Kalistani Major History

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Empress Opens National Folk Art Museum
Celebrates the art work of Common Kalistanis
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 8, 5503


Her Imperial Majesty poses in the Floral Gallery of the NFAM

The Ministry of Culture has announced the grand opening of the National Folk Art Museum in Luxon, Ananto. On hand for the grand opening ceremony was Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II, who spoke briefly before an assembled crowd of folk artists and citizens. "Today, we welcome the world to Kalistan to view the art of the people of this great nation," said the Empress. "Within these walls, you will see exemplars of various folk media, including painting, photography, sculpture, weaving, embroidery, and pottery. This museum houses the best artistic expression of our People, and it is a pleasure for Us to show off the talents and passions of Our Artisans to the Museum's visitors."

The Empress went on to describe the State's support for the arts. "All of those artists whose work is featured within this collection are fully sponsored by grants from our Ministry of Culture. These grants allow Kalistan's artists to create art as a living, for the sake of art. The goal is to remove the pressures of acquiring means of basic sustenance for those who have the calling to create art, but would otherwise not be able to do so, except for the patronage by the state." After receiving the grant, artists can receive full funding for up to three years per application, and may do what they wish with their art work, including submit it for display in the new National Folk Art Museum. "All of the art work featured here is from those who received state grants," said the Empress. "Entry was judged by a jury of peers, and each entry may only be displayed for a total of four months, before it is returned to the artists to make room for new works." Commercial art and art produced by independent artists cannot be displayed in the National Folk Art Museum.

"It is our intention to continue our active support for the Arts in Kalistan," said the Empress. "We have required our Cultural Minister to add money for support of the National Theater in Kaliburg, the Southern Theater in Sulari, and Vrassa Capital Theater in Vrassa City. We are also creating personal endowments at Python Musical and Arts Academy and Eveari College for young artists who want to study history, technique and discipline. We want to also welcome artists from around the world to study art here in Kalistan and to bring their own techniques and styles here to share with our students."

Following the grand opening reception, the Empress was given a guided tour of the Museum. She particularly enjoyed the Floral Gallery, which featured paintings of flowers, and the fiberwork wing, which featured weaving, knitting, crocheting and embroidery pieces that exemplified the most intricate of fabric works. "We are thoroughly impressed with all the work done by these amazing artists," said the Empress. "This fine work represents the height of Kalistan's artistic heritage, and deservedly shines a bright light on our creators, and we thank them all for their contributions."

The National Folk Arts Museum is now open to the public and is a mere two blocks from the Global Music Hall of Fame complex in Luxon.