On the participation of the International Centre of the Roerichs in the Annual Congress of Europa Nostra
 |
|
|
|
|
Between May 2-6 the functions of the Annual Congress of the European Non-Governmental Organization Europa Nostra (“Our Europe”) supporting the activities of non-governmental organizations of European states aimed at the preservation of the cultural environment and heritage of Europe, took place in Vienna. Placido Domingo, the famous opera singer and public figure, is the president of Europa Nostra. Alexander P. Losyukov, the President of the International Centre of the Roerichs and the President of the International Roerichs' Heritage Preservation Committee, took part in the activities of the Congress. Twenty seven European organizations that had realized a number of projects connected with the preservation of the cultural heritage of mankind in Europe were awarded for their activities in 2014.
During the interviews with the members of the Europa Nostra Council and the delegates of the Congress it was highlighted that the European cultural community was interested in having strong ties with the Russian culture figures and would welcome a more active participation of the Russian representatives in the activities of Europa Nostra. At present only three Russian non-governmental organizations take part in the work of Europa Nostra.
In 2010 the first Vice-President of the International Centre of the Roerichs, the Director General of the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich Madam L.V. Shaposhnikova was awarded in the category “Dedicated Work” by Europa Nostra for the reconstruction of the Lopukhins' Estate complex, a monument of history and culture in the capital of Russia.
In the conversation between Mr. Losyukov and the Vice-President of Europa Nostra Alexander von Wittgenstein the latter said that despite the recent political problems and a certain pressure upon Europa Nostra to reduce contacts with Russia, the Europa Nostra management is deeply convinced that political issues should not block the way of Pan-European cultural cooperation, since its broadening definitely creates prerequisites for the removal of political disagreements and creation of a more peaceful atmosphere in the continent.
There is a prevailing opinion in Europa Nostra that Russian culture is an inalienable part of European culture and cannot be artificially separated from it, no matter how poignant and deep the political disagreements of today might be. Europa Nostra will continue to abide by this opinion and invites Russia to broaden interaction in the field of the preservation of our common cultural heritage.
