ETHNOCULTURAL DIRECTIONS IN THE ACTIVITIES OF CULTURAL AND LEISURE INSTITUTIONS IN IZHEVSK (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE MUNICIPAL BUDGETARY INSTITUTION OF THE CULTURE HOUSE OF CULTURE “VOSTOCHNY”)

Abstract

The article raises questions of a historical and cultural nature related to the activities of cultural and leisure institutions of the city of Izhevsk in the Udmurt Republic. One of the features of Udmurtia is its multi-ethnicity. More than 130 nationalities live in this republic. Modern trends connected with the construction of a common world space actualize the problem of preserving the ethno-cultural field, which is a unique example of folk culture. The main attention is paid to the history and main lines of activity of MBIC HC “Vostochny”, which is the Center for cultural services for the population of the “Vostochny” microdistrict of the Industrial District of Izhevsk. The House of Culture has been in existence since 1949. By the moment the House of Culture has created all the conditions for the development of the creative abilities of people of different ages, and the audience has a wide choice of different kinds of performances. One of the main directions of the “Vostochny” House of Culture is work in the field of development and preservation of ethnic traditions and culture. For several years effective cooperation has continued with the Izhevsk city branch of the All-Udmurt Association “Udmurt Kenesh” Interregional Public Organization. Together with this organization the “Vostochny” House of Culture organizes and holds some national festivals and cultural events dedicated to various state dates and public holidays. In the House of Culture one of the leading Udmurt amateur art group of the city of Izhevsk is based - Laureate of the Kuzeby Gerd Prize Folk Ensemble of the Udmurt song “Invozho”. Also within the walls of the “Vostochny” House of Culture another national group works - the Folk Ensemble of the Mari song “Osh Peledysh” (“White Flower”). This ensemble is an active participant in international events, where it acquaints the audience with their work filled with a special ethical flavor. Thus the activity to preserve ethnic traditions and popularization of folk culture is a very important area for many cultural and leisure institutions. Studying folklore and giving it different scenic forms makes it attractive to a wide audience of different ages. Despite many problems (primarily financial) folk groups search for new forms of studying ethnic material.