By decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, 2026 was declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The main goal of this decision is the preservation and development of traditional values, historical memory and cultural heritage of the multinational people of the country. On September 1, 2026, the XXII International Children's Art Competition "The Beauty of God's World: the Peoples of United Russia" will start, in which participants will present works in three main categories united by a common theme of unity of peoples and cultural heritage.
The organizers of the competition are the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis and the NGO "Center for Educational and Cultural Initiatives "Generation".
In the "Main Theme" nomination, young artists will reveal themes related to the unity of the peoples of Russia, love for their small homeland and cultural traditions. The topics are presented here: "We are one family", "My small Homeland", "Cultural heritage and traditions of the peoples of Russia", "Many peoples — one country" and "National Unity Day".
The spiritual component is reflected in the "Orthodox Icon" nomination, where students of icon painting schools and workshops can present works dedicated to Orthodox shrines and images protecting the Russian land: Kazan, Tikhvin, Iversky and Vladimir icons of the Mother of God, the image of Archangel Michael, etc.
Creative interpretation of folk traditions is presented in the Porcelain Painting nomination, in which participants will present sketches of plates on the themes of folk traditions, historical figures (Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin) and the National Unity Day state holiday.
The works can be done in various techniques: graphics, watercolors, gouaches, pastels or oils, which allows the participants to fully reveal the chosen topic.
The competition is divided into two age categories — 9-12 and 13-17 years old and will be held in two stages: the regional stage — from September 1 to November 1, the final stage in Moscow — from November 15 to December 15.
In December, the final meeting of the competition jury will be held, which will determine the winners of the final (international) stage. A total of 24 prizes will be awarded in all categories.
In January 2027, the winners of the competition and their escorts will arrive in Moscow to receive awards and attend a cultural program. The award ceremony is scheduled during the XXXV International Christmas Educational Readings.
Detailed information about the competition is published on the website of the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis.