Category: Arts

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Evening of Vernissages at the Winzavod Contemporary Art Center on December 9, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 9, the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art hosted an Evening of Vernissages. Twelve resident galleries presented new exhibitions.

The pop/off/art gallery has opened the exhibition "Shadow Theory"—a new chapter in the career of artist George Cohen, formerly known as Georgy Pusenkoff. The exhibition features previously unseen works from 2019–2024, balancing non-objective and figurative imagery with interspersed text. Shadow symbolizes the presence of light, and the immaterial takes shape and becomes visible. The exhibition runs until January 23.

XL Gallery presented the exhibition "Failures" by the Blue Soup group. The works are created using digital animation. The group's works explore detached and artificial landscapes, interiors, and locations where mysterious forces operate. They resemble reality yet are not, creating an "uncanny valley" effect and placing the viewer on edge. The exhibition runs until January 16.

The 11.12 Gallery hosted the opening of Vladimir Marin's exhibition "Fermentation," dedicated to his ongoing search for new creative methods and constant relocation. This fermentation yields new works that reflect both the artist's artistic vision and the surrounding geographic and social context. The exhibition runs until January 18.

VLADEY Space opened a solo exhibition by Yegor Koshelev, "Reds and Blacks." The artist deliberately rejects a color palette in his works and explores new methods while residing in regional cities. This experiment resulted in two major projects, which have become a distinct chapter for the artist. He presents art with a new tone and explores new themes previously uncharacteristic of his work. The exhibition runs until January 18.

The a-s-t-r-a Gallery presented the project "Paradoxical Paradise" by Sergei Sonin and Elena Samorodova-Sonina. The artists work in the fictional genre of "Russian provincial orientalism," asking visitors questions such as: is it possible to build a large-scale earthly paradise, harness the power of nature, and at what cost is victory over the chthonic? The exhibition will run until January 16.

PENNLAB Gallery has opened Elena Anosova's solo exhibition, "Inside Soft Gold," the final chapter of the "Atlas of First Snow" project. The artist presents the results of a decade of research into her family history and the lives of a multi-ethnic community of hunters and fishermen in the Lower Tunguska basin. The exhibition runs until January 31.

The HSE ART Gallery presented a major exhibition, "The Great Disorder," across two venues, bringing together artists, designers, researchers, and educators reflecting on chaos as a fundamental form of existence in the world. The major exhibition is an annual format held by the HSE School of Art and Design since 2021. The exhibition runs until January 13.

FUTURO Gallery opened Nikolai Onishchenko's solo exhibition "In the Icy Ether." The exhibition includes monochrome graphic works and an audio installation. The artist conceives of the concept as a graphic representation of the mechanism of sound, which he compares to the formation of glaciers. He then created a series of graphic works depicting sharp, fragile, and nature-like objects. The exhibition runs until January 16.

The Triangle Gallery presented Andrey Efimov's solo project "Space of Variations or Shining Chaos." The artist creates his own visual image of life in all its manifestations, referencing themes of nature and the cosmos. The project seeks to convey the essence of existence without specific forms, so that viewers can formulate their own definition of life. The exhibition runs until January 16.

Totibadze Gallery opened the exhibition "Cinema/Theater of Sveta T." The exhibition features sketches for famous films and plays by fashion designer Svetlana Tegin, who works in the film and theater industries. Her works balance the boundaries of fashion and art, a distinction that is clearly expressed in her collections and creative collaborations. The exhibition runs until January 14.

FINEART Gallery presented Katya Belyaeva's solo project "Rococo Universe." The artist combines the world of 18th-century fashion with the cosmic future. These two parallel realities recreate the Rococo universe and give birth to a new neoclassical style. The exhibition runs until January 18.

BIS ART Gallery hosted the opening of Elena Kolesnikova's solo exhibition, "Who Whispers Loudly on the Sunny Path." The exhibition is structured like a map leading to new achievements and introspection, while the works point to the current era of contemporary art. The exhibition runs until December 23.

