II Eastern Forum for Innovative Industries: Reborn and Revitalized
The II International Forum of Creative Industries commenced in Yakutsk from May 29 to 31, 2025. The event, which unfolded at the creative cluster "Labor Quarter," saw the participation of federal and regional authorities, development institutions, and the entrepreneurial and expert community.
The forum opened with a theatrical performance showcasing modern stage and lighting technologies. Following the prologue, the formal proceedings commenced. Kirill Bychkov, the Chairman of the Government of Yakutia, delivered a welcoming address, emphasizing the economical importance of creativity.
"We are launching the Forum of Creative Industries on the only creative cluster in the Far East. Creation is not limited to the youth, creatives, or artistic personalities. It's the duty of our entire economy – to create, to innovate. The creative industry is breaking new ground, reaching a new level. We started our day by signing specific agreements. I am delighted that today we have a record number of participants from across our country – nearly half, with 39 subjects represented. On behalf of the Government of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), I welcome you and thank you for your interest and for developing this initiative," said Bychkov.
Elvira Nurgalieva, the Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, also addressed the gathering. She highlighted the region's rich history and culture, spanning 11 regions and home to representatives of nearly 150 nationalities, and emphasized the need to transform cultural projects into economically viable initiatives for regional development.
Nurgalieva announced the upcoming emergence of creative clusters in other Far East regions this year, including Kamchatka and Blagoveshchensk. The forum aims to foster a sustainable ecosystem for creative industries, creating jobs, boosting small and medium-sized businesses, and exporting intellectual products across Russia and the Asia-Pacific markets.
The Creative Industries Forum, a continuation of the successful 2023 initiative, attracted over 6000 participants from 9 countries. Over 150 events, including panel discussions, pitchings, workshops, and strategic sessions, covered various aspects of film, animation, fashion, digital art, gastronomy, game development, and state support for creative industries and cultural product exports.
The creative cluster "Labor Quarter" served as the forum's main venue, transforming into a regional hub for business, education, and culture for three days. The event is expected to result in over ten agreements totaling over one billion rubles.
The forum's objective is to establish a self-sustaining ecosystem of creative industries in the Far East, with a long-term goal of increasing the share of creative industries in the Russian GDP to 6% by 2030. Each region in the Russian Far East is encouraged to specialize in specific creative niches, leveraging local strengths for a competitive advantage and economic contribution in the region.
At the forum, the importance of fostering a sustainable ecosystem for creative industries, such as home-and-garden and sustainable-living, was emphasized, aiming to create jobs, boost small and medium-sized businesses, and export intellectual products across Russia and Asia-Pacific markets. As Elvira Nurgalieva, the Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, announced, creative clusters for various industries, including but not limited to home-and-garden and sustainable-living, will be emerging in other Far East regions this year.
