At the National Centre RUSSIA, the impact of Diaghilev’s legacy on preserving the nation’s cultural code was discussed

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On January 29, at the National Centre RUSSIA, as part of the international children's creative project "Territory of Success: Fashion," a scientific and practical conference titled "Dialogues of Times: Diaghilev's Legacy and New Opportunities" took place. The venue symbolically bridged two eras — the early XX century, when Europe applauded Sergei Diaghilev's "Russian Seasons," and the present day, where the fashion industry serves as a reliable tool for preserving the cultural code of the nation.

The "Territory of Success: Fashion" project was established by the ATR AES Foundation and is supported by the Rosatom State Corporation, the Rosenergoatom Concern, the ANO "Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects", the administrations of municipal formations in atomic cities, including twin cities abroad in Abkhazia, Belarus, and Hungary, as well as the Kosygin Russian State University, the "Magic of Fashion" cultural and educational foundation, and the International Union of Haute Couture and Pret-a-Porter. Its primary goal is to provide talented children aspiring to creative professions with unique opportunities for self-realization and to develop the creative abilities of young designers and fashion creators through the lens of creation. The initiative has been implemented annually for five years, bringing together 35 atomic cities across Russia. 

"In atomic cities, people have a wide variety of interests, including a passion for fashion. We believe that 'atomic' clothing is the most beautiful and the most progressive. Our participants work with leading designers, and every year the number of project participants grows. The uniqueness of the project lies in the fact that, while presenting an annual clothing collection, we not only follow the format of haute couture fashion weeks but also create educational performances that provide information about the great figures of Russia to whom our collections are dedicated. The collections are usually produced in atomic cities as well," said Svetlana Churilova, Director of the Department for Regional and Government Relations at the Rosenergoatom Concern.

In her opening remarks, Director of the Department for Regional and Government Relations emphasized the importance of maintaining young people's interest in atomic cities and highly praised the role of the "Territory of Success: Fashion" project in achieving this goal.

A collector of theatrical and decorative art from the first third of the XX century, Nikita Lobanov-Rostovsky, and costume historian, associate professor at RSUH, and contributor to the "Russkiy Mir.ru" journal Tatiana Nagorskikh spoke about the influence and legacy of Sergei Diaghilev's "Russian Seasons," which fundamentally changed the global perception of Russia and its talented people. 

"This is a unique figure not only for our country but also for world culture — a person of many talents, a visionary, producer, and exhibition curator who had a keen sense of trends. Within the framework of this project, it brings me great joy to share knowledge with children — knowledge drawn not just from the internet but from serious art history and historical literature — so they can enrich their understanding and, with the project's support, create remarkable collections," said Tatiana Nagorskikh.

Yekaterina Kharchenko, Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education, spoke about government support tools for creative youth and programs aimed at preserving traditions and shaping values in modern society.

"The state is eager to support all initiatives aimed at enlightening, educating, and nurturing the younger generation. Today's platform is a highly effective tool for connecting generations, preserving historical truth, and fostering a cultural code in youth on the right foundation. Today, we will discuss how to unite all efforts and resources so that more young people engage with Russia's art heritage and are inspired to choose career paths in creativity and the creative industries. It's not just about receiving quality education but also about finding a mentor or like-minded individual who can help them achieve their dreams," noted Yekaterina Kharchenko. 

Zakhar Yudin, Director of the National Association of Territorial Public Self-Governments (TOS), spoke about the role of local self-governments in preserving Russian traditions and culture at the municipal level. Meanwhile, Yekaterina Gurova, Dean of the Faculty of Design and Media Communications at the Presidential Academy (RANEPA) and an academician of the National Academy of Design, emphasized that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and step beyond conventional boundaries.

"We live in an era of rapid changes in almost every sphere, and the mission of our faculty is to prepare multidisciplinary specialists who are not afraid of challenges. Whether they become designers, doctors, or lawyers, the key is that their creative vision and approach will enable them to become leaders. At the National Centre RUSSIA, we also witness the triumph of multimedia technologies and understand the need to adapt traditional approaches to this environment, giving additional life to various exposition products. I believe that exhibition spaces always provide inspiration, making it symbolic that our event is being held here," stated Yekaterina Gurova.

The conference participants also discussed areas for developing creative initiatives, the nuances of building a personal brand in the arts and media space, economic mechanisms for preserving the cultural code, trends in education, new movements in "atomic" art, and other topics.