InterContinental Life
In Kiev, puppets and teddy bears from all around the globe are all the rage.
Visiting Teddy
The Ukrainian capital is playing host to the first international doll salon. It is much more than just a toy fair.
The name of an organisation normally defines its mission or its objective. Based on this, the mission of this Ukrainian organisation is difficult to top. It is called: “Peace. Beauty. Culture.” And there is a première to prove to what extent they are fulfilling their mission. The 1st International Doll Salon based on the theme of “Kiev Fairy Tale”. Talented artists from more than 30 countries around the world will be making their puppets dance in the Ukrainian capital – as long as it’s just the puppets which are made to dance. The remaining dolls and teddy bears wouldn’t be able to cope with all the movement because of their delicate construction or sensitive materials.
There are a series of shows and events around the fair which aim to spark interest in the art of dolls. As its name suggests, the “Visiting Teddy” exhibition features the most popular cuddly toys in the world (which, incidentally, were named after US President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt). There are improvised puppet theatre and street performances at the “Doll Holiday” on Sophievska Square. The embassies based in Kiev are presenting the best creations from doll artists in their home countries as part of “The World Dolls” exhibition.
If you think the Doll Salon is just another toy fair (and men seem particularly prone to this) then think again: dolls are art. Unique dolls created by the likes of Paul Klee, not to mention Käthe Kruse, who became world-famous for her artistic doll creations. There are presentations and master classes which show just how much artistic skill is required to create a doll.
The selected venue is testament to how highly the Ukraine rates the event: the recently restored “Arsenal of Arts” museum complex in the historic city centre of Kiev. The aim is that it will become a “Centre for Modern Cultural Life” in the Ukraine and the International Doll Salon – which covers an impressive 4,000 square metres – is a first step in the right direction.
And there is one last rumour to clear up: dolls don’t have to be small. The biggest textile doll in the world is to be sewn together on Independence Square in Kiev during the Doll Salon.
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InterContinental Kiev Phone: +380 44 219 1919
InterContinental Kiev