Admission to the galleries is free; please check the gallery's website for opening hours. Full details and contact information are available on the website.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art presented the exhibition project "No More Walls" on November 5, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

As part of the XXXIII International Festival "Zodchestvo 2025," the Moscow City Architecture Committee and the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art, with the support of the Moscow government, presented the exhibition project "No More NETWALLS." This visual exploration of Moscow street art and its transformation into a new cultural element of the metropolis was presented by Sergei Kuznetsov, Chief Architect of Moscow and First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development (Moskomarkhitektura), part of the Complex of Urban Development Policy and Construction of the City of Moscow.

The "No More Walls" stand invites you to see how street art is becoming part of conscious urban policy and helping us reimagine familiar routes. The project demonstrates how street art is evolving from an element of underground culture into a tool of urban planning, bringing people together, enlivening spaces, and filling the streets with creative energy.

"Street art is timeless. Its strength lies not in eternity, but in its precise timing. The city is a living organism, and its visual language should be renewed just as naturally," says project curator Sergey Kuznetsov. "Our goal is to create an ecosystem where professional artists have the opportunity to express themselves creatively in the city. Regulation here isn't censorship, but rules of the game that make the process transparent and fair. We want art to become a natural part of urban culture, so that businesses see it not as a burden, but as an investment in meaning. The constant emergence of public art in the city is a sign of a healthy artistic environment. Street art should live in the rhythm of the city: appearing, resonating, and disappearing, making room for new voices."

The exhibition stand concept was developed by the architectural firm KRNV. The exhibition showcases street art as a complex system of interactions between artist, city, business, and society, revealing its energy, which is always "on the edge": between the moment and eternity, between freedom and the system, between the personal and the collective. The exhibition includes photographs and sketches of striking projects: NETSTEN, Angel, Agatha, Hesse's mural, and others, as well as an interactive map of urban interventions.

Project curator: Chief Architect of Moscow Sergey Kuznetsov. Co-curators: Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art, Sergey Kuznetsov's press secretary Maria Ulyanova, and Irina Kuznetsova, curator of exhibition, educational, and publishing programs at the Moscow Committee for Architecture.

The first legal outdoor gallery, NETSTEN, opened in 2019 at the initiative of the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art with the support of the Moscow Committee for Architecture. Since its inception, the gallery has hosted seven exhibitions featuring leading contemporary artists: Kirill Kto, Misha Most, Vova Nootk, Max Ima, Gosha Ykor, Zhihar, Zhenya Voynar, Andrey Aznet, Sergey Ovseykin (Zukclub), and many others.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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A new chapter of the cult project "Once Upon a Time: The Kingdom of Russian Fairy Tales" will be released on October 14, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On October 15, 2025, a major relaunch of the "Once Upon a Time" exhibition, which became a true cultural phenomenon last season, will open in the historic dungeons of the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art. This is not just a refreshed exhibition, but a rebirth of its format. The first chapter of the project attracted over 80,000 visitors and became a "place of power" for families, the art community, and tourists.

Now the project's creators are presenting a sequel, "Once Upon a Time: The Kingdom of the Russian Fairytale," expanded with new spaces, stories, and characters. The project is maturing: it not only entertains but also explains the structure of a fairy tale, the archetypes and meanings behind familiar plots. The format and content have been reimagined: from the visual environment to the narrative, from the route architecture to the ideological core. After the re-exposition, the project now features new semantic and visual pairings.

"Working on the new version of the project, we explored the constant elements of the Russian fairy tale—its plot, archetypal characters, and ways of embodying magic. The exhibition shows how these constants—reflections of the collective imagination and worldview of the past—have changed over time: from folk tales to original and Soviet tales, where familiar motifs acquired new interpretations and meanings. We also delve into the mythology of our time to see which phenomena today are 'accumulated' with an aura of wonder and enter into dialogue with tradition," notes project curator Polina Kotova.

The exhibition opens with a hall where visitors are greeted by images of A.S. Pushkin, A.N. Afanasyev, V.I. Dahl, and V.Ya. Propp—collectors and researchers of the Russian fairy tale. This area sets the tone for the updated, "mature" exhibition.

