The discussion and cultural programmes of the ‘Soul of Russia. International Festival of the Peoples of the North’ took place on 14–17 June in Saint-Petersburg as part of the plan for the events of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, which is being organized by the Roscongress Foundation.
The purpose of the project was to enhance the contribution of creative industries to the Russian economy and promote Russia’s national values worldwide as well as the development of the creative sector. The festival visitors viewed the works of street artists, authors of audio-visual performances, ethnic film directors, and representatives of unique crafts. Particular attention was paid to Russia’s Arctic regions and the Indigenous peoples of the North: their culture, heritage, and a modern rethinking of the traditional creative industries of the Northern ethnic groups.