New York to host Russian art festival in October

A Russian art festival will be held in October in New York, said Russian Culture Minister Mikhail Shvydkoi on Monday after a meeting with the head of the New York's department of culture, Kate Levin.

"We want to present a new generation of Russian musicians, painters, film makers and representatives of the dramatic arts in New York," Mr. Shvydkoi said. "Of course within the framework of the festival, there will be a retrospective of classic films and older musicians, but the accent should be made on the new art Russia can show."

"We would like the festival to become an event that reflects today's level of political and economic relations between the United States and Russia," the minister added.

According to him, a perspective of Russian art is planned to be shown in New York annually. In addition, a festival of art from New York in Moscow is being considered.

On Monday, Mr. Shvydkoi also discussed organizing a "Russia" exhibition a the Guggenheim Museum in October 2005.

"We hope to show Russian art from 7th and 8th centuries to the beginning of the 21st century," Mr. Shvydkoi said. "For our part, we will organize the 'America' exhibition in Russia in 2006 to see modern American art."

The minister added that "Russian Seasons" will be held in Connecticut in August-October 2005. This event will include a meeting of mayors from small Russian and U.S. towns, a forum for member of the press, exhibitions and a grand open air concert.