Furthermore, new "wow" objects have been erected in the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art's underground spaces: a giant bogatyr's head, a life-size Baba Yaga in the Bilibin style and her ominous hut, a winter kingdom, and a renovated "Mushroom War" featuring King Pea. There's also a stable with the Little Humpbacked Horse, a smithy with a Tula anvil, and fairytale animals. A special highlight is the expanded Hall of Soviet Fairy Tales, which recreates the atmosphere of a Soviet interior with iconic film images, artifacts, and illustrations, including, for example, the Soviet version of "The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish" and "The Frog Princess." For fans of the "golden era" of Russian cinema and animation, this space will be a nostalgic feast.

The exhibition's immersive spaces are designed to immerse viewers in a fairytale-like experience: wandering through a dark forest, encountering wondrous creatures, and returning to a bright expanse. It's not just a spectacle, but also an experience of personal transformation. Based on viewer feedback, the project's organizers have made the exhibition more accessible, enriched with explanations and symbols, while preserving the magic of the first season.

The exhibition features works by contemporary Russian artists: Dania Pirogov, Elena Kovylina, Artur Krivoshein, Alexey Vasiliev, Alexander Vinogradov and Vladimir Dubossarsky, Alexander Krylov, and others.

"This isn't just an exhibition, but a space for meaning and dialogue between generations. Through familiar images and plots, viewers will be able to see how fairy tales were created, how their characters were conceived, and the ideas behind the stories we've known since childhood. Here, you can re-immerse yourself in a fairy tale, see its structure, and understand how true magic is born from simple images," comments project producer Ilya Dybov.

Children, adults, and even four-legged guests are welcome here – if last season the exhibition was dog-friendly, now it is also cat-friendly.

The exhibition is open until January 31, 2026.

Age limit: 6

Exhibition organizer: MTS Live

Exhibition implementation: Triumph Gallery

Curatorial team: Polina Kotova, Ivan Repkin

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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bar hub EXPO 2025 (September 15, 2025).

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 16-18, Moscow, Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art

This year, organizers expect over 3,500 unique guests from 200 cities across Russia and neighboring countries. More than 120 companies will present their best brands at the exhibition. This year's theme is "LATINO CARNAVAL," with the primary goal of creating an unforgettable event for attendees and deepening their understanding of bar culture.

As for the educational program, the event will feature four lectures, where experts from around the world will share their experiences on professional bartender growth, bar ecosystem management, business, and the art of mixology.

In addition, during the exhibition, more than 30 Moscow bars will offer guests unique guest bartending sessions, where they can enjoy cocktails prepared by the country's best bartenders.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this outstanding event in the bar industry! We look forward to seeing you at bar hub EXPO 2025—a true celebration of taste and knowledge!

http://barkhov.ru

http://t.te/bar_nub

September 16-18, 2025, Moscow bar hub EXPO 2025 I LATINO CARNAVAL

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Ministry of Economic Development met with representatives of the art industry on December 12.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Ministry of Economic Development:

Since 2021, the growth of gross added value of art industries in the creative economy has amounted to 11%.

One of the national goals is to increase the share of creative industries in the country's economy to 6% of GDP by 2030. In 2024, the art industry was designated as a separate sector within the Unified Plan for Achieving National Development Goals in Russia through 2030. Although the art industry's share of gross value added (GVA) in the overall GVA of the creative economy is relatively small (approximately 2%), the sector has high growth potential. This was stated by Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov during a meeting with representatives of the art industries. Participants discussed key areas for the development of the art industry as an independent and promising sector of the creative economy.

According to the minister, Russia has accumulated unique cultural assets whose value will be preserved in the long term. The state's task is to create the conditions for unlocking this potential.

"Since 2021, the art industries' GVA has grown by approximately 11%. Their contribution to the overall creative economy is approximately 2%. The goal by 2030 is to maintain this figure at 2.3%," emphasized Maxim Reshetnikov.

