An important component of the 3rd International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”, taking place in Kazan on 18–19 August, is its extensive cultural programme. In Pavilion 2 of the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center, visitors will find the “Cross-Cultural Zone”, designed as a large circular stand and inspired by the Chinese philosophy of Wu Xing. The philosophy of the Celestial Empire encompasses five elements: fire, wood, water, metal and earth.
Each element will be represented through a dedicated masterclass. Forum participants will have the opportunity to create a souvenir with their own hands, learn the basics of translation into Chinese, and explore the principles of Wu Xing.
* Fire – ceramic souvenir painting
* Wood – painting traditional matryoshka dolls and wooden spoons
* Water – water-based painting techniques
* Metal – coin minting and copper plating of natural forms
* Earth – lace-making
The main stage of the Cross-Cultural Zone will host distinguished performers, including Elmira Kalimullina, Honoured Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan , the Orchestra of the Sofia Gubaidulina Centre for Contemporary Music, the Dmitry Zheleznov Cappella, and others. Artists from the Kazan State Circus will present excerpts from the national Tatar fantasy production "Miras".
The national theme will continue with performances by the kurai studio “Elluki”, the “Kazan” Dance Ensemble, the ethno-groups “Rivayat” and “Alpar”, the folk instruments orchestra “Kazan Nury”, and the ethno-collective “Kadim Almet”.
Chinese traditions will also be reflected in dance performances by Moscow-based artists, featuring concert numbers such as “Lotuses”, “Dance of the Great Chinese Dragon”, and “Dance of the Chinese Lions”. The children’s ensemble “TriNiti” will present a vocal piece in Chinese entitled “Where Is My Friend?”, martial arts masters will demonstrate Wushu, and students of Kazan Federal University will recite poetry.
The educational programme includes lectures on “The Image of China in English-Language Literature”, “From Text to Understanding: The Translator as Architect of Russian–Chinese Scientific and Cultural Dialogue”, as well as a public talk by the Gorizont Films Production Centre entitled “Kazan Through the Lens of Documentary Filmmaking”.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to test their strategic thinking skills in the ancient game of Go (known in China as "Weiqi"), which is more than 5,000 years old. Over time, it has evolved from a pastime into a fully-fledged school of thought and even a form of meditation. Historically, it inspired philosophers and artists; today, it also captivates programmers.
Fans of board games will be able to enjoy Mahjong (also known as "Mahjong" or "Ma Jiang")—another iconic Chinese game that has won the hearts of millions. With multiple players, hundreds of combinations and a strong tactical element, the game presents a genuine intellectual challenge.
Anyone wishing to take part in this cultural exchange is welcome to register via the official website: https://russiachinaforum.com.
The Directorate of International Programmes is the operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.
Each element will be represented through a dedicated masterclass. Forum participants will have the opportunity to create a souvenir with their own hands, learn the basics of translation into Chinese, and explore the principles of Wu Xing.
* Fire – ceramic souvenir painting
* Wood – painting traditional matryoshka dolls and wooden spoons
* Water – water-based painting techniques
* Metal – coin minting and copper plating of natural forms
* Earth – lace-making
The main stage of the Cross-Cultural Zone will host distinguished performers, including Elmira Kalimullina, Honoured Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan , the Orchestra of the Sofia Gubaidulina Centre for Contemporary Music, the Dmitry Zheleznov Cappella, and others. Artists from the Kazan State Circus will present excerpts from the national Tatar fantasy production "Miras".
The national theme will continue with performances by the kurai studio “Elluki”, the “Kazan” Dance Ensemble, the ethno-groups “Rivayat” and “Alpar”, the folk instruments orchestra “Kazan Nury”, and the ethno-collective “Kadim Almet”.
Chinese traditions will also be reflected in dance performances by Moscow-based artists, featuring concert numbers such as “Lotuses”, “Dance of the Great Chinese Dragon”, and “Dance of the Chinese Lions”. The children’s ensemble “TriNiti” will present a vocal piece in Chinese entitled “Where Is My Friend?”, martial arts masters will demonstrate Wushu, and students of Kazan Federal University will recite poetry.
The educational programme includes lectures on “The Image of China in English-Language Literature”, “From Text to Understanding: The Translator as Architect of Russian–Chinese Scientific and Cultural Dialogue”, as well as a public talk by the Gorizont Films Production Centre entitled “Kazan Through the Lens of Documentary Filmmaking”.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to test their strategic thinking skills in the ancient game of Go (known in China as "Weiqi"), which is more than 5,000 years old. Over time, it has evolved from a pastime into a fully-fledged school of thought and even a form of meditation. Historically, it inspired philosophers and artists; today, it also captivates programmers.
Fans of board games will be able to enjoy Mahjong (also known as "Mahjong" or "Ma Jiang")—another iconic Chinese game that has won the hearts of millions. With multiple players, hundreds of combinations and a strong tactical element, the game presents a genuine intellectual challenge.
Anyone wishing to take part in this cultural exchange is welcome to register via the official website: https://russiachinaforum.com.
The Directorate of International Programmes is the operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.