The National Centre RUSSIA named a laureate of the First National Award for Cultural Sector Managers

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The National Centre RUSSIA has been named a laureate of the First National Award for Cultural Sector Managers. The award recognises leaders and organisers of cultural projects. The National Centre RUSSIA received the award in a Special Thematic Nomination for large-scale efforts in preserving historical memory and marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. The award was presented by the Aide to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society, Vladimir Medinsky, and conductor Fabio Mastrangelo.

"I also worked as a manager in the cultural sector and understand perfectly well how valuable and rare this profession is. We must, of course, support such people in every possible way," noted Vladimir Medinsky.

To receive the award on the stage of the State Theatre of Nations were Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Anastasia Zvyagina, Head of the Culture Department, Svetlana Sanayeva, and Head of the Department for Youth Policy, Sport and Tourism, Sergei Artamonov.

"On behalf of the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, and our large team, I would like to thank the organisers for their high assessment of our work. We will donate the prize funds to charity. They will be transferred to the Committee of Families and Warriors of the Fatherland — an organisation that brings together women, mothers, sisters, and wives of veterans of the special military operation who actively participate in organising cultural events across the country. We hope that this contribution will help them continue implementing their projects, including in our space," said Anastasia Zvyagina.

She added that the National Centre RUSSIA hosts significant events for the entire country, and that audiences leave the hall with a sense of joy and inspiration. According to her, the greatest reward for organisers is when, after performances, guests do not rush to the cloakroom but remain, applaud, and greet the performers. Anastasia Zvyagina noted that culture is a powerful tool for patriotic education and preserving historical memory. These themes receive particular attention through meetings with heroes, thematic expositions, and educational events.

In 2025, the large-scale "Wall of Memory" campaign was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. Ahead of 9 May, volunteers distributed more than 4,000 St George ribbons, while over 100 volunteers ensured the daily operation of commemorative events. The theme of memory continued with the festive concert "Our Victory — Forever!", which brought together veterans and survivors of the Siege of Leningrad from across the country. The patriotic campaign "Cars for the Front" enabled everyone to leave messages of support on vehicles that were later sent to the special military operation zone. The final meeting of the International Volunteer Corps for the 80th Anniversary of Victory brought together 1,500 participants from 89 regions of Russia and 35 countries, and the song "Katyusha" was performed in 40 languages.

The idea for the Award emerged during the first intake of the "Higher School of Cultural Management". The programme is organised by ANO "Tavrida.Art" and implemented by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation together with the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects.

Laureates were selected from 5,000 applications from across Russia in three main and five special nominations. The special nominations made it possible to highlight achievements by cultural sector managers whose work goes beyond standard evaluation criteria. Candidates were nominated by the Award’s Supervisory Board.

The National Award ceremony was timed to coincide with the professional holiday — Cultural Worker’s Day.

The National Award for Cultural Sector Managers is a professional distinction created to support leaders shaping Russia’s cultural space. It recognises those who achieve outstanding results and implement significant projects, while also enhancing the prestige of the profession. The Award brings together representatives of government bodies, cultural and educational institutions, creative teams, and project groups, creating a platform for sharing experience and developing the professional community.