On the initiative of the International University of Fundamental Education, for the first time in Russian and world history, the International Areopagus of the Arts ‘Apollo’ is being held in St Petersburg (October 2007) the International Areopagus of the Arts ‘Apollo’ is being held, aiming, in accordance with its name, to bring together the world’s most authoritative figures in the arts to identify the highest achievements in various art forms (literature, painting, theatre, cinema, ballet, etc.).
Apollo (Phoebus) is the Greek Olympian god, guardian of cosmic and human harmony, and bearer of the light of life. The Greek language does not allow us to trace the etymology of the name ‘Apollo’ (it is most likely not of Indo-European origin). The name ‘Apollo’ thus has an intercontinental significance.
In Greece, the Delphic (Pythian) Games (6th century BC – 4th century AD) were held in honour of Apollo, the patron of the arts.
Apollo is a musician (lyre). He is the patron of singers and musicians, the inspirer and guide of the Muses (Euterpe – lyric poetry, Calliope – epic poetry, Thalia – comedy, Melpomene – tragedy, Terpsichore – dance, Clio – history, etc.). Apollo teaches people wisdom and various arts, puts an end to strife and gives strength to the people. Apollo is the organiser and coordinator in the realm of morality and various arts.
The earliest sculptures of Apollo date from the 8th–5th centuries BC. The image of Apollo occupied a prominent place in the art of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and other historical periods (painting, music, literature, etc.).
The Areopagus – the highest body of judicial and political authority in ancient Athens (Greece). Allegorically, it represents the highest spiritual court in the spiritual realm, including the arts. A gathering of authoritative figures to resolve important matters, including creative ones.
Apollo and the Areopagus are intrinsically aligned in their core functions and exist in organic interaction. Apollo and the Areopagus are symbolic concepts that enjoy international renown and recognition.
The International Areopagus of the Arts ‘Apollo’ involves the organisation and staging of various creative events (concerts, performances, etc.) with the participation of artists from various countries around the world.
The Areopagus’s authoritative jury awards the Apollo (Belvedere) statuette, made of marble or plaster, to direct participants of the Areopagus and other international artists in recognition of outstanding creative achievements.
The award is presented in specific categories of artistic creation. The main criterion for evaluating an individual work of art, an artist’s creative output from a specific period or taken as a whole, as well as the work of a representative of any art form over a specific period or throughout their creative life, is the ability to strengthen and develop, through art, interaction between the various peoples of the world, the bearers and expressers of diverse cultures, for the benefit of everyone living on our troubled planet.
The International Areopagus of the Arts ‘Apollo’, which is a public event, has been held every two years since 2007 in various cities around the world, with the support of government bodies of various types and levels.
A special International Fund for the International Areopagus of the Arts ‘Apollo’ is being established.
An initiative group, comprising representatives from various countries and organisations, forms the Organising Committee for the Areopagus and determines, on the basis of applications and proposals received, its composition and that of the Areopagus jury. In future, the jury may be elected by the members of the Areopagus.
Address of the Organising Committee of the ‘Apollo’ International Areopagus of Arts:
Russia, Saint Petersburg
www.apollonarts.net
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