The discussion focused on three main areas of focus for expert discussion. The first focused on establishing clear "rules of the game" for interaction between the art industry and the economy as a whole, including defining the industry's boundaries and assessing the performance of all its participants. The second focused on assessing the current state and identifying growth opportunities, where engaging both the professional collector community and a new mass audience plays a key role. The third area of focus focused on identifying barriers and accelerating development factors, such as the creation of creative clusters, the implementation of interdisciplinary projects with museums and the digital sector, and the replication of successful regional practices that promote territorial branding.

"We need to work with experts to define the sector's boundaries and develop practical objectives. These include identifying the sector's key features, ways to generate high added value, and potential opportunities for attracting investment in contemporary art," emphasized Maxim Reshetnikov.

The minister proposed focusing on the most substantive discussion possible, drawing on the practical experience of market participants. Case studies and expert understanding of industry development patterns are critical for developing an effective and efficient system of government support, he added.

"This is the first approach to 'digitizing' the art industries as part of the creative economy. Such industry meetings with representatives have already become traditional and help identify development focal points and fine-tune sector regulations. The results of these discussions will form the basis for practical actions and will be reflected in the Strategy for the Development of the Creative Economy through 2036," noted Tatyana Ilyushnikova, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia.

During the meeting Association of Galleries presented the results of an art industry study conducted jointly with Pacioli Consulting in 2024-2025. The experts, among other things, defined the art industry and the art market, described the constituent entities, and identified key components that support the industry's functioning and development. According to their data, the industry employs approximately 113,000 people.

"This is an important, systematic meeting with those representing the professional cultural community to discuss the art industry not only from a cultural perspective, but also from an economic one. We outlined a number of barriers and growth opportunities for the art industry, based on research data and a realistic assessment of the industry's situation," commented Sofya Trotsenko, founder of the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art and member of the Board of the Galleries Association.

Participants also discussed key issues in the development of the art industry: the need for a comprehensive approach to industry policy, the use of the creative potential of art in national and regional development, the expansion of museum collections with contemporary art, legal aspects of intellectual property and the status of contemporary artists, the conditions for the production and exhibition of works, as well as the international promotion and export of Russian artists.

The meeting was also attended by Irina Sedykh, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the OMK-Uchastie Charitable Foundation, founder of the Vyksa Festival, and philanthropist; Vasily Tsereteli, Academician, President of the Russian Academy of Arts, Director of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, and Honored Artist of the Russian Federation; Alisa Prudnikova, Program Director of the GES-2 Community Center and the V-A-C Foundation; and others.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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December 12, 2025. "The Black Man": Yesenin's Famous Poem to Take Cinematic Form. Filming for director Anna Matison's film project "The Black Man," based on Sergei Yesenin's poem of the same name, took place in Mosfilm's Pavilion 9. The lead and only role is played by Sergei Bezrukov, People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 12, 2025

News editorial office

Filming for director Anna Matison's film project "The Black Man," based on Sergei Yesenin's poem of the same name, took place in Mosfilm's Pavilion 9. The lead and only role is played by Sergei Bezrukov, People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

For one day, Mosfilm's Pavilion No. 9 was transformed into a metaphysical space to bring to life the visual dramaturgy of this highly complex work. Specially for the shoot, Mosfilm-Decorstroy specialists constructed a set that subtly emphasized the poem's atmosphere and metaphors, as well as the inner world of its lyrical protagonist.

The film's production is timed to coincide with significant dates. 2025 has been declared the Year of Yesenin in Russian culture, and October 2 marked the poet's 130th birthday. Sergei Yesenin's work is familiar to everyone, and according to bookstore surveys, he consistently remains one of the most popular authors among readers. But, as Sergei Bezrukov noted, there is one work that stands apart in Yesenin's career, resonating with everyone who encounters it. "The Black Man" is the famous poet's last major poetic work. According to Yesenin scholars, it expresses the poet's despair and horror at reality, a dramatic sense of the futility of any attempt to penetrate the mystery of existence.

