President of Russia: Vladimir Putin signed decrees on the winners of Presidential Prizes for young cultural figures and for works for children and youth of 2019

Having considered the recommendations of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art, the President resolved that the 2019 Presidential Prize for Young Culture Professionals and the honorary title of prize- winner would be awarded to:

Oleg Akkuratov, a pianist, for his contribution to the development of music in Russia and educational engagement;

Olga Smirnova, a ballet dancer and a group supervisor at the Bolshoi Theatre, for her contribution to the development of choreography in Russia; and Maxim Shaposhnikov, Director of the Belgorod State Folk Art Centre, for the implementation of the Russian School of Club Innovation project.

Having considered the recommendations of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art, the President resolved:

To award the 2019 Presidential Prize for Writing and Art for Children and Young People and the honorary title of prize-winner to:

Maria Vedenyapina, Director of the Russian State Children’s Library in Moscow, for her contribution to the development of children’s and youth reading and for promoting childhood reading;

Kamil Ziganshin, a writer, for his contribution to the development of the humanistic traditions of domestic children’s literature; and

Leonid Nosyrev, a director, artist, screenwriter for animated films and educator, for his outstanding contribution to the development of domestic and global animated art.