OSCE Mission to Moldova enhances dialogue between art students from both banks of Dniester/Nistru River and promotes culture of peace among youth

Art students and teaching staff of "Alexandru Plamadeala" Republican College of Fine Arts from Chisinau and "Victor Postoikin" Higher Education Art College in Bender took part in a four-day plein air, held in Old Orhei, 13-16 June, 2023. (OSCE/Asthic Israelean) Photo details

Between 13 and 16 June, art students and teaching staff of "Alexandru Plamadeala" Republican College of Fine Arts from Chisinau and "Victor Postoikin" Higher Education Art College in Bender took part in a four-day plein air, held in Old Orhei.

Over the four days of the plein air activity, 20 young women and men had the opportunity to express themselves on the topic of peace, thus contributing to peacebuilding through their own views. The students used modern IT artistic methods, as well as unique ancient art techniques, enhancing their practical skills through experts' instruction and individual coaching. Their creative works will be displayed in art exhibitions in both Chisinau and Tiraspol later this year.

"Peace is when people are happy together, and each individual is also happy on his own. Peace is when we respect each other, when everyone is willing to co-operate and create a friendly atmosphere, whether it is a conversation in a small company or among all the inhabitants of the Earth," said Daria Ponamorenko, student of "Victor Postoikin" Higher Education Art College.

"During the activity, I have had a wonderful experience, which enabled me to get out of my comfort zone", another participant, student of "Alexandru Plamadeala" Republican College of Fine Arts. Ludmila Negara noted.

The Mission has engaged art students and teaching staff into a series of joint educational events since May 2023. More than 40 students of art colleges from both banks of Dniester/Nistru River have participated in four practical workshops on graphic design, graphic illustration, levkas art (painting of iconography) and stained glass. The educational events gave students the opportunities to learn and experiment with new skills, but also establish and engage with new contacts. Art teachers Ion Nita, Luminita Ermurachi, Svetlana Nazarova and Anastasia Svet conducted the workshops, designed to provide a supportive and inspiring environment.

The events were organized within the framework of the Mission's project "Peace Through Art on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River", aimed at building confidence and trust between the art community from both banks.