"I've been reading 'The Black Man' for years, and this unique work draws people back again and again, to once again find themselves on the other side of consciousness, to experience something more than just rhymed words. It's the most requested poem; it's what brings a new, younger generation to our performances. That's why they are the main audience for our project!" Sergei Bezrukov noted in an exclusive comment for Mosfilm.ru.

The short film's director and production designer is Anna Matison, and the cinematographer is Pavel Beklemishev. The leading and only role is played by People's Artist of the Russian Federation Sergey Bezrukov. According to the project's creators, the idea of filming "The Black Man" has been in the works for a long time. The main goal is to create a powerful, visually rich work that will convey its depth and tragedy to a modern audience using the language of cinema.

"Shooting in a studio will allow us to achieve a high artistic standard, as it will allow us to control the light and atmosphere—critical to the realization of a creative idea," emphasized Sergei Bezrukov.

The premiere of the "Black Man" project will take place on December 28, the centenary of Sergei Yesenin's tragic death.

Production: Sergei Bezrukov Film Company.

Photo – Sergey Bezrukov's official website

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Rules of life: Denis Boyarinov on the return of Melodiya vinyl.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Melody – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Melodiya's return to the world of vinyl is an event the industry has been talking about for years. Denis Boyarinov recalls how the label survived the 1990s, why the art of pressing records was lost in Russia, and the rationale behind the choice of its first releases.

The news that Melodiya had launched its own vinyl pressing plant in Novosibirsk and was once again pressing records in-house was a true joy for me. I've been following the company's fortunes for a long time—especially as a journalist, since the mid-2000s—and I know its post-Soviet history well. There were moments when Melodiya itself and its unique archive of audio recordings threatened to simply disappear. It's no secret that many—government officials and entrepreneurs alike—saw Melodiya's value only in its former premises on Tverskoy Boulevard. These were the darkest times: the fate of a company that embodied the entire history of Russian recordings, along with its vast archive of phonograms, an entire layer of the country's audio history, hung in the balance. All of this might simply not survive to this day.

When Melodiya ceased to be a state-owned company and became an independent private enterprise, continuing its work—preserving and researching audio archives, reissuing recordings, and even producing new phonograms—one crucial element was still missing: in-house record production. So, I was extremely excited about the launch of the new plant—incidentally, only the second in Russia. Especially since they managed to select the equipment, fine-tune the manufacturing processes, and launch replication in just a year, which is no easy feat technologically.

In Soviet times, Melodiya was the world's largest record label: several factories, several recording studios, a vast distribution network, and records sold in the millions. I have no illusions that we can return to those times—and there's no need. But having its own factory today means that it will be much easier for Melodiya to press records, which means they will ultimately be more affordable. It will also make it easier for other Russian labels and companies to press vinyl in Russia. What could be wrong with that?

When discussing the quality of Melodiya's new records, it's important to understand that vinyl pressing is essentially a handcrafted process, a delicate one with a high probability of defects. Even the weather affects record printing. It's far more complex than, say, publishing a book or reproducing a CD. The art of record production—and it is an art—was completely lost in Russia by the early 21st century: Melodiya's last pressing plants were dismantled and sold for spare parts in the early 1990s. These spare parts later surfaced in Europe, where skilled craftsmen assembled them into working production lines and, ironically, used them to press records for Russia, among others. In Russia, for a long time, no one even attempted to make vinyl. The first and, until recently, only full-cycle plant, Ultra Production, only opened in 2014.

Now Melodiya has joined the revival of lost art and forgotten technologies: they've found specialists who worked in Soviet factories, consult with them, and train young people. We'll find out how well Melodiya's own records will sound—we'll listen to them and compare—but the important thing is that the process has finally begun.

As for the choice of releases for the first wave of reissues, it seems quite logical to me. It might surprise the average listener, but for those interested in Soviet and "melody" vinyl, there are almost no surprises. Moreover, in my Telegram channel "Red Book", which is dedicated specifically to vinyl and Soviet musical heritage, some experts even criticized the selection for not being "rarity enough." I, however, see a clear internal logic to it.

