The Secretariat of Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture Programme is excited to announce a new member of the team. Vasily Petrov, former President of the Youth Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples (MAFUN) and currently a cultural specialist in Mari El Republic, is joining the Secretariat as Programme Coordinator for Russia. 

In this role, Vasily will oversee the administration and development of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture role in Russia. Vasily is joining the Secretariat at the time when the current holder of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture title - village of Shorunza - is located in Mari El and the next title-holder - Mishkino village - will be a majority Mari-speaking village in the neighbouring Republic of Bashkortostan.

According to Oliver Loode (head of the Secretariat), Vasily can bring valuable experience and skills to the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme: "Vasily's knowledge of, and enthusiasm about the Finno-Ugric collaboration will hopefully help us take the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme to a next level of development in particular in Russia. This is especially timely given that the next capital of culture will be in Russia."

In the words of Vasily Petrov, joining the Secretariat of Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme is an opportunity to re-connect with the Finno-Ugric movement, "The Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme is one of the most vibrant and dynamic examples of the international Finno-Ugric cooperation and cultural exchange. I am glad for the opportunity to contribute to the programme's continued growth in Russia which is the home of most Finno-Ugric peoples and languages." Vasily Petrov's first task as Coordinator for Russia will be to work with Mishkino to ensure the success of its upcoming capital of culture year.