Grand Opening of the Exhibition "Heritage for the Future" Held at the National Center "Russia"

On November 4, the exhibition "Heritage for the Future" was inaugurated at the National Center "Russia" as part of the International Symposium "Creating the Future." The exhibition showcases over 250 works of art in various techniques—from painting to video art—created by talented young artists from six countries: Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran.

"Today is a momentous occasion. We have launched the National Center 'Russia,' and within its framework, opened the exhibition 'Heritage for the Future.' On behalf of the Directorate, I extend my gratitude to our entire team," said Olesya Malevannaya, Head of the Laboratory for Cultural and Educational Projects at the National Center "Russia."

The exhibition project emphasizes that the future belongs to humanity if we continue to dream and adopt a creative approach to dialogue. The exhibition's curator, Semen Mikhailovsky, Rector of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, shared his perspective:
"We carefully reviewed numerous works and selected those truly worthy of being presented at the National Center 'Russia.' We are incredibly inspired by and genuinely admire these pieces. We wholeheartedly support these young, exceptionally talented artists and wish them success in life and art. We are also deeply grateful to all the organizations involved in this exhibition," Mikhailovsky said.

The young creators featured in the exhibition honor traditions, reflect on the present, and convey a contemporary perspective on past events while contemplating the future. Their works address pressing issues, illustrate challenges, and depict phenomena expected to shape life in the coming decades. Key themes explored include cultural dialogue, family traditions, spiritual values, loneliness in society, addiction, sociocultural questions, and the role of medical professionals and other occupations in humanity's survival.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a scaled-down replica of the "Son of the Earth" sculpture by Dong Shubin, a renowned contemporary Chinese artist. Located in the Gobi Desert, the iconic sculpture provokes thoughts on the interplay between nature and humanity and the importance of environmental stewardship. At the exhibition, Shubin's masterpiece takes on new meanings, symbolizing the power of art to transform the future for the better.
"This sculpture unites the exhibition space. We placed small benches around the baby so visitors can sit and find peace nearby. I hope this exhibition and the entire National Center 'Russia' will become vibrant, public spaces—a hub for meetings and exchanges of ideas for many people," Mikhailovsky added.

The exhibition's opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guest Ma Sai, Rector of the Academy of Arts and Design at Tsinghua University in China.
"Russia and China are not only neighboring states but also strategic partners. Our relations encompass many aspects, and art, I believe, is proof of the depth and friendship of these ties. It is highly symbolic that we are hosting this joint exhibition in the year of the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and during the year of cultural exchanges between Russia and China. Youth embodies our hopes for the future, and I hope this exhibition will open a new chapter in communications between our countries," Ma Sai remarked.

The exhibition will be open to Symposium attendees from November 4 to 6 and to the general public starting November 7.

The International Symposium "Creating the Future" is being held from November 4 to 6, bringing together scientists, researchers, futurists, science fiction writers, and government representatives from 101 countries, including Russia, India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the USA, and France. The program includes over 60 sessions across four main themes: the future of humanity, the future of technology, the future of a multipolar world, and the future of civilizations. Event details and live streams are available at future.russia.ru.

The International Symposium "Creating the Future" is the first event hosted by the National Center "Russia," established on July 1, 2024, by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Center aims to preserve the legacy of the International Exhibition-Forum "Russia" and showcase the achievements of the nation and its citizens. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions actively contribute to the Center's operations.