GlavUpDK Launches 5th International Creative Contest “Architecture of Diplomacy” ✨️ The Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps under the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (GlavUpDK) has announced the launch of the 5th Open Creative Contest “Architecture of Diplomacy.” 🌐 For the second consecutive year, the contest will be held in an international format, bringing together young artists aged 12 to 35 from around the world — including both professionals and amateurs, as well as students of universities, colleges, and creative institutions. This year’s theme, “The Matryoshka Doll: A Conversation of Ornaments and Colors,” invites participants to reinterpret one of the most recognizable symbols of Russian culture. Artists are encouraged to explore the Matryoshka as a representation of family, unity, and prosperity through visual arts, decorative and applied arts, and crafts. For the first time in the contest’s history, winners will be selected in three categories: 🔸️Little Artists (ages 12–18) 🔸️Young Artists (ages 18–35) 🔸️Author of Small Sculptural Composition Participants are invited to use the traditional form of the Matryoshka doll as a creative foundation, transforming it through diverse artistic interpretations, including: 🔸️motifs inspired by their national cultures; representations of the peoples of Russia in their diversity, in line with the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia; 🔸️historical themes from their respective countries; 🔸️concepts of intercultural dialogue and international cooperation; 🔸️artistic reflections on the relationship between inner identity and external expression; 🔸️other original ideas highlighting the universality and cultural richness of the Matryoshka image. ❗️Winners of the contest will receive cash prizes. 📅 Submission deadline: June 10, 2026 Announcement of results: by July 10, 2026 Award ceremony: Moscow, August–September 2026 📎 The detailed contest regulations are available here.