The Russian Center of Science and Culture in Ukraine (Russia House) which recently opened in Kyiv, is modeled on the Russian Center of International Scientific and Cultural Cooperation at Russia’s foreign ministry (Roszarubezhtsentr). The purpose of this office is to inform and assist in formulating and implementing programs in the humanities as well as scientific, technical, and educational fields, and to promote business and economic potential.
The new center, headed by V. Bogach, boasts conference and exhibition halls, a library, video collection, Russian-language rooms, and a computer room.
The idea to set up an official branch of Roszarubezhtsentr in Ukraine emerged in 1999, when its mission office began working in Kyiv. Kyivites eagerly attended literary and musical soirees at the Kyiv Museum of Russian Art, readings of modern Russian drama at the New Theater in the Pechersk district, screenings of the “Russian Cinema: Premiere in Kyiv,” and other events held by Roszarubezhtsentr. The center cooperates with regional Russian cultural centers that have contributed to the development and support of Russian culture in Ukraine.
“In spite of the fact that the center is an ‘interim’ one, from the outset it will carry out various functions,” stressed Viktor Chernomyrdin, Russia’s Ambassador to Ukraine. “We are planning to open a permanent and potent center in new premises soon.
For the time being, all cultural, scholarly, and educational events will be held here. Now there is a place for the representatives of our two countries to meet, discuss, and debate.
