At the National Centre RUSSIA, the impact of Diaghilev’s legacy on preserving the nation’s cultural code was discussed
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.
Visitors to
the National Centre can attend the exposition of young artists' works until
February 2.
On January
29, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a repeat showing of the musical and
poetic performance "Sisters."
The
presentation of the collection is timed to coincide with the anniversary of
Yelena Polenova.
