The Role of Universities in the Formation of a Cultural Cluster (the Case of the Kemerovo Region)

The study is a description of the case of the Siberian cluster of arts, the cultural and educational complex of which opens in July 2021, and the museum and exhibition complex - in 2023. The purpose of the work is to determine the role of universities in the formation of a cultural cluster in the Kemerovo region. Based on interviews with 12 respondents, a subordination scheme and real interaction of cluster participants was built. Cross-analysis of data for 3 groups (representatives of educational institutions, cultural institutions and the regional ministry of culture) showed that only KemGIK and theaters are interested in informal interaction, which can determine the further vector of the cluster's development. Strong ties of KemGIK with the local community and cultural institutions were identified, proving that the cultural ecosystem in the city has in fact already been formed. It has been established that in the cultural cluster of Kuzbass the branch of the Russian State Institute for the Arts plays a "highly cultural" national role, a translator of centuries-old traditions and the capital's school of theater education, and KemGIK contributes to the development of local art and the spread of culture in the region. The practices of KemGIK involvement are listed and the mechanism of their implementation is explained. The cultural functions of universities are highlighted. Until the RGISI branch is integrated into the cluster, its functions are limited to the tasks set from above for training personnel and teaching children in creative industries within the framework of the cultural cluster project. The paper also describes the risks and institutional problems identified during interviews with respondents and analysis of documents and open sources, and provides practical recommendations for further activities of universities.