Nationwide “Arctic Code” competition unveiled at EEF
On 1 September 2026, at the Eastern Economic Forum, ANO Energy of the Future presented a new nationwide competition, “Arctic Code”, during the session “Russia’s Cultural Capital: How Folk Arts and Crafts Become Global Brands”. The project focuses on integrating Arctic ornamental motifs into contemporary design and the creative industries.
The competition concept echoes this year’s Forum theme, “The Far East: Development for the Benefit of People”. The “Arctic Code” project addresses key objectives: careful preservation of the Arctic’s cultural heritage, integrating it into the country’s creative industries and strengthening the creative potential of the regions.
For centuries, the traditional patterns of the peoples of the Russian Arctic have served as a language encoding their understanding of the world around them, history and destiny. Today, this cultural code can take on new life in clothing, souvenirs and other contemporary products. Tradition is becoming part of the creative economy, rather than remaining solely a museum legacy.
The “Arctic Code” competition is open to creative people aged 18 and over living in Russia, including designers, university students in relevant disciplines, folk artisans, artists, and custodians and collectors of traditional cultural heritage. The competition welcomes participants from all regions, so creative interpretations of traditional patterns will not only preserve the Arctic’s cultural code but also make it relevant and in demand across the country.
“The patterns of Arctic peoples are not just a decoration, but a language of visual communication. By asking participants to work with these patterns, we invite them to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Arctic peoples, and the best entries will be featured in a fashion collection and become part of contemporary life,” said Ekaterina Makarova, head of Energy of the Future.
“Arctic Code” Project Website: https://arctic-code.ru/
