Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador
Renovating the office is traditionally the first task undertaken by every new minister. This informal tradition has been followed by ministers in Belarus since Soviet times. When I became Minister of Culture, my predecessor, Vladimir Matveychuk, even allocated a budget of approximately 11 thousand euros for this purpose. The office was truly in need of renovation. It was uncomfortable, with outdated Soviet-era cabinets that had worn out over time. Many of the interior items in the office dated back to the time of Yuri Mikhnevich, the Minister of Culture of the BSSR, who held the position for almost 20 years.
In this regard, I made a fundamental decision: I would not start my work as minister by renovating the office. It was not the office itself that needed renovation, but rather the approach to financing the entire cultural sphere. This is where the focus of our financial resources needed to be directed. Therefore, the office repairs were postponed and only took place after two and a half years.
During that time, we initiated innovative funding for culture. We implemented the state program "Castles of Belarus," which involved the restoration of more than 30 palaces and castles throughout our country. We also launched a program for the restoration, reconstruction, and repair of all 27 state theaters in the country. This program was part of the new state initiative, "Culture of Belarus 2010-2015," which significantly increased additional funding for culture in the regions. Furthermore, we reimbursed the debt owed to Belarusian artists, quadrupled additional funding for premier theater productions, and successfully implemented many other vital projects.
During the renovation, the old furniture and Soviet lacquered cabinets were removed, reminiscent of scenes from Soviet films. This left a large empty space on the wall that needed to be filled. I decided to find something iconic and symbolic, representing our national understanding of culture. It was a conscious decision to place the painting "Kastus Kalinouski" by Gugel and Kudrevich (1958) in the minister's office.
When the painting was displayed in the office, I told my team that after such an update, any foreign ambassador could be received there with dignity. And indeed, when visitors came to the Ministry, to the minister's office, they paid genuine attention to this artwork. There were numerous foreign guests, including ambassadors from China, Palestine, Ukraine, Lithuania, fellow ministers from around the world, as well as partners and philanthropists.
However, I remember remarking to my colleagues at the Ministry that while any foreign ambassador could be received with dignity in this setting, it was unlikely that the Russian ambassador would visit the minister's office after the painting was installed. And so it happened: the Russian ambassador never had an opportunity to see the artwork.
The figure of Kastus Kalinouski holds special significance in Belarusian history and culture. The uprising led by Kastus Kalinouski serves as a testament to the strength of the Belarusian people, their ability to fight for their rights and advocate for the freedom and independence of their country. Belarus has faced difficult moments in its history, but we have reclaimed our independence and become a sovereign nation.
Yes, history played a cruel trick on us in 1994, but that does not signify the end. It signifies that the Belarusian spirit needs to rise once again, just as it did in 1863, to confront and resolve this issue once and for all.