In France at an exhibition at the L Artlengua gallery, drawings by young Irkutsk artists were sold, and the proceeds were given to 17 scholarship recipients of the mayor of Irkutsk. The auction raised 1500 euros, and this meeting in Irkutsk was a chance to thank the Erkazia association for supporting talented children. The participants also agreed to continue creative exchanges between the cities.

On September 12, a meeting was held between representatives of the friendly association “Erkazia,” led by the Honorary President of the association, Mr. Philippe Geshardaz, and students of children’s art schools whose works took part in the exhibition at the “L’Artlengois” gallery from July 7 to 20 this year.
Philippe Geshardaz came to Irkutsk with the purpose of handing over funds raised from the sale of paintings to 17 art school students—scholarship recipients of the Mayor of Irkutsk. The exhibition of drawings by young Irkutsk residents in France was organized as part of international cultural cooperation by the “Erkazia” association (Haute-Savoie Department, France) with the support of the municipality of the city of Allinges. The paintings were displayed in the “L’Artlengois” gallery, located in the medieval castle “Château d’Allinges.” By prior arrangement, an auction sale of the drawings by Irkutsk students was organized at the exhibition’s closing. The total proceeds from the sale of 27 works amounted to 1,500 euros. 750 euros were transferred to the primary school in Allinges, and the second half was presented by Philippe Geshardaz to the young Irkutsk artists.
“Our countries and cities are linked by long-standing friendly relations,” Igor Borisov noted in his welcoming remarks. “Together we carry out many interesting projects, one of which is holding an exhibition of the city mayor’s scholarship recipients. I am pleased to note that these works aroused great interest among the French, and the proceeds went to support the talented children of our cities.”
“I am very happy for our children’s first success on the world stage, and I wish them continued success in representing our city, region, and Russia,” Olga Aksamentova emphasized. “Special words of gratitude go to the Erkazia association for its active support of children, and to our teachers, who work with children every day and help their talents shine so brightly.”
Philippe Geshardaz noted that it was an honor for him to come to Irkutsk on such a mission. He read letters addressed to the Mayor of Irkutsk, Viktor Kondrashov, from the president of the Erkazia association, Marc Druin, and the Mayor of Allinges, Jean-Pierre Fillon.
“The interest shown by the numerous visitors to the exhibition, who are well versed in art, and the purchase of works at auction testify to the high quality of the drawings presented,” Marc Druin noted in his letter.
“The exhibition of drawings by students of the art schools of the city of Irkutsk received high praise from visitors who came from various cities of our region,” Jean-Pierre Fillon wrote.
At the end of the meeting, representatives of Erkazia and the administration of the city of Irkutsk expressed their agreement to continue such creative exchanges.
Based on materials from the press service of the administration of the city of Irkutsk