Artyom Zdunov: Mordovia is focusing on culture, tourism and youth initiatives
The Republic of Mordovia is strengthening the region’s cultural, historical and tourist appeal through major anniversary events, family projects and the involvement of young people in preserving heritage and public life. This was discussed on 19 February at the National Centre RUSSIA by the Head of the Republic of Mordovia, Artyom Zdunov, during a meeting with young people.
One such event, according to him, will be the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Soviet master sculptor Stepan Erzia. This is a nationwide event of great importance for strengthening the country’s unified cultural space. The Head of the Republic of Mordovia noted that the anniversary celebrations will take place not only in Saransk, but also in a number of Russian cities, including Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
"The largest collection of Stepan Erzia’s sculptures in the world is located in Mordovia. It includes more than 200 works. In the anniversary year, a nationwide project '150 Events for the Master’s 150th Anniversary' will be launched. We want as many families and young people as possible to become familiar with the sculptor’s legacy, so that everyone understands that we are talking about a figure of truly global significance," Artyom Zdunov said.
In addition, in 2026 Mordovia will host an open-air family tourism festival. Its details were presented by the Director General of the ANO "More Than a Trip", Olesya Teterina. According to her, one of the organisation’s key objectives is to promote traditional values and the distinctive culture of Russia’s regions.
"Our motto sounds like this: 'Know. Love. Be Proud.' Only through travelling across Russia can people truly get to know our country and its great history <…> One of our core values is the family. Last year we held our first family festival in the Tula region. It brought together 2,500 participants — nearly 600 families — who spent three days experiencing all the joys of camping tourism. There were master classes, opportunities to learn how to pack a rucksack properly, pitch a tent, go hiking and much more. We have agreed with the Republic of Mordovia that this year we will hold the family festival on its territory," Olesya Teterina said.
In 2025, a memorial complex was opened in Mordovia to commemorate the feat of the home front workers who built the "Sursky Line". One of the participants of the meeting addressed the Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, Denis Ashirov, with a request to support broad awareness-raising among young people in Russia and abroad about the existence of this memorial and its significance.
"When such important monuments and memorials are opened, it is essential to talk about them — including internationally. And in the age of modern technology, it is important to create a strong information product that will allow for a wide awareness campaign and help popularise the memorial complex. We are ready to support this and make it widely recognised," Denis Ashirov said.
In addition, participants discussed ways to involve young people in the cultural life of the Republic, as well as the development of initiatives and projects aimed at advancing tourism and youth entrepreneurship.
More than 80 young people took part in the open discussion, including students, leaders and members of youth public organisations, and representatives of Mordovia studying at universities in Moscow.
The Days of the Republic of Mordovia are taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 16 to 22 February. All events within the programme can be attended free of charge. The current schedule is available in the "Events" section on the website russia.ru.
Event photobank
Participants of the meeting discussed how the federal programme "Time of Heroes" and regional projects bring theory and practice closer together.
At the National Centre RUSSIA, tour guides do more than talk about the country — they help adults and children alike develop a vivid sense of connection to its history and cultural heritage.
The creative economy is something that can become a magnet for a region, helping it retain its residents and attract tourists.
