RUSSIA: Innopraktika School: International Art Education Project

The Russian Federation has launched a new international education initiative, Innopraktika School, aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue in the field of art.

This project brings together representatives from different countries, artistic perspectives, and aesthetic traditions to promote global Russian values.

Innopraktika School offers three-week educational sessions hosted by leading creative universities in Russia. The programme welcomes talented young artists, sculptors, dancers, and choreographers from around the world. Instruction will be conducted in English.

Participants will explore and express universal human values through their artistic projects, showcasing how art unites people across cultures and nationalities. The session will conclude with an exhibition featuring the participants' works created during the programme.

In addition to the academic curriculum, students will engage in a rich cultural programme, including visits to theaters, museums, and other renowned cultural institutions in St. Petersburg.

Art Session 2025

Dates: June 30 – July 18, 2025
Location: St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts
Theme: Creativity Unites

Deadline for applications

15 April 2025

Who can apply?

• South African citizens in good health (medical tests required for successful applicants);
• Age: 18 to 35 years;
• English proficiency: at least Intermediate level (Skype/Zoom interview required);
• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond the project completion date);
• Documented art training;
• No legal restrictions preventing entry into Russia;
• Applicants must not have previously participated in Innopraktika School sessions.

Participation Requirements

• Collect and submit all necessary documents for visa application in a timely manner;
• Obtain health insurance for the duration of the stay in Russia;
• Adhere to the laws of the Russian Federation;
• Actively participate in the educational programme, attend classes and excursions, and complete assigned projects;
• Create artworks aligned with the theme Creativity Unites: Preserving Global Values;
• Submit a motivation letter detailing personal reasons for participating and expectations from the project.

Note: Submitting an application does not guarantee selection for the programme.

 What the scholarship offers

• Visa fee reimbursement;
• Round-trip airfare to and from Saint Petersburg;
• Accommodation in double rooms for the duration of the programme;
• Three daily meals during the stay;
• Airport transfers and local transportation;
• Educational and cultural programme participation;
• Materials required for project work.

Application process

Interested candidates must email the required documents to artsession@artschool.pro or apply via the website: https://artschool.pro/sessions/art-session-2025/ 

Required Documents

• Creative CV, including biography and contact details;
• Recent photograph;
• Copy of a valid passport;
• Information on education and professional experience;
• Motivation letter;
• Social media profile link (if available);
• Portfolio: 7–10 original works (including synopses and photographs), created using the following materials:
  • Sketching: Paper, pencil
  • Painting: Canvas, oil
  • Sculpture: Clay
• Proposal for the artwork to be developed during the session, reflecting the theme Creativity Unites.

Contact

For further inquiries, please contact: info@artschool.pro 

Documents and links

Art Session 2025

Application portal

Requirements

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.