Cultural Life of the Kuban and Stavropol Regions in the Beginning of the 1960s: Regional Artists

Abstract

In the article based on archival materials the creative activity of Kuban and Stavropol region artists is being researched. In the 1960s there was an increasing growth of exhibitions within artistic unions and the tradition of traveling exhibitions had been revived. The process of introducing local artists’ art was highly stimulated by the foundation of the Artistic Union of RSFSR in 1960. The extension of interregional and international contacts between artists made a serious impact. These were not only exchange exhibition but trips to neighboring republics of Northern Caucasus and Transcaucasus where they had a chance to experience nature and local life to do the art work. In 1960s the tendency of rapprochement between the Central Union of Artists and local artists became noticeable. Local artists’ works started being displayed at the All-Soviet Union exhibitions more often than before. The artistic educational system for all social classes was being developed as well. One of the main goals that local Union of Artists set was to make the work of local artists useful and practical for the society production. Precisely, very big attention was attracted to visual propaganda at plants and factories of the Kuban and Stavropol regions. Artists took part in soviet party commissions checking posters, wallpapers and other propaganda attributes of that kind. Local party authorities, on the other hand, considered the artists and so as the other clerisy as one of the methods of creating ideology. Supervising in art schools was an important part of the duty of local Art Unions authorities because amateur artists could be provided both with professional and ideological guidance through these studios. As in previous years, the officials of the Union of Artists had to pay attention to the ideological level of engagement of its members and their political education. At the same time, there appeared a need of creating a system of professional artistic education for the regions. Different artistic genres such as sculpture, theater decorative painting started developing. It was a common practice to interfere in private work of an artist and it was obligatory to preview and discuss the sketches of unfinished works.