David Tukhmanov's "On the Wave of My Memory" and Zodiac's "Disco Alliance" are both iconic and popular records for people born in the 1970s and 1980s. Their reissue on Melodiya's own, newly established Russian vinyl press has not only commercial but also symbolic significance. Moreover, these albums were first reissued at the Ultra Production plant, allowing them to be directly compared to the Novosibirsk Melodiya releases. Initial reviews suggest that the new Novosibirsk pressings sound better, confirming that the production process has been streamlined.

It's also important to remember that the Soviet editions of "Po volne moego pamiaty" and "Disco Alliance," which can be found in record shops and online stores today, sound different. It's not just that they're full of grit—old records suffer greatly with age. Modern vinyl reissues are tailored to today's listeners: the soundstage is structured differently, and even the bass sounds different—deeper and richer. It's akin to restoring classic films for modern cinemas—an attempt to bridge the gap created by technological advances.

The reissue of the debut album by the first Kazakh rock band, Dos-Mukasan, is another very precise and important step. This record is quite rare, and the originals are expensive, but now it will be much more accessible—in a new edition specially mastered for vinyl.

The release of the album "Autogenic Training Against Alcohol and Smoking" isn't just a joke for the initiated, but also an excellent example of the amazing recordings that can be found in Melodiya's catalog and the additional historical dimension each of them receives in the new edition.

What's worth reissuing next? Melodiya has a wealth of interesting material in its archives: cool, rare, obscure, and simply stunning music, ranging from the masters of Russian classical music to the folklore of vanishing peoples and countries. I know that Melodiya employees closely read my Telegram channel, where these kinds of records are discussed, and I send them my suggestions from time to time. I know several specialists who work with Melodiya: they are incredible fans and enthusiasts of their craft. In addition to vinyl records, Melodiya is actively involved in digital reissues via streaming services, bringing very rare recordings back into circulation. But vinyl records are a much more expensive business, and the logic here is different. Melodiya operates in a market-driven environment, and it's important to understand that a print run of 500-1,000 copies is a serious investment; some guarantee of a record's success is needed. It is necessary to constantly maintain a balance between the rare and the sought-after, between what is interesting to collectors and diggers, and what might attract a less sophisticated listener.

I know Melodiya is preparing several very interesting reissues for 2026 (the preparation of such releases can take anywhere from a year to several years). So, expect some truly amazing surprises. I won't give away everything—the important thing is that the vinyl pressing process has begun and can't be stopped.

"Rules of Life", December 11, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Kommersant: Discs are spinning in Novosibirsk.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Melody – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A full-cycle vinyl record production facility with a capacity of up to 120,000 units per year has been launched in Novosibirsk. The investor invested approximately 160 million rubles of its own funds in the project, which was used to purchase imported equipment and premises. The company sources raw materials from Italy and uses domestic technology. Within five years, the company plans to capture up to 50% of the Russian record production market, with sales estimated at at least 600,000 units per year. Experts believe the manufacturer's plans are achievable, but caution that to guarantee success, the company requires a sound business strategy and a willingness to engage with the music industry.

A full-cycle vinyl record production facility has been launched in Novosibirsk. JSC Novosibirsk Record Plant is owned by Russia's oldest music label, Melodiya (Moscow-based JSC Firma Melodiya). The 600-square-meter production facility, located within the city limits, currently employs seven people. Initial production capacity is approximately 120,000 records per year, with the potential for subsequent expansion. Total investment in the project amounted to approximately 160 million rubles, which was used to purchase the premises, raw materials, and equipment.

As Roman Abramov, the plant's Operations Director, told Kommersant-Siberia, the decision to open a production line was made due to increasing consumer demand for records. "The market has been driven in recent years by the growing number of vinyl enthusiasts and the growing market for high-quality record playback equipment. We were able to set up production from scratch in a relatively short period of time, and it is now operating successfully," he said. The plant's production machine was imported from Hong Kong, with Sweden and Switzerland being the primary suppliers of equipment. Raw materials for the records are from Italy, and the technology used is domestic.

