OSCE Centre supports arts education in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAD, 1 June 2006 - A peaceful future is the theme of paintings displayed at a one-week Children's Art Exhibition that opened today in the "Art Village" of Ashgabad on the occasion of International Child Protection Day.

The exhibited pieces were produced during arts classes conducted by the local art studio "Juma," with support from the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad. The classes aimed not only to teach children to paint, but also to use art forms to express their attitudes and feelings. About two dozen children participated in the classes and exhibition, including members of an association for children with disabilities.

The paintings depict images of happy families, and of children helping their parents or playing together under the bright sun.

"I am very impressed by the young artists' imagination in depicting the world around them," said Dieter Matthei, political officer of the OSCE Centre. "Each artwork at the exhibition shows its creator's individual artistic character, and all are filled with positive spirit and enthusiasm."

At the exhibition opening, which was followed by a street chalk drawing competition, representatives of the OSCE Centre awarded all young participants with prizes such as arts supplies and T-shirts.

The OSCE Centre continues to support youth development and education in Turkmenistan.