“Our award is a contribution to the development of international cultural dialogue on the principles of mutual understanding and respect,” said Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Chair of the Organizing Committee of the Forum of United Cultures, opening the award. “Today’s award ceremony is a contribution to our cultural diplomacy and the further development of art that promotes peace and erases borders, and this is exactly what our Forum of United Cultures conveys.”
It is symbolic that the St. George’s Hall of the Winter Palace, whose second name is the Great Throne Hall, was chosen to honour the laureates. Thus, the organisers emphasised the national significance of the achievements of cultural figures. As a reward, they receive a small copy of the Great Kolyvan Vase, a unique work of stone carving, commissioned by Alexander the First.
“For the second year in a row, the Hermitage Prize has been awarded to choreographers (last year it was awarded to the artistic director of the Mikhailovsky Theatre ballet, Nacho Duato – RG note). The Hermitage Prize is a choreographer who today overcomes language barriers and is accessible to people of different cultures, nationalities and religions,” Boris Eifman said when accepting the award.
Polad Bulbul Oglu, who until recently held the post of Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the Russian Federation and relinquished these powers in connection with his election as a deputy of the Republican Milli Majlis, expressed words of gratitude to the organizers of the forum and admiration for the Hermitage. In honor of the award, the singer performed the famous hit from the film “Do not be afraid, I am with you!” under the arches of St. George’s Hall.
