Residents of Irkutsk can support the city in the “Capital of Culture 2026” competition. There are 26 municipalities in the country vying for this title. The press service of the regional center administration reported this on April 23, 2024.
The popular vote is now underway. Those who wish can support the city through State Services. The results will be announced on July 1. The second stage among the finalists starts on September 12. An expert commission will determine the winner in December.
– Our city has its own uniqueness and originality. Residents respect history and traditions. We have many talented groups, a large number of museums, exhibitions, professional and amateur theaters, regional and municipal libraries. Events in institutions are designed for citizens of different ages. We host regional, all-Russian and international festivals. I am convinced that Irkutsk can rightfully claim the status of a cultural capital, – the mayor emphasized Ruslan Bolotov.
In 2024, Nizhny Novgorod received this title, and in 2025, Grozny.
The project is aimed at the socio-economic and cultural development of the regions. Each participating city has the opportunity to make itself known throughout the country, becoming a point of attraction for tourists, potential investors and partners. The initiator of the competition is the Cultural Capital Foundation with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Culture.
