On March 22, the Kremlin will announce the recipients of Russia’s presidential awards in literature and art dedicated to works for children and young readers, along with honors for rising cultural figures for the year 2022. This information was confirmed by Kremlin officials and reported by DEA News. The awards in question have a history dating back to 2011 for certain categories and 2013 for others, reflecting a long-standing tradition of recognizing creative talent across the country. The honors can be bestowed upon an individual author or a team of up to three collaborators, underscoring a collaborative spirit frequently seen in the fields of literature and the arts.
The presidential awards celebrate outstanding achievements in multiple spheres. They acknowledge the discovery and promotion of gifted literary and artistic works, as well as the implementation of creative and research projects spanning the arts, libraries, museology, and publishing activities. Additional focus areas include art education, the safeguarding of cultural heritage, and the preservation and development of historical and national cultures among Russia’s diverse peoples. The broad scope of these awards highlights a commitment to nurturing culture and education at both the local and national levels, with an eye toward contributing to the cultural landscape for future generations.
Traditionally, the ceremony takes place on the eve of Cultural Workers’ Day, which is observed on March 25. This timing helps align the celebration with a national moment of reflection on the role of culture and the people who sustain it across communities, schools, museums, libraries, and creative studios.
In a recent development dated March 21, news outlets announced several laureates of the President of Russia’s award. The list includes a ballet dancer, Sergei Polunin, along with sculptor Ekaterina Pilnikova and director Aidar Zabbarov, noting their contributions to the arts and their influence within Russia’s cultural scene. The announcements emphasize a diverse range of talents—from performing arts to visual sculpture and cinematic direction—illustrating how the awards honor both established figures and rising creators. The recognition of these artists serves as an example of how cultural excellence can resonate beyond national borders, inviting audiences in North America and around the world to explore Russian children’s literature, youth art projects, and contemporary artistic practices with renewed interest and curiosity.