Vladivostok is gearing up to host its vibrant street culture festival 'Maisky' this May 2025, promising to be a lively celebration of art, music, and culinary innovation.
The festival will take place on Naberezhnaya Street, right outside the Okean cinema, renowned for its picturesque views and public spaces. This year's event aims to attract both locals and tourists by presenting various zones including fashion, street art, gastronomy startups, and live performances.
Curators of the festival include notable names such as Ekaterina Kiseeva, the ex-producer of Ural Music Night, Pavel Shugurov, former head of urban design for Vladivostok, and fashion designer Elena Shlykova. They will bring their expertise to create engaging and innovative experiences for all attendees.
The primary goal of the 'Maisky' festival is to showcase the fusion of traditions from Russia and countries from the Asia-Pacific region (ATR). This year marks the inclusion of many foreign guests, which adds to the festival's diverse cultural spectrum. Festival organizer Tatyana Zarechneva comments, "We are forming a unique space where everyone, whether they are locals or tourists, can feel the blend of the familiar and the intriguing.”
She continues, “This will be reflected in design, music, art, dance, and street food, embodying the spirit of our city.” Last year’s festival was already indicative of this mixture. The 2024 edition featured musical ensembles not just from Russia, but also from the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, as well as various Russian cities like Moscow, Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Ulan-Ude.
During the 2024 festival, nine art objects were created as part of the street art program, showcasing local talent and international collaboration. The festival becomes particularly exciting with the return of musicians from the KNR who are expected to once again capture the essence of the event and engage the audience.
Overall, the 'Maisky' festival is set to present a canvas for creativity and community engagement, merging local traditions with the vibrant influences of the ATR countries. With the support of Vladivostok's administration, the festival is more than just entertainment; it’s a vivid expression of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
Through this unique setup, the festival will not only entertain but also educate participants about the diverse heritage intermingling on the streets of Vladivostok, creating lasting memories and building community bonds.