In the Penza region called the regions-leaders in the implementation of cultural programs

For nine months of 2026, the youth of the Penza region purchased about 110 thousand tickets under the Pushkin Card program. During this period, state and municipal cultural institutions of the region organized more than eight thousand events. This was reported at a meeting in the regional government dedicated to the implementation of key cultural projects.

The meeting in the format of a videoconference with deputy heads of municipal administrations was held by acting Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Penza region Sergey Bychkov.

As noted in the press service of the Ministry, one of the main topics was the implementation of the program “Pushkin card”, which is part of the national project “Family”. According to Sergey Bychkov, out of the total number of tickets purchased for nine months, more than 40 thousand were for state cultural institutions.

At the same time, the contribution of municipal institutions is increasing every year, including due to their modernization and upgrade of equipment.

In terms of the number of visits to events within the program among urban districts, Penza and Kuznetsk are leading. Among municipal districts, the best indicators were demonstrated by Nizhnelomovsky, Penza and Serdobsky.

Another issue was the implementation of the program “Zemsky worker of culture”. In 2026, the number of participants in the region increased to 20 people. The second stage of selection took place from August 11 to October 1. Of the 12 candidates selected, ten have already been awarded contracts.

In total, at the moment in the Penza region employed 26 Zemstvo workers of culture. Completely close the staffing requirement for 2026 managed Serdob, Gorodische, Penza and Narovchatsky districts.

The participants also discussed the use of MAX ID to confirm eligibility for benefits when visiting cultural institutions. Sergey Bychkov reminded that all state cultural institutions of the region have the technical ability to read MAX ID to confirm the identity, age and preferential status of visitors.

Special attention was paid to the festival "Theater Volga". The application campaign of the new season started on September 17 and will last until November 18, 2026.

According to Sergey Bychkov, interest in the project has increased significantly. If two years ago, 32 applications were received for the regional stage, last year there were already 103 applications from children's and youth theaters.

The participation of youth groups has increased from 8 to 22, and the number of young actors from 165 to 355 people.

In the VII season of the festival, Penza was the leader in the number of applications submitted among municipalities - 47 applications. Next are the Penza, Kamensky and Belinsky districts.

Sergey Bychkov stressed the importance of further development of cultural projects, attracting young participants and strengthening the personnel potential of cultural institutions in the region.