Russia and Serbia met on the ancient Novgorod landThe 6th Russian-Serbian Cultural Forum for the first time was held in Russia – in Veliky Novgorod

On 22 May, the 6th Russian-Serbian Cultural Forum was held in Veliky Novgorod. The choice of location was symbolic: it is here that the works of Serbian icon painters have been preserved in ancient Russian churches, and the icons bear a close resemblance to works of the Moravian school of the same period. Members of the Serbian delegation visited the Fresco Restoration Center of St. Sophia Cathedral.

The plenary session, attended by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova and the Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković of Serbian, was held in the Chamber Hall of the A. Arensky Novgorod Regional Philharmonic.

Olga Lyubimova: “The historical destinies of our two countries are closely intertwined. We share cultural codes and memories passed down through generations. Our peoples have always placed great importance on art. For both Russia and Serbia, literature, museum heritage, theater, music, and folklore are organically woven into the substance of national identity.”

Nikola Selaković noted that the forum opens an opportunity to strengthen ties between cultural institutions, particularly in the film industry, and to initiate projects that will positively impact cooperation between the two countries. Following the plenary session, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Russian State Film Archive and the Yugoslav Film Archive.

The forum’s cultural program featured a joint concert by musicians from both countries. Performances included the Novgorod Region Governor’s Symphony Orchestra, the Karelia National Song and Dance Ensemble Kantele, musicians from the Rossiya Ensemble named after Lyudmila Zykina, as well as Serbian musicians Nikola Peković (accordion), Bojana Peković (gusli, vocals), and Nikola Svetković (piano). featured The famous song Moscow Nights, performed by all participants, was a vibrant finale of the evening.

The events were supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and organized by the Federal State Budgetary Institution of Culture ROSCONCERT.