The 5th International Children’s Cultural Forum opened in Moscow.Over the course of two days, 20 and 21 August 2026, the Forum will bring together more than 1,800 participants aged 12 to 17
To the song I Am Walking Around Moscow, columns of participants marched across the square in front of the Moscow Palace of Pioneers. To the tune of My Homeland (Me, You, He, She), children took part in a dance flash mob together with national dance groups.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova addressed the participants with a welcoming speech:
“This year, the International Children’s Cultural Forum celebrates its first anniversary—we’re turning five. Thousands of talented children from all regions of our country and from 17 countries around the world have gathered here today. Coming up are two days of educational, enlightening, and creative gatherings, where everyone will have the opportunity to showcase the very best and receive valuable professional advice from outstanding mentors. The Forum takes on special significance during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia: each of you will present a piece of your nation’s culture. I am confident these days will be bright and memorable. Wishing you a great start and good luck!”
The presenters also introduced the curators of the creative areas at the opening ceremony. The Music section is supervised by General Director of the St. Petersburg State Academic Capella and Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Khomova; Choreography is overseen by Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, choreographer Yegor Druzhinin; Theater and Circus section is run by People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, Artistic Director of the Gorky Moscow Art Theater Sergei Bezrukov, and People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, General Director of the Bolshoi Moscow State Circus on Vernadsky Avenue Edgard Zapashny; section of Literature and Journalism is overseen by Director of the V.I. Dahl State Museum of the History of Russian Literature Dmitry Bak; Museums and Fine Arts – by General Director of the A.A. Bakhrushin State Central Theater Museum Kristina Trubinova; and Cinema and Animation – by Gavriil Gordeev, General Producer of Okko streaming platform and President and ideologist of the Medvezhonok International Festival of Children’s, Family and Animated Films. During the coming two days, curators and invited experts will hold meetings, workshops, and open dialogue sessions. Forum participants will be able to ask questions, learn more about various creative professions, and receive advice from those already working in culture and media.
In total, the Forum program features over 60 events.
Organizers: Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Federal State Budgetary Institution of Culture ROSCONCERT, and the National Public-State Organization “Russian Cultural Foundation”.