Kyrgyzstan launches sand painting academy
The world's first Sand Painting Academy has officially opened in Kyrgyzstan, Kabar reports.
According to Director General of the Academy Zarema Abylgaziyeva, this is a unique project for the region and a large-scale platform designed to elevate this rare animation genre to a professional level.
“Although, sand painting is one of the oldest art forms, it is we, today, in the 21st century, who are officially introducing the ‘sand painting’ term,” Abylgaziyeva said at a briefing in Kabar Agency.
The Academy plans to host the First World Congress of Sand Artists and Craftsmen, bringing together representatives of this visual art from across the globe.
The highlight of the Congress will be the election of the President of the World Sand Art Union, with voting to be held during the meetings of delegates.
The Academy has also established the Zobel Prize – the first global award in sand painting, named after renowned German artist and decorator Benjamin Zobel. The prize will be presented during the Sand Painting Week Festival, with 30 artists from various countries already competing for it. A panel of experts will select six champions, each recognized in their respective field.
Another highlight of the year will be the Sand Art EXPO International Exhibition, slated for September 14-20 in Cholpon Ata. Artists, festival organizers and leading experts of the industry will gather for the event.
Earlier, it was reported that Tajikistan had launched a new development platform for children – tasvirnigor.com - featuring animated films in the Tajik language.
