Exhibition 'Molière without borders' in Skopje
The exhibition "Molière without Borders" opened in the Chifte Hammam Hall of the National Gallery of the Republic of Macedonia on June 16 2017.
The exhibition is part of the "Travelling Exhibitions" project of the State Institute for Culture at the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was held in co-operation with the Embassy in Skopje and the National Gallery of Macedonia.
The Director of the State Institute for Culture, Mrs. Lyudmila Dimitrova, visited Skopje for the opening of the exhibition at the invitation of the National Gallery of Macedonia. Mrs. Dimitrova officially opened the exhibition in the presence of the Director of the National Gallery Dr. Dita Kerimi and the Bulgarian Ambassador to Skopje Mr. Ivan Petkov.
At the opening, Mrs. Dimitrova emphasised the importance of art as a main instrument of cultural diplomacy, whose main purpose is the preservation and spreading of peace, harmony and mutual acquaintance. She added that Macedonia is the first country to host the "Molière without Borders"exhibition after its premiere in Sofia, and this is in line with the priorities that Bulgaria has set itself for the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, namely the Western Balkan countries.
The exhibition "Molière without Borders" is a joint project by the State Institute for Culture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Triennial for Stage Poster - Sofia. The exhibition is the first official project of the Embassy in Skopje, held in co-operation with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia in the past four years.
In their speeches at the opening of the exhibition, both Mrs. Dimitrova and Ambassador Petkov and Dr. Kerami agreed on the need to bring closer and intensify the contacts and cultural ties between Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia, the focus of which should be on the general European future of both countries.
During her visit to Skopje, Mrs. Dimitrova held meetings with Dr. Dita Kerimi, Director of the National Gallery of Macedonia and Mrs. Svetlana Slavova, Director of CIC-Skopje. In conversation with Dr. Kerami, specific projects involving both sides were discussed.
Topics that were highlighted included the opportunities for the State Institute for Culture at the Foreign Ministry to present contemporary Macedonian artists in Bulgaria, possible participation in the programme of Plovdiv 2019, the achievement of contacts with various galleries in Bulgaria, and there was interest in the possibility of presenting works by Macedonian artists. The need to step up cultural co-operation at all levels was highlighted. Also discussed, among others, were organisation of more cultural events with the participation of the Embassy in Skopje, opening of exhibitions in both countries, and co-operation in the framework of different EU projects and programmes.
During her visit, the Director of the Institute visited the new building of the Cultural and Information Centre of Bulgaria in Skopje, which was opened at the beginning of this year. During the meeting with Mrs. Slavova, Director of CIC-Skopje, Ms. Dimitrova emphasised the need for enhanced co-operation between the activities of the CIC and the Embassy, and the organisation of various events disseminating Bulgarian culture both to the Macedonian public and to the international community in the country. The possibility of co-operation with other cultural centres and institutes accredited in Macedonia, work with the EU delegation, and co-operation with our EUNIC partners, among other matters, was also considered. Bulgarian participation in the Ohrid Summer Festival, as well as the forthcoming "Bulgarian Folklore and Traditions in Ohrid", to be held for the first time, were discussed. Possibilities for implementation of projects during the Bulgarian EU presidency were discussed, as well as Bulgaria's willingness to intensify cultural policy in the region of Macedonia and the Western Balkans.