Artists from five countries arrive in Moscow for art residency held as part of the Symposium "Inventing the Future"

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The programme of the III International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is now under way. Artists from five countries — South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia — have arrived in Moscow to explore the intersection of art, science and technology. On 9 November, the international art residency "Global Network: The Code of Culture", organised by the National Centre RUSSIA in partnership with the ATOM Museum, officially opened. The participants will establish contacts with Russia's scientific and creative communities and develop concepts for artworks about the future, inspired by the Symposium and their experience of travelling in Russia. The project will culminate in a presentation of their concepts on 13 November at the Symposium, hosted by the National Centre RUSSIA.

"I am delighted to welcome you to the most modern and technologically advanced museum dedicated to science and the nuclear industry, not only in Russia but in the world. Just two days ago, we celebrated our third anniversary. Over the years, we have welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors from 123 countries. I believe it is no coincidence that we are carrying out this project together with the National Centre RUSSIA and bringing science and art together, because this is precisely what we do here at the ATOM Museum. I very much look forward to seeing the results of the art residency, and I am confident that we will be able to incorporate some of them into our work and everyday activities. Thank you for being here with us," said Yelena Mironenko, cultural studies expert and Director General of the ATOM Museum, addressing the international artists.

The residency's main mission is to give the artists more than an abstract impression of Russia: it aims to provide them with first-hand experience through direct engagement with the ATOM Museum's scientific materials, technologies and laboratories, as well as visits to other leading venues at the intersection of art, science and technology. It also seeks to establish a network of international cultural connections, including through cooperation with Russian cultural institutions.

"The National Centre RUSSIA was established on the instructions of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to tell the story of Russia — its people, regions, science and culture. The best way to do this is to invite people to come and see the country for themselves. This week, you will discover Russia through its laboratories, workshops and conversations with scientists and other people. And, of course, you will visit our National Centre and explore its main exposition, 'Journey Across Russia'. Our International Symposium 'Inventing the Future' is being held for the third time and brings together people who work professionally on shaping the future. On 13 November, you will join the Symposium and present your ideas to its audience. We are looking forward for it and hope that the connections you make this week will become a strong foundation for long-term relationships between our countries and lead to new collaborative creative projects," said Tatyana Kareva, Head of the Department of International Cooperation, Protocol Events and Special Projects at the National Centre RUSSIA.

The central theme of the art residency is the "nodes and threads" of the internet. The network that now connects the entire world provides a starting point for exploring the links between different cultures. Here, the "nodes" represent values shared by all people, such as family, life and nature, while the "threads" are the connections that bring people together and enable them to exchange experiences and ideas. The overall structure resembles a real network, with its servers, protocols and data flows. In the ATOM Museum's workshops and laboratories, the artists will reflect on the future of these shared "nodes" that connect peoples and express their ideas through art.

"The upcoming Symposium is very well organised. We have received a very warm welcome and feel that we are being supported and looked after. I came here with an open mind and a willingness to learn and make new discoveries. It will also be a wonderful opportunity for me to gain a better understanding of my own purpose as an artist. I realise that a final presentation will be expected of us, so I prefer to take things gradually, getting to know the history and learning about the scientific research being carried out in Russia step by step," said Ofentse Letebele (South Africa), a multimedia artist and winner of numerous awards, sharing his expectations.

UuDam Tran Nguyen (Vietnam), one of the most prominent and influential figures in contemporary Vietnamese media art, also spoke about his expectations for the upcoming Symposium and art residency. His work is regularly exhibited at major international art venues, including the Singapore and Shanghai Biennales, the Queensland Museum in Australia, and galleries in London and New York.

"This is my first visit to Russia. We still have several days ahead of us, and I hope something even more amazing awaits us — something at the intersection of science, art and the values that help us find our bearings in the world and channel our energy in the right direction, so that we can achieve something better for humanity. I don't yet know where this journey will lead me. But I can say that many of my projects begin with the unknown. That is why I firmly believe that not knowing can lead to a better result. I want to enjoy the process itself, reflect on what is happening and see what emerges as the work unfolds," said UuDam Tran Nguyen.

The artists began their exploration of the project with a guided tour of the museum's exposition. Over the course of the week, they will also visit the scientific town of Chernogolovka, the Halo residency and the GES-2 House of Culture. Their programme will include meetings with Russian artists, scientists and curators, among other activities.

On 13 November, the artists will present their concepts at the "Inventing the Future" Symposium. They will talk about their ideas and how their visit has changed their perception of Russia, science and the role of artists working alongside scientists. Audiences will gain an insight into how contemporary art is created and discover the role that encounters with other cultures and traditions can play in this process.

The III International Symposium "Inventing the Future" will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA on 12–13 November. Organised on the instructions of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the event will bring together government officials, scientists and researchers, business representatives, members of the creative industries and public organisations, as well as young professionals from different countries, to develop positive scenarios for the future together. Registration is available on the event's official website.