Continuity and change

On 1 December 2022, the main event of the Minsk Forum XX will be held in Berlin. We take this as an opportunity to present our new logo and the modernised website.

The new logo symbolises continuity and change at the same time. The lettering as well as the distinctive dot were adopted from the logo developed in 1999.

The graphic elements have changed. The new logo was developed by the designer Michel Cheshko based in Kyiv. The old logo, in addition to the German, contained the colours of the official flag of the Belarusian regime. The new one reminds us of one of the symbols of Belarusian culture – the cornflower. The graphic elements and colours of the logo were derived from its petals and the flower’s core.

The color palette of the logo has been expanded. It is inspired by the natural environment of the cornflower and consists of two shades of blue, a salmon accent and two primary colors – beige and black. The blue tones in the logo represent not only the cornflower, but also the many lakes and rivers in Belarus.

Derived from the identity of the German-Belarusian Society, the logo of the Minsk Forum was also revised. Turned by 90 degrees, it symbolises a bridge. This is the core mission of the German-Belarusian Society and especially of the Minsk Forum: to build bridges between Belarus and Germany and to offer a platform for dialogue.

This logo can also be read as an abstract representation of the City Hall in the Old Town of Minsk, reconstructed twenty years ago according to old plans.

The graphic elements can be reshaped and create further associations, for example, with the twin towers at the square in front of the Minsk Central Station, which traditionally adorned the logo of the Minsk Forum. “The gateway to Minsk” is what Belarusian writer Artur Klinau calls them in his book “Minsk – The Sun City of Dreams”.

The new website, developed by Eno Thiemann (physalis. Kommunikation & Design), appears in a simple, modern design and offers its users clear navigation. The website code was donated to the German-Belarusian Society by philanthropy expert Max von Abendroth. The website automatically adapts to the screen format (desktop, smartphone, tablet) and thus meets the needs of modern communication. A benefit that should not be underestimated is the significantly simplified maintenance of the website. Even without programming knowledge, it can be edited quickly and easily.

We will gradually post more content on German-Belarusian relations in order to inform the public in Germany and Europe. The website currently exists in two languages and will be translated into Belarusian and later into Russian in the next step.

We hope that you like our new website. You are cordially invited to further develop it with your suggestions and ideas as well as with constructive criticism.

Board und Team of the German-Belarusian Society