New Semester in the Helena Roerich Academy of Arts started in April 2014

In April 2014 the Helena Roerich Academy of Arts for Children started a new semester in the recently repaired two-storied building acquired by the Trust about 10 years ago and which remained unused for a long time. The young residents of Naggar and surrounding villages have got a wonderful opportunity to study art in the comfortable, spacious and light halls. After the solemn speeches, the students and young teachers of the Academy performed Sarasvati Vandana, a prayer to the Goddess of learning, patroness of art, science and creative expression, and the Academy started its work.  

In the Academy one can join the classes of painting, Indian classical and modern dance and traditional musical instruments. The students also learn Russian songs and dances, stage musical plays and participate in the cultural programmes organized on the IRMT memorial days. Thus, in 2015 the students and teachers of the Academy took part in the celebrations of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 80th anniversary of the Roerich Pact, and in the October celebrations of the anniversaries of Nicholas and Svetoslav Roerich. Along with the students of the Tibetan Children’s Village School, Patlikuhl they took part in the cultural programme organized on the occasion of the 113th anniversary of George Roerich. 

Some students of the Academy are counted among the participants and winners of the annual international competition “The Colour and Sound of Roerich’s Realm” organized by the St. Petersburg chapter of the International Centre of the Roerichs, Moscow in cooperation with the Leningrad Region administration. Every year children’s painting competitions are held in the Academy and the children from Nagar, Katrain, Rumsu and other villages are invited to take part in them. “Peace through Culture,” “The Image of Hero in the Oeuvre of Nicholas Roerich,” “Preserve the Noble Heritage of the Past for the Glorious Future! (Himalayan Culture in the Work of Nicholas Roeirch) and similar topics are offered to the children and some of their pictures turn out to be real works of art. 

With love, care and enthusiasm the young teachers of the Academy usher their wards into the world of culture and creative expression. Studying music, dance and painting is a great opportunity to develop children’s creative abilities, nourish their sense of beauty and harmony and introduce them to the great cultural traditions of the world. Academy organizes workshops by the artists and musicians from India and Russia. Lectures and video presentations for children and their parents telling them about the life and work of the Roerichs and the great pieces of art and architecture are also conducted.   

 
At present the Academy of Art under the International Roerich Memorial Trust runs only on Sundays. But the time will come when it will grow into a true center of Beauty and culture.