The Culture Ministry is currently working on the exact criteria for naming Russia’s “cultural capital,” the Moscow-based Izvestiya newspaper wrote, citing the Ministry’s press service.
The cities and towns wishing to participate in the contest will have to submit a prior application to the Culture Ministry.
“We are going to emulate the European practice where cultural tourism is the main driving force behind the whole concept of the cities’ cultural development,” a source at the Culture Ministry told the newspaper.
“Cities with such a state have up to 500 cultural events happening there each year, which makes it possible to literally revive their cultural environment,” the official added.