"During Soviet times, vinyl was produced in the USSR, and music lovers sometimes had complaints about its quality. Now we've chosen the best vinyl—Italian—it's noiseless and ideal for sound recording. We plan to purchase colored vinyl. Then we'll be able to experiment with color editions," said Karina Abramyan, First Deputy General Director of Melodiya.

The plant plans to release tracks from both the Melodiya catalog and commissioned by musicians, labels, agencies, and others. The first record from the new production was "Autogenic Training for Alcohol Abusers," a 1980s album developed by doctors at a Yalta sanatorium. The batch also included David Tukhmanov's "On the Wave of My Memory," the album "Disco Alliance" by the Latvian band "Zodiac," and an album by the VIA "Dos-Mukasan."

The launch of its own enterprise will allow the company to capture 30-50% of the vinyl record market in Russia within five years, after which the manufacturer plans to begin exporting, the company said.

Alexander Balakin, head of sales at Yekaterinburg-based vinyl record manufacturer M9 LLC (Muzilla Production), believes the company's plans are entirely feasible—he estimates annual demand growth in the domestic market at around 20%. "Demand is growing; records are being ordered not only by vinyl fans, but also by young artists, as well as by ordinary consumers and organizations as merchandise or gifts. Our current production capacity is approximately 50,000 records per month," he commented.

Russia's largest vinyl record manufacturing plant, Ultra Production (part of Multimedia Holding CJSC), is booked with orders from domestic artists for two to three years in advance, according to a Kommersant source in the music market.

Kommersant's sources in the music market estimate annual sales of domestic and foreign-produced vinyl records in Russia at between 600,000 and 1.3 million. "Our main suppliers were partners in Austria and England, and two Russian distributors who shipped shipments through other countries," says a representative of a vinyl record store. From Austria, goods were shipped via Berlin and arrived within eight days, he explains.

Mikhail Burmistrov, CEO of Infoline-Analytics, notes the timely launch of vinyl record production in Novosibirsk. He notes that demand for vinyl in Russia has been growing at double-digit rates in recent years, and production capacity is insufficient, while imported products are becoming more expensive despite the strengthening ruble.

"Until recently, Russia essentially had only one full-cycle plant, Ultra Production, with a capacity of around 200,000 units. Combined with Muzilla Production near Yekaterinburg and the Melodiya plant in Novosibirsk, it now has the potential to supply up to 50% of the domestic market," the expert predicts.

According to his estimates, in 2025, demand for vinyl records in Russia will exceed 1 million units, and taking into account purchases in cross-border trade, 1.2 million units.

Among the project's risks, Anastasia Vladimirova, Managing Partner of IPM Consulting, cites dependence on imported equipment and raw materials. If any difficulties with payments arise due to the tightening of sanctions, the company risks being left without supplies and components. "We should also expect increased competition from other manufacturers or imports, which are traditionally high for this product category. A sound business strategy, an understanding of its target audience, and a willingness to engage with representatives of the music industry are essential for the company," the expert believes.

Lolita Belova, Kommersant, December 11, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Rossiyskaya Gazeta: The vinyl craze has launched a factory.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Melody – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Vinyl records were released in Novosibirsk for the first time in its history: production was launched at a subsidiary by the legendary Firma Melodiya, founded in 1964 as a state-owned company for the production, storage, and distribution of sound recordings.

Among the first editions already on sale are recordings of songs by David Tukhmanov, the band Zodiac, and the VIA "Dos-Mukasan," as well as "Autogenic Training for Alcohol Abusers. A Session of Emotional-Stress Psychotherapy for Those Wanting to Quit Smoking."

During Soviet times, the Berdsk Radio Plant, renowned throughout the country for its products, operated in the Novosibirsk region. Under the Vega brand, it produced cutting-edge technology at the time—recorders, tape recorders, stereo players, and even portable players. However, all the records were imported, and queues formed at local department stores for the most popular ones. The main record plant was the Aprelevka Record Plant, located in the Moscow region.

