Program to revive Slutsk belts traditions adopted in Belarus

        Belarus has approved the state program to revive the Slutsk belts production technology and traditions and also to promote production of national souvenirs. The program is titled as Slutsk Belts and is designed for 2012-2015.
      The state program is an integrated system of measures to implement the state policy in the areas of preservation of traditions and development of national arts and crafts.
Slutsk belts are of great importance for Belarus designating its place in European and world cultural space. Harnessing the potential of this domestic cultural artifact as a national souvenir brand can be effective for building and strengthening the positive image of the country. The state program provides for the research into the history, artistic features and characteristics of the Slutsk belts; study of the nature and technology of production of  authentic Slutsk belts at Slutsk manufactory; and development of the proposals for their replacement while maintaining fundamental figurative-plastic features.
       The program also envisages holding international and nationwide conferences, seminars and workshops with the participation of specialists in the textiles of the 18th and 19th centuries and in modern manufacture of souvenir products; national exhibitions of contemporary folk arts and crafts and souvenirs; establishment of museums and art galleries of traditional and contemporary folk arts and crafts and souvenirs; etc.