OREANDA-NEWS. March 20, 2009. Dmitry Medvedev sent a greeting to participants and guests of “The Step Towards!, the Second International Arts Festival for Children with Disabilities.

The message reads, in part:

“This forum has brought together hundreds of young talents from all corners of Russia, its neighbours and abroad. For young artists and musicians this is a good opportunity for exchanging creative ideas and friendly communication with peers and, of course, for getting to know St Petersburg, a city with a rich cultural heritage. Here you will find informative excursions and meetings with acclaimed national artists whose master classes will help you discover new facets of your own talents.

I am confident that “The Step Towards!” festival will help us discover bright new names and once again demonstrate that true art does not require translation and knows no borders.”

“The Step Towards!”, the Second International Arts Festival for Children with Disabilities, is taking place from 20 to 24 March 2009 in St Petersburg.

The Festival's events will be attended by some 400 children from 36 regions of Russia, as well as from France, Latvia, Lithuania, Korea, Japan, Belarus and Kazakhstan.