Moscow, Russia – UPF-Russia and the Time of the Young XXI Artists’ Association organized an exhibition featuring the work of young artists to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of Alexander Ostrovsky, one of Russia’s most famous playwrights. The opening ceremony took place on November 1, 2023, at the Durasov Palace in Moscow.
The program’s theme, “Learning to Love Living for Others,” was inspired by Alexander Ostrovsky’s perspective on the importance of teachers’ love and guidance in shaping the principles that guide young people in their lives. In his opening remarks Konstantin Krylov, UPF secretary general for Eastern Europe, linked this theme to the ongoing national “2023 Year of the Teacher” initiative, stressing the role of teachers as mentors.
The exhibition featured depictions of characters from Ostrovsky's plays, as well as sketches of costumes and scenery created by students and graduates of various institutions, including the Moscow State Arts Institute, Institute of Graphics and Book Art, Academy of Watercolor and Fine Arts, Kostroma State University, Moscow Technical College of Theater and Art, and the College of Music and Theater Arts.
The opening ceremony was followed by a performance of Ostrovsky's play "Balzaminov's Marriage" by the Beauty of Truth Theatrical Troupe, directed by Marina Marinkina.
Ambassador for Peace Natalya Kostetskaya, chair of the Time of the Young XXI Association, was the primary organizer of this project, driven by her alignment with the vision of the International Association of Artists, Academics, and Creative Professionals (IAACP). Moscow City Hall arranged the use of the premises at the Durasov Palace.
This project is part of UPF-Eastern Europe's ongoing series of partner programs with prominent activists under the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace, aimed at promoting moral values and fostering a true family culture in the former communist world.
