural programmes.
– Partners: cultural organizations, researchers, diaspora, media and business.
In three years we expect to see:
– culture is perceived as an engine of change;
– more funding and support through cooperation with politicians, business, media and international partners;
– new funding models that improve the conditions for initiatives.
2. Integrity of the cultural space
Problem
The Belarusian cultural community is fragmented, which complicates cooperation and joint projects. Creators face pressure, isolation, visa barriers and discrimination. International connections and intersectoral cooperation are lacking, which limits growth.
The goal is to unite resources and participants, create an inclusive and safe space for collaboration, strengthen community, and overcome barriers.
What do we do?
– We support projects that connect Belarusian and foreign creators.
– We promote connections between creators and audiences on both sides of the border.
– We do not forget about initiatives in Belarus and support them.
– We create mobility and cultural exchange programmes.
– We help launch flagship projects that shape a positive image of Belarus.
– We organize forums, discussions, networking, support professional associations and infrastructure.
– We implement intersectoral projects and connect creators to international networks.
Participants
– Recipients: foreign political structures, embassies, MFAs, organizers of support programmes, festivals, professional networks.
– Partners: independent political forces, civic initiatives, Forum of Cultural Organizations, ArtPower and others.
What we hope to see
A vibrant environment of cooperation, better conditions for artists in exile, integration into international networks, and new innovative projects. All that will strengthen the image of Belarus and help the cultural space stabilize while preserving its identity.
3. Creators and their art as a value
Problem
Belarusian creators, both in Belarus and abroad, face a lack of resources for projects and professional growth. Further education and exchange of experience are poorly organized. Many work in difficult conditions without support, face legal difficulties, discrimination and problems with legalization. The lack of international connections and intersectoral cooperation hinders development.
The goal is to provide creators with access to resources, education, humanitarian and legal support. To create safe conditions for creative development and self-realization.
What do we do?
– We create financial programmes: grants, sponsorship, crowdfunding.
– We provide psychological and legal support in difficult situations.
– We organize training courses, support creative hubs, laboratories and community initiatives.
– We promote mobility: internships, exchanges and participation in international programmes.
– We build partnerships with international organizations to find resources and cooperation.
What do we expect in three years?
Creators have access to education, legal and humanitarian support, and implement projects with the help of international programmes and funding.
Participants
– Target audience: humanitarian foundations, support programmes, business and community leaders.
– Partners: Forum of Cultural Organizations, educational and human rights initiatives, Sekktor, media and international platforms.
Sustainability and financial security of the 3-year strategy
- ArtPower 2.0 project (2025–2028)
- Sub-grants to support organizations, creative projects and repressed artists.
- Meetings and networking opportunities for organization representatives.
- Educational programmes for creators.
- Finding new ways of financing.
- Advocacy to open up new financial opportunities.
- Analytical materials to support programmes.
- Projects: Club of Belarusian Patrons of Culture, Magistrates of Culture
- Assistance in financing cultural projects.
- Return (repurchase and temporary storage) of historical artifacts.
- Creating a community for financial support of culture.
- Increasing the role of culture in business.
- Development of self-financing.
- Forum of Cultural Organizations, NDF Network, Reset, EUNIC, Cultural Code
- Working with politicians.
- Interaction with representatives of the cultural sphere.
- Developing strategies for the sphere.
- Finding solutions and defending cultural problems.
- Joint projects.
- Establishing international relations.
- Educational and acceleration programmes for culture and business.
- Joint projects with other participants in the process
- Lublin 2029 – promotion of Belarusian culture from 2027 to 2031.
- Interaction with the media: art criticism and cultural analytics.
- Sekktor – a platform for discovering opportunities.
- Participation in the creation of the Institute for the promotion of Belarus.
- Cooperation in the humanitarian track.
- Commercial projects / cultural industries
Commercial projects will help make culture more sustainable. The Belarusian Council for Culture sees the following ways in its work
- Paid educational programmes and consulting for cultural organizations.
- Monetization of research and analytics.
- Sale of cultural merchandise and licensing of media products.
- Paid events and residencies that will help to self-finance.
- Development of business models for cultural initiatives.
For the entire field
- Transition to hybrid financial models.
- Supporting entrepreneurship in culture and entering international markets.
- Acceleration programmes for startups.
- New ways to earn (crowdfunding, online sales).
- Lobbying for the best economic conditions for culture.
Belarus is our community art project!
