The XI award season winners and long list were unveiled by the organizers of The Art Newspaper Russia, who shared the news on their official platform. The public display of finalists highlights a collaboration among several leading cultural institutions across the country, each contributing to a robust conversation about modern and historical art forms. The roster features renowned venues such as the State Historical Museum, AV Shchusev, the Russian Impressionism Museum, Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum, the St. Petersburg State Museum of Theater and Musical Art, Zotov Center, and the Andrey Rublev Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art. These institutions bring a diverse spectrum of collections and curatorial visions to the awards, underscoring a national commitment to preserving and reinterpreting Russia’s artistic legacy while embracing contemporary practice.
The publication identifies the Exhibition of the Year as the 1st International Biennial Art of the Future hosted by MAMM, along with Viktor Tsoi: The Hero’s Path displayed at the Central Exhibition Hall Manege. Other standout projects include Divovanie: Discovery of the North shown at the Kargopol State Museum of History, Architecture and Art, Between Heaven and Earth at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Settings-3: Special Ensemble of Musical Performances at GES-2, the Mikhail Vrubel showcase at the Tretyakov Gallery, Bricolage Aesthetics: Anonymous Art, and Marginal Art Festival presented by the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Arts. Each of these entries reflects a dynamic dialogue between tradition and innovation, inviting audiences to engage with a broad spectrum of media and historical contexts. The events emphasize a commitment to experiential programming, cross-institution collaboration, and the celebration of both canonical and emerging voices in the arts.
Among the notable supporters and patrons cited are Mikhail and Elena Karisalov, whose engagement spans collecting and philanthropy. Margarita Pushkina, founder and director of the Cosmoscow contemporary art fair, is acknowledged for her leadership in fostering cross-border dialogue within the contemporary art scene. Also mentioned are the Ruarts Support Foundation for Contemporary Art and Marianna Sardarova, founder of Ruarts Gallery and a key figure behind Winzavod Contemporary Art Foundation. Sofia Trotsenko helps lead the Mir creative community, alongside Evgenia Kazarnovskaya, Andrey Popov, and Dmitry Razumov, who are recognized as co-founders contributing to the cultural infrastructure that sustains and expands artistic opportunities across Russia. These patrons help to bridge curatorial ambition with public access, funding, and educational initiatives that broaden the reach of contemporary practice.
Earlier communications note that in 2023 the festival featured solo performances across four cities, signaling a pattern of expansion and seasonal programming designed to reach diverse audiences in multiple urban centers. The ongoing collaboration among museums, galleries, and private sponsors demonstrates a shared intent to elevate cultural discourse, foster regional talent, and position Russia’s art scene as a vibrant, internationally engaged landscape. The long list and announced exhibitions collectively map a wide-ranging calendar of events that invite viewers to explore the intersections of history, craft, performance, and new media within a national context that remains deeply rooted in its rich artistic heritage.