"There were various ideas about where to resume production. Not everything should be concentrated in Moscow or the Moscow region. Novosibirsk is a major transportation hub and is located equidistant between the West and East, which is also convenient for product delivery," noted Roman Abramov, Operations Director of the Firma Melodiya plant.

Approximately 160 million rubles have been invested in the record plant launch project. These funds were used to establish the production process, purchase raw materials, and purchase modern equipment, mostly imported. Suppliers include China, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy.

It took nearly 14 months to prepare for the launch and test production. Now the process is streamlined and the first batches of records have been released. The minimum print run is 100 copies, depending on the customer's order.

The facility is designed for a full production cycle, from start to finish: pressing, cover design, and packaging. They plan to launch this entire production cycle, including matrix production, as early as next year. The potential capacity is 100,000 records per year.

"We're currently doing pressing and packaging, working on a full cycle. Then we'll be able to manufacture the dies ourselves, monitor their quality, and be independent of external contractors, allowing us to fulfill orders quickly," said Roman Abramov.

The title of the first album from the new production is "Autogenic Training for Alcohol Abusers. A Session of Emotional-Stress Psychotherapy for Those Wanting to Quit Smoking." The recordings were made in 1986 and 1987. This is the famous Soviet autogenic training and session, developed by doctors at the Energetik sanatorium in Yalta as part of a healthy lifestyle program and anti-alcohol and anti-smoking campaigns.

"It's quite a funny recording, one that people are sharing online as a meme, skeptical that the Soviet Melodiya label was capable of such a thing. In the 1980s, records with specially selected compositions and narrator instructions became a sought-after alternative medicine, perceived as a panacea for all ailments. We believe this release will be relevant in the run-up to the New Year holidays," said Karina Abramyan, Melodiya's First Deputy General Director. "We also couldn't help but include David Tukhmanov's 'On the Wave of My Memory,' which has remained a hit for 50 years, in the first batch of records. The cycle consists of ten pieces based on texts by Sappho, Goethe, Shelley, Mickiewicz, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Guillén, Akhmatova, and Voloshin."

Another release is the album "Disco Alliance" by the Latvian band Zodiac. Formed at the Latvian Conservatory, they strayed far from academic conventions into rock. "Cult recording," "bestseller," and otherworldly music are just a few of the epithets attributed to Disco Alliance. Another record was the landmark album by the VIA "Dos-Mukasan." Among music lovers captivated by the so-called "Soviet groove," Dos-Mukasan has developed a cult following. Dos-Mukasan are the founders of modern Kazakh pop music, drawing on the roots of folk tradition while simultaneously finding common ground with the Western world. The Kazakh VIA's first album has become a rarity, an object of desire, and a target for diggers and collectors. Its original edition, released in 1976, sells for record prices among vinyl enthusiasts for Soviet records. After 50 years, Melodiya is reissuing this album,” Melodiya’s official statement reads.

The 2025 vinyl masters were made from the original master tapes. Maxim Pilipov served as the sound engineer for the restoration and remastering.

Natalia Reshetnikova, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, December 10, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

December 11, 2025. The Russian Ministry of Culture is expanding access to cultural heritage through the Kultura.RF portal.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 11, 2025

News editorial office

The Russian Ministry of Culture is systematically working to provide citizens with up-to-date information on events in culture, history, literature, architecture, music, cinema, theater, folk traditions, and monuments. A key tool for this is the development of federal information resources.

The flagship of this work is portal "Culture.RF" — a unified online platform for the popularization of cultural heritage. The resource provides free access to a vast archive of knowledge: classical literature, collections of feature and documentary films, recordings of rare performances, lectures, articles, and interactive materials.

The portal also features a nationwide calendar of cultural events. Particular attention is given to special programs: the "Pushkin Card" for young people and a discounted admission program for SVO participants and their families.

A separate, important section is dedicated to the Great Patriotic War, featuring the multimedia project "Victory Map" from the Russian State Film Fund.

The Ministry of Culture considers it important to popularize the portal among all citizens, especially young people, in order to make it a resource for education and everyday life. Kultura.RF continues to develop, becoming the main digital window into the rich world of Russian culture.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.