The National Centre RUSSIA and the Tambov Region welcome SPIEF 2026 guests with a unique nevalyashka
Various high-tech robots are being presented at the St
Petersburg International Economic Forum, while the National Centre RUSSIA and
the Tambov Region are welcoming guests with a unique nevalyashka (a roly-poly
toy) — a new imaginative art object created as part of a joint project by the
National Centre RUSSIA, the Government of the Tambov Region and the
manufacturer of Kotovsk nevalyashkas. The 2.5-metre-high object stands out for
its unusual artistic concept: the arms of the nevalyashka take the form of new
figures, which continue to grow upwards, creating a multi-layered composition
reminiscent of tree branches.
"These days in St Petersburg, the nevalyashka familiar
from childhood has appeared in an unusual image. New figures emerge from one
figure, like branches of a large tree reaching upwards and continuing to grow.
This image contains a simple but very important idea: the future is always
built on the solid foundation of the past. Ideas, discoveries and great
achievements become possible thanks to the knowledge, traditions and work of
many people who created their basis. Each generation makes its own contribution
to the common cause, passing on experience and inspiring new achievements. The
nevalyashka reminds us how important it is to preserve this legacy with care
and, relying on it, move boldly forward," said Director General of the
National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova.
The cooperation between the National Centre RUSSIA, the
Government of the Tambov Region and the factory that produces the Kotovsk
nevalyashka has long gone beyond a single project. During this time, the toy
has repeatedly become a striking and recognisable symbol of the venue’s events
both in Russia and abroad.
"Our classic nevalyashka has been made for many years
by craftsmen in the city of Kotovsk in the Tambov Region. We are proud that our
nevalyashka is now decorating SPIEF 2026. It is a philosophical art object
about how a familiar toy turns into a symbol of endless movement and creative
renewal. We will also sign a cooperation agreement with the National Centre
RUSSIA on promoting the nevalyashka and creating a new tourism project,
'Nevalyashkino', in Kotovsk," shared Head of the Tambov Region, Yevgeny
Pervyshov.
During the winter season, the image of the nevalyashka
became the central element of the design of Department Store RUSSIA. At the
International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. Central Asia" in
Tashkent, the toy was presented in a traditional Uzbek costume as a sign of
friendship between peoples and respect for the country’s rich cultural legacy.
A special collection of nevalyashkas in a red and yellow colour scheme, as well
as well as a girl in a panda-inspired look, was created for participation in the
Russia-China EXPO in Harbin.
The art object of the National Centre RUSSIA and the Tambov
Region is one of the striking artistic accents of the St Petersburg
International Economic Forum 2026 venue. It has been prepared specially as part
of the future "Nevalyashkino" tourism cluster project, an agreement
on which will be signed on the sidelines of SPIEF 2026. The nevalyashka
demonstrates that cultural legacy retains its significance thanks to new forms
of artistic expression and a contemporary interpretation.
The survey was conducted among readers of the Mail News project. More than 10,000 people from over 50 regions of Russia took part.
A meeting with the winners of the "Adventures of the First" project was held at the "Space of Opportunities" of the National Centre RUSSIA.
Yelena Yampolskaya delivered a report on the key areas of work of the Council for State Policy on Promoting the Russian Language and the Languages of the Peoples of Russia.
