In a vibrant move to cultivate international cultural connections, renowned Russian artist Shaman, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, is set to represent Russia in the upcoming international music competition, Intervision. Announced by multiple sources including TASS, Shaman is one of Russia’s most popular artists and will headline this newly revamped contest that is seen as a counterpart to the iconic Eurovision.
The idea for the Intervision competition was proposed by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in November 2023, with aspirations to create a platform similar to Eurovision. Reports indicate that China has shown support for developing this competition along with various cultural projects in Russia, with President Vladimir Putin labeling Beijing as a crucial partner in this endeavor.
Further developments culminated in a decree issued by President Putin on February 3, 2025, officially inaugurating the Intervision festival to be held in Moscow and the Moscow region. With the competitive landscape set for September, the event is anticipated to attract representatives from over 20 countries, including all member states of BRICS.
As outlined by Russia’s Culture Minister, Olga Lyubimova, the original name for the contest was proposed as EurasiaVision+, but Konstantin Ernst, General Director of Channel One, suggested the current name, Intervision. Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Vice-Premier, has been appointed to lead the organizing committee, with the audit and supervision of funds managed by Sergey Kiriyenko, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration.
The Intervision competition concept is rooted in historical ideas from the Soviet Union era and aims to revitalize the tradition of international cultural festivals that once flourished in the region. Notably, the original Intervision contest ran from 1977 to 1993 and included various countries beyond the Soviet bloc, such as Austria and Canada.
According to Mikhail Shvydkoy, a special representative for international cultural cooperation, this iteration of Intervision is positioned to become one of the standout cultural events of 2025, given its diverse international participation. The platform is also expected to foster cultural sovereignty and mutual respect among participating nations.
The Russian government has allocated a significant budget of 750 million rubles for the planning and execution of the Intervision festival. To maintain accountability, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation is required to report on the usage of these funds by February 1, 2026.
The gradual return of the Intervision contest reflects a historical narrative that seeks to bridge intercontinental gaps with artistic expression. The event, which had previously ceased to exist following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, is now poised for a comeback that emphasizes cultural dialogues across borders.
Previously held as a major music celebration, the Intervision of the Soviet years encompassed several significant moments, beginning with the Golden Key contest in Czechoslovakia back in 1965. The rebranding of this competition is seen not only as a revival of cultural tradition but also as an opportunity to celebrate new artistic talents.
Shaman's rise to prominence is in line with the overarching goal of the Intervision: to showcase artists who resonate with their national audiences and are leading the charts in their respective countries. Selected performers will represent their nations with songs that exemplify their cultural identity, thus contributing to a larger narrative of collaborative cultural exchange.
Shvydkoy expressed optimism that the variety of nations involved will enhance the competition's prestige, marking it as a noteworthy event in the cultural calendar. Including nations such as China, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and others, enhances mutual engagement and invites diverse cultural interactions.
In addition to being a new chapter for Intervision, this event comes at a time when Russia is advocating for sports and cultural exchanges to remain untethered from political disputes. By doing so, it seeks to create a platform that not only entertains but also educates and enlightens through the presentation of different cultural norms and values.
As preparations for the festival continue, all eyes will be on Shaman and the participating countries, with hopes that Intervision 2025 will not only entertain but also strengthen international bonds via the universal language of music. The success of Intervision will depend on its ability to transcend barriers and foster a sense of global community through shared experiences in art.
This upcoming event holds immense potential to be more than just a competition; it promises to be a celebration of diversity, unity, and the enduring power of music to create connections across the globe.
