An office of the Foundation for Cultural Initiatives to open in the Republic of Karelia

On 29 January, an agreement between the Republic of Karelia and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives was signed at the National Centre RUSSIA. The partnership will expand opportunities for implementing projects aimed at preserving Karelia’s cultural heritage, supporting contemporary creative practices and promoting the republic’s culture at the federal level. This was announced by the Head of the Republic, Artur Parfenchikov.

"The signing of the agreement is an important event for us. We work very closely with the Foundation and will continue this cooperation, which will create additional opportunities for the development of the republic’s culture, the establishment of strong cultural ties, and the self-realisation of our residents. Our joint plans with the Foundation include the implementation of projects across a wide range of areas," Artur Parfenchikov said.

Roman Karmanov, Director General of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, emphasised the Foundation’s role as a tool for supporting meaningful initiatives at the regional level. According to him, the agreement creates a solid basis for cooperation aimed at identifying and promoting the best projects presented by the republic.

"Karelia’s creative potential is very high. Our shared goal is to help it unfold in new formats. Karelia, with its exceptionally rich heritage, can and should become one of the key ‘assembly points’ of Russia’s cultural code — both authentic and modern at the same time. Karelia is home to many creative people, and the agreement will help ensure that bold ideas born on Karelian soil receive opportunities for implementation. I would like to stress that such agreements are only possible when the head of a region is genuinely interested in cultural development. The Head of Karelia listens to creative professionals and understands their needs," Roman Karmanov stressed.

The Foundation has already supported 138 creative projects from Karelia, allocating more than 250 million roubles in grants. Project teams additionally raised over 350 million roubles, demonstrating a record co-financing rate of 141%.

In total, the Republic of Karelia has submitted 893 applications to the competitions of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, including the 16th contest, the results of which will be announced in April this year. Last year, as part of the competitive selection, Karelia submitted applications for two major events — the Republican Music and Poetry Festival dedicated to Robert Rozhdestvensky, scheduled for September, and the anniversary 10th International Music Festival Ruskeala Symphony, which will take place on 17–18 July.