Baku:The Heydar Aliyev Center recently held the official opening of the Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW festival. The event, which took place on October 30, was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Alena Aliyeva.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the festival featured several exhibitions as part of the "Art Weekend" opening. Leyla Aliyeva addressed the ceremony, highlighting the participation of renowned artists from various countries and the festival's focus on nature's beauty, strength, and rigidity. She emphasized the importance of conserving endangered species such as the brown bear, grey wolf, Caucasian leopard, imperial eagle, and gazelle.

The festival also included national dances by the Azerbaijan State Children's Philharmonic and a speech by art curator Simon de Pury, who expressed gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for promoting Azerbaijani artists internationally. De Pury recounted the success of previous exhibitions and praised the Heydar Aliyev Centre's architecture.

The event showcased an immersive theatrical performance directed by Parviz Mammadrzayev and visual elements by Laman Yusifli. The Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble performed traditional dances "Jangi" and "Yalli."

The festival, initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, explores themes of memory, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. One key exhibition, "Legendary Creatures An Azerbaijani Bestiary," connects the "Big Five" with mythological creatures from Azerbaijani folklore, emphasizing wildlife and cultural preservation.

Additional exhibitions include "When Nature Speaks. Heirs," which features the Caucasian leopard and other animals, and Chinese artist Zhang Ji's "The Skin of Truth," which integrates architectural motifs with contemporary painting.

The festival also presents Judy Chicago's "What If Women Ruled the World?" and Michelangelo Pistoletto's "Mirror of Eternity," projects exploring themes of gender, memory, and technology. The Fly to Baku festival will continue until November 1.