CONF: Europe meets Russia, April 24-27, Berlin

Conference: Europe meets Russia April 24th-27th, Berlin

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is pleased to host the following speakers for the upcoming EMR Conference:

The Hon. Kristiina Ojuland (MEP), Former Foreign Minister of Estonia

The Hon. Mikhail Kasyanov, Former Prime Minister of Russia (2000 – 2004)

"Europe Meets Russia" has been designed with the intention of bringing together young individuals (mid-to-later stage students and young professionals with 1-2 years experience). The program has been developed in recognition of the importance of the relationship between Russia, Europe, and the global political system. Participants will gain insight into cultural diplomacy, exchange ideas and experiences, and learn from influential figures in the given field. Participants will be able to network and develop contacts on social and professional levels through the participation of lectures, challenging workshops, and discussions. The weeklong seminar will include lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experts from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society, as well as cultural and social activities. In addition to raising awareness amongst the participants on the field of cultural diplomacy and salient issues concerning European-Russian relations, the week provides an opportunity to network and experience Berlin.

Further information about "Europe Meets Russia" can be found at:

www.icd-emr.org

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is now accepting applications for participants with an active interest in the issue.

http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/CREES/archives/conferences/index.html#064390#more 

FREE CONF: Russia(n) in Global Context: Uni of Leeds, 9 March

Friday 9 March 2012 at the University of Leeds:
The University of Leeds presents a one-day workshop on the theme of
"Russia(n) in the Global Context". This event is intended to explore
approaches and methodologies for repositioning Russia and Russian Studies in
the age of globalisation. We are particularly interested in but not limited
to such questions as: To what extent is it appropriate to move beyond
hitherto existing paradigms of examining Russia such as Russia vs the West?
Is the concept of Russia in transition from the Communist era still
applicable? What new forms of research engagement can we utilise to study
Russia(n) in the global context? 


The workshop will comprise morning panels and an afternoon round table,
followed by the launch of the Leeds Russian Centre and a wine reception.
The morning panels will bring together experts in Russian Studies that will
debate the future of the field from the perspective of different academic disciplines. The afternoon round table will focus on the Russian presidential elections and offer reflections on the impact of the election on the global economy, politics, media and culture. 


Further information and programme will be posted on our website
www.leeds.ac.uk/russian by 15 February 2012.
Confirmed speakers include: Birgit Beumers (U Bristol), Stephen Coleman (U
Leeds), Nancy Condee (U Pittsburgh), Christopher Dent (U Leeds), Julian
Cooper (U Birmingham), Simon Dixon (UCL), Marina Frolova-Walker (U
Cambridge), Luke Harding (The Guardian), Stephen Hutchings (U Manchester),
Lara Ryazanova-Clark (U Edinburgh), Vera Tolz (U Manchester), Sarah Wilson
(Courtauld Institute).


The event is free to attend but places for the morning panels are limited
and strictly on a first-come first-served basis. Please notify us of your
intention to attend by Friday 17 February. 
Contact Sarah Hudspith s.f.hudspith@leeds.ac.uk 0113 3433290.
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Dr Sarah Hudspith
Director of Russian
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
UK
0113 3433290
s.f.hudspith@leeds.ac.auk

Russian Art Workshops Teach Toronto About Russian Folk Art

Russian Art Workshops Teach Toronto About Russian Folk Art

Participants learn how to create bizarre authentic folk art on wood

Launched in 2011, Russian Art Workshops is a privately-owned company dedicated to the preservation and education of Russian folk art. The unique cause strives to help folk arts survive in today's high-tech, hectic lifestyle.

“It is a great opportunity to learn about Russia trough crafts and traditional folk art,” the site, www.RussianArtWorkshops.com, states.

  

Website visitors can register online for workshops that teach how to create artworks related to the country and introduce to people the rich culture of Russia through folk music, food and crafts.

Upon visiting the vast online resource, people will learn about the world-famous Matryoshka doll. These wooden dolls that are nestled into one another have a century-long history. The Russian Art Workshops teaches people how to paint a blank piece of wood transforming it into the cherished and bizarre piece of art.  Along with matryoshka painting workshops The Russian Art Workshops provides master-classes for other painting techniques on wood such as Polhov-Maidan and Gorodets. Folk painting courses will be also available in the near future.

“Throughout the workshop, students will be listening to traditional Russian music, and there will be a demonstration of a few steps from a traditional Russian “matryoshka dance”, the site explains.

The materials fees for the hands-on workshops are incorporated in the cost of the classes. Complimentary tea, coffee and sushki (a traditional Russian tea bread) are provided during the workshops.

On Russian Art Workshops website online visitors can watch an interesting video that demonstrates carving a nesting doll.  On this video people can see that the production of blank wooden dolls needs a lot of skills and patience. After the workshops participants will learn that painting the dolls is no less laborious work.

The workshops take place every week on Saturdays and Sundays in Toronto at Yong and Sheppard location. For more information and to register for the workshops, visit www.RussianArtWorkshops.com.