“WORLD of Siberia” Breaks Its Own Record for Competition Applications!

This year, the Organizing Committee of the 21st International Festival of World Music and Crafts "WORLD of Siberia" received over 400 applications. Among them, 227 were submitted by musical groups and solo performers, while 181 came from craftsmen. Participants hail from 64 regions of Russia, including the country’s newly added territories. Furthermore, contenders for the prestigious “MIRA” Award include residents from Argentina, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Portugal, Turkey, and Eritrea.

"I was amazed by the record-breaking number of applications in the “Vocal Ensemble” category, both from adults and children. Many ensembles demonstrate exceptional skill, and all the participants are beautiful and talented!" shared Valeria Avdeeva, coordinator of the “MIRA” World Music Award Competition.

The list of applicants invited to the festival will be announced at the end of April. Finalists will be selected by distinguished cultural figures, accomplished educators, and dedicated researchers of folklore and crafts with extensive experience. Sergey Starostin, a renowned folklorist and music producer, chairs the jury for the “MIRA” World Music Award Competition. Meanwhile, Alexander Migas, an Honored Artist of the Krasnoyarsk region and founder of the Krasnoyarsk ceramics school, leads the expert council for the “MIRA” Craft Award Competition. Out of all applicants, 63 nominees will be chosen to attend the festival.

During the creative contest, finalists will compete for the festival’s top prize - the unique “MIRA” Award Bowl. This stylized Slavic loving-cup, crafted from bronze and brass based on designs by Krasnoyarsk artists, symbolizes mutual trust and spiritual unity. Along with this symbolic award, winners of the Grand Prix in both competitions will receive a cash prize of 300,000 rubles each.

Fans of ethnic music and folklore can enjoy performances by talented artists as well as an exhibition showcasing works by folk craftsmen at the 21st International Festival of World Music and Crafts "WORLD of Siberia." The event will take place in Shushenskoye village in the Krasnoyarsk region from July 10 to 13, 2025. Admission to all festival events is free.

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The festival has been held in the south of the Krasnoyarsk region since 2003 and has become a cultural treasure for the region. Over its long history, it has gained recognition across Russia and internationally. The festival has been honored three times with UNESCO patronage for its cultural significance. Last summer’s “WORLD of Siberia” welcomed a record-breaking 90,000 guests from various cities and countries.