The final of the track “Culture” of the competition “Leaders of Russia” has started in St. Petersburg 
The final of the track “Culture” has started in St. Petersburg competition “Leaders of Russia” – the flagship project of the presidential platform “Russia – the country of opportunities.” The finalists were 106 cultural managers from 33 regions of Russia.
Competitors under 55 with higher education and management experience of at least 2 years take part in the “Culture” track. Most of the finalists are in the age range from 31 to 35 years old. The youngest finalist – Nikita Semyonov from Moscow – is only 23 years old.
On November 13, evaluation events started, and on November 14, the finalists will meet with mentors of the competition, lectures from famous cultural figures, an insight session “Culture 2035”, at the end of the day, the names of the track winners will be announced.
“Today the industry needs talented managers more than ever. Russian cultural institutions are waiting for extraordinary organizers with colossal creative energy. And it is very happy to see the increased interest in this area from the participants. The numbers speak for themselves, ”Olga Lyubimova, curator of the“ Culture ”track, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, addressed the finalists in a video message. – More than six thousand people tried their hand at competitive tests. I wish you success in the implementation of your current and interesting initiatives, the search for new ideas for the benefit of the development of national culture. ”
Sergei Novikov, Head of the Presidential Directorate for Public Projects, took part in the grand opening of the track finale.
“What is so good about the tracks of the Leaders of Russia competition? You will chat here and become like-minded people. You will work in a team, you will have common goals, you will speak the same language with each other, which is very important. For you, the competition will in any case become a resource, whether you move up the career ladder or continue to work in your place. Much faster you will be able to implement joint projects, both creative and managerial. One of the most important advantages of the competition is mentors, they are very authoritative people. Meeting with them will definitely give you a great impetus in development and will allow you to move your projects forward, ”Sergey Novikov shared with the participants.
In total, 6,700 applications from contestants from all over the country were submitted for participation in the Culture track of the Leaders of Russia competition. The participants went through remote qualifying tests, completed tasks to test managerial competencies and general knowledge in the field of history and culture. Based on the selection results, the participants who showed the best results were invited to the face-to-face stage.
“Culture” track first appeared in the fourth season of “Leaders of Russia” in order to find leaders who are able to create and develop important cultural projects, who know how to delicately feel the demands of the time, competently build work in a team, see systematically, notice and prevent the burnout of creative colleagues, to inspire the team to new, sometimes seemingly unrealizable projects – these are just some of the qualities that are required from a cultural manager now. And many of our participants successfully demonstrate them at the competition. 106 contestants from 33 regions of Russia made it to the track finals. “Culture” is the most feminine track of the competition, 40 percent of the finalists of this season were girls. It's nice that every year there are more and more active and motivated women in leadership positions, “said Alexei Komissarov, General Director of the Russia – Country of Opportunities.
Moscow (38 finalists), St. Petersburg (18 finalists), Moscow region (9 finalists), Arkhangelsk region, Nizhny Novgorod, Sverdlovsk regions and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra (3 finalists).
“Leaders of Russia” brings together managers of different levels. Among the finalists of the Culture track are 30 middle managers, 24 top managers, 15 heads of organizations. 31 finalists have two or more higher educations, 12 people are candidates of science, one more received an MBA degree.
The finals of the competition are held in compliance with all epidemiological safety measures, the event site has become a COVID-free zone, 100 percent of the participants have you have a QR code of vaccination or a QR code of a person who has recovered.
The best participants of the track will have the opportunity to work with a mentor from among the best specialists in Russia in the field of culture, take positions in the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, regional departments subordinate to scientific and educational institutions.
Finalists will receive certificates for completing educational programs and internships in leading universities and scientific organizations of the cultural industry. The winners will be able to take part in major international cultural forums and exhibitions, as well as undergo an internship at the central office of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and its subordinate institutions.