WAC event feed
A sculpture inspired by the main character of the Nart epos was unveiled in St. Petersburg.
A new sculpture, "Celestial Stars," by renowned St. Petersburg sculptor Konstantin Garapach, was unveiled in St. Petersburg at the “Grand Canyon” development site.
The bronze composition depicts a young horseman, drawing his bow and striving to reach for a star. The image is based on the protagonist of the legendary Nart epos, Sasrykva, and his horse, Bzou. Sasrykva saves his brothers from a cold death in the darkness, retrieves a star that illuminates the Nart sled's path, and steals fire for his brothers from the evil giants.
This story reflects universal truths about human destiny. As in the ancient legend, "Celestial Stars" reminds us that true strength and talent become meaningful when they serve others—bringing warmth, light and hope.
"We created the “Grand Canyon” as a space dedicated to family, children, and their development. The new sculpture greets our guests and asks each one an important question: Why do you aim for the stars? What is the purpose of your life? And the answer is simple: to use your talent and strength for the benefit of all people," emphasized Musa Ekzekov, founder of the “Grand Canyon”, President of the “Alashara” Association, and Chairman of the Supreme Council of WAC.
According to Konstantin Garapach, the idea behind the project is an artistic interpretation of myths, where stars become a symbol of human high aspirations and simultaneously an allegory for their achievements.
The sculpture seamlessly continues the ensemble of the sculptural framework of the “Grand Canyon” DT - "Seasons," "Peace for Children," and "Source of Inspiration." Together, they create a space of eternal values: harmony, peace, kindness, the pursuit of beauty, and care for future generations.
Moscow and Sukhum will host IV International Music Laboratory Competition.
The project aims to identify and support young performers who will participate in master classes as part of a non-formal educational program and gain experience through participation in the competition.
The competition stages will be held in October in Moscow and Sukhum in three categories: "Solo Opera Singing," "Chamber Vocal Performance," and "Art of Accompaniment." Musicians aged 18 to 45 are welcome to participate. The worthiest participants will take part in the laboratory's gala concerts, which will be an important part of the project.
The founder of the competition is Alisa Gitsba, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, People's Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia, holder of the 2nd degree Order of Honor and Glory and soloist of the Moscow Musical Theater "Helikon-Opera," with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.
The event is organized by:
The Government and Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Abkhazia.
The Ekzekov Foundation is among the event's partners.
Fundamentals of social design - project results and new prospects
The World Abaza Congress, in partnership with the ANO “Public Center for Social Initiatives” from Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov Region, completed a large-scale project in 2025 to teach schoolchildren the fundamentals of social design. The year culminated in a working trip to the village of Uakum in the Tkuarchal Region.
Over the year, the organizers conducted a series of two-day training sessions in eight schools in Abkhazia. These included the villages of Adzyubzha, Mgudzyrkhua, Pakuash, Aatsy, Shashikuara and Uakum, as well as the Tkuarchal and Gal secondary schools. Each trip included a two-day intensive course.
The first day consisted of a theoretical block: under the guidance of design trainers, participants divided into teams and developed their own projects. The second day was devoted to presentations, following which a special commission selected the most well-developed and demanded initiatives for subsequent implementation. Many of these winning projects have already been implemented.
The project on the fundamentals of social design has been implemented by the Congress team since 2024. In 2025, it received support from the Public Center for Social Initiatives as part of the "Growth Point for Non-Commercial Organizations: Abkhazia" project, implemented with funds from a grant from the President of the Russian Federation provided by the Presidential Grants Fund.
In addition to the educational objective, another major objective was accomplished: creating conditions for the development of comfortable public spaces in schools in the villages of Shashikuara, Aatsy, Pakuash, and Uakum. This not only supported students' project initiatives but also created new comfortable public spaces.
The organizers are going to continue the project next year.
