Vyksa has entered the top three Russian cities for the development of the creative economy.

      28 November 2025, 17:33

      Society — City

      Vyksa in the Nizhny Novgorod Region was among three Russian cities where creative initiatives had the most tangible impact on the development of the creative economy and the improvement of the urban environment. At the same time, the residents themselves actively participate in the creation and implementation of such projects.

      The small industrial town, which is home to a plant of the United Metallurgical Company (OMK), became a finalist of the Fifth Russian National Award in the field of creative industries. Vyksa is represented in the "Creative City" category, where Almetyevsk (Republic of Tatarstan) and Yuryevets (Ivanovo Region) also compete.

      Members of the award's expert council, including Alexander Zhuravsky, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Russia for Public Projects, and Marina Mongush, President of the autonomous non-profit organization (ANO) "Creative Economy", noted Vyksa's unique urban ecosystem. In their view, art has become an integral part of everyday life there.

      A key element of this ecosystem has been the "Vyksa Festival" (12+), held since 2011 by the OMK-Participation Foundation with the support of OMK, the city administration and the regional government. It was this cultural event that sparked the rapid development of the urban space.

      Today Vyksa is not only an important metallurgical centre in Russia, but also an example of how culture can organically coexist with industrial infrastructure and shape a new urban identity.

      The award ceremony will take place on 1 December 2025 at the Zaryadye Concert Hall in Moscow. During the event the country's most creative city will be announced, as well as laureates in ten other categories. In total, about 1,200 applications were submitted for the award this year.

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