Timed to coincide with the International Child Protection Day, the exhibition presents over 1,000 artworks: drawings and applied art items created by children aged 5 to 14.

The concert program is in sync with the art show theme, “Fairy Tales of the Nations of the World”. Visitors to the exhibition could view drawings by children based on fairy tales and myths while the big stage offered dancing and singing performances by the winners of “Yangi avlod” (New generation) Children’s Art Festival as well as trainees and students from art schools and studios. Children dressed as American cowboys, Russian beauties, Armenian princesses and Spanish senoritas sang international hits, songs from famous cartoons and films. Also, two collections of children’s clothes – “Gardens of Babylon” and “Colors of Childhood” – that were previously showcased at a children’s fashion festival were demonstrated at the Palace.

Lidiya Nikitina, head of “Rossotrudnichestvo” representative office in Uzbekistan:

“I’m so glad to be here at the Youth Creativity Palace today where you can see lots of smiling children, so many talented children who have drawn beautiful pictures. On behalf of Russian children and adults, I want to extend congratulations to the rising generation in Uzbekistan on the occasion of the International Child Protection Day, which is now in its 61st year. We’re always happy to participate in the Fund Forum’s projects to support children’s art and contribute to friendship among nations.”

One of the highlights of the concert was the performance by “Rhythms of Uzbekistan” percussion group set up by the Hakimov brothers, laureates of “Yangi avlod” Festival. The trio has expanded up to 60 people aged 6 to 16 since the group started teaching. More and more people have been drawn to the Youth Creativity Center as it offers training free of charge. On June 1, the little musicians played Turkish tablas, African drums, Azeri, Indian and American percussion instruments.

Lyubov Georgiadis, art teacher at a children’s studio at the Greek Cultural Center:

“Many thanks to the organizers of this remarkable and kind event. It’s very well organized. Here you can see 53 works by children aged 5 to 12 from our Center. Our kids tried to draw characters from the Greek mythology. I think the organizers picked a very interesting and educational theme because while preparing for this event they read lots of books and learned a lot about fairy tales, myths and legends.”

The organizers also announced and awarded the winners of the contest who were honored with diplomas and prizes. Every child who performed received presents and felt encouraged to continue honing their skills.

Kamola Akilova, doctor of art:

“We have been preparing for this exhibition since November last year. The idea of organizing this art show was proposed by MEROS Association. We picked this theme because it encourages them to read tales of different nations, learn to distinguish between heroes and villains, draw them on paper and also contribute to the preservation of nations’ creative heritage. Looking at these works, we can say that many of these children are talented and show prospects for becoming professional artists. As organizers, we are happy that the exhibition has piqued the interest of so many people.”

The exhibition was given the goal of attracting children’s attention to oral tradition, which is a crucial component of traditional culture. Fairy tales, myths and legends contain basic notions of spiritual values. The works by children center around heroes of fairy tales, mythical creatures and magic cities. Other highlights at the event include embroidery, batic, knitted works, beadwork, mosaic, ceramics, sculpture, and stuffed toys. Made with the use of water colors, gouache and felt-tip pens, the drawings feature images from Uzbek, Russian, Armenian, Greek, Italian, Indian and African myths, fairy tales and stories.

Among other goals of the exhibition are to foster in children an interest in art, to discover talents and promising artists, to help develop tolerance and respect for other cultures.

Roksana Arshakyan and Ruzanna Taribyan, heads of “Urartu” children’s dance group at the Armenian Cultural Center:

“We believe that this sort of events are crucial because they unite children and help set up friendships among children of various nations. This exhibition is also an opportunity for them to develop their imagination and express their ideas. Here at the palace the trainees of the Armenian Cultural Center are presenting not only their pictures but also Armenian national dances which we learned at a master class in Armenia.”

On display are over 1,000 artworks and applied art items created by students and trainees of art schools and art centers in Tashkent such as such as Da Vinci art studio, Sergeli Children’s Art Center, “Ko’zmunchoq” children’s ceramics studio as well as several art studios at cultural centers.

Narine Airunts, designer:

“I came here to look at my niece’s drawings. She also likes to dance. It’s very important to help children develop their artistic skills so that they develop an interest in arts, other nations’ cultures and foreign languages. This way they would be able to better understand each other. And we, adults, can learn a lot from them in terms of making friends. It’s great to see them having so much fun here and it’s amazing that there are events where children can get together and have fun.”