Russia Launches National Awards to Honor Folk Arts and Crafts in 2026
Russia has launched a new national award to celebrate folk arts and crafts. The initiative, signed into action by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, aims to recognise excellence in traditional skills and cultural heritage across the country. The awards will cover 10 categories when they debut in 2026. Among them are titles like Best Folk Crafts Master and Best Young Specialist. A special prize will also honour the top public initiative supporting traditional crafts, as well as the best educational or mentorship project in the field.
Winners will receive commemorative statuettes and official diplomas. A council under the Ministry of Industry and Trade will select the recipients after reviewing submissions. The competition is open to self-employed artisans and individual entrepreneurs, broadening participation beyond large workshops. The announcement comes as regional craftsmanship thrives in areas like Khabarovsk Territory. Hundreds of local entrepreneurs there produce goods using techniques passed down by the indigenous peoples of the Amur region. Later this month, 43 artisans from the territory will display their work at the AmurFest.Spring festival and fair, running from May 16 to 17. Separately, the government’s press service revealed a special award for the best tourist route showcasing folk craft sites. This category will highlight destinations where visitors can experience traditional skills firsthand.
The new awards programme will spotlight artisans and projects preserving Russia’s cultural traditions. With categories spanning education, public engagement, and craftsmanship itself, the initiative seeks to sustain and promote heritage skills for future generations. Winners will be announced in 2026, following evaluations by the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s dedicated council.
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