Artistic Practices and the Role of Local Initiatives In Cultural Development of Regions: the Case of Zheleznogorsk

The issue of cultural development of Russian regions has been an important subject of public and academic discussions. This research is dedicated to the role of artistic practices and local art initiatives in a minor city in Russia based on the example of Zheleznogorsk, Kursk region. In 2018 a center of contemporary art called “Chicory” emerged in Zheleznogorsk. Before it officially became an institution, “Chicory” had been developing as a self-organization. Since its opening the center held several major cultural events in the region, including the Zheleznogorsk biennale, that was aimed at promoting regional art. In 2021 “Chicory” reopened after the reconstruction of the space, and currently is gaining attention within local and federal contexts. This research discusses the influence the center has on the cultural context of the region, transformation of urban environment of the town, methods of forming a local creative community, and specific traits of local artistic methods and practices. The study is based on interviews with co-founders, curators and artists working in the center, as well as on several theoretical texts and articles describing structure of art communities in Russia (Margarita Kuleva, Viktor Misiano).