Republic of Kalmykia
24 April 2021
24 April 2021
Elista
Gorodovikov's Dacha
project context
Gorodovikov’s Dacha is located on the outskirts of Elista. It was once the country residence of Basan Gorodovikov, a Hero of the Soviet Union, but has since fallen into disrepair. The building and its grounds still have unique potential: a pine garden, harmonious architecture, and a well-organised layout.
A local creative team came up with the idea of turning the site into an art residency where young people could pursue creative projects and contribute to the development of the republic’s creative economy. But, as with any ambitious idea, a first step was needed. Rayonnale was that first step.
A local creative team came up with the idea of turning the site into an art residency where young people could pursue creative projects and contribute to the development of the republic’s creative economy. But, as with any ambitious idea, a first step was needed. Rayonnale was that first step.
festival concept
The festival marked the culmination of a pilot initiative to bring the site back to life.
It was preceded by three months of work with Elista’s creative community. During this time, the courtyard was improved using tactical urbanism techniques, and the festival programme was developed. The event symbolically marked the beginning of a new chapter for the site, as the city’s creative community began to make the space its own.
It was preceded by three months of work with Elista’s creative community. During this time, the courtyard was improved using tactical urbanism techniques, and the festival programme was developed. The event symbolically marked the beginning of a new chapter for the site, as the city’s creative community began to make the space its own.
the preparation process
Organising the festival created an opportunity for residents to meet and start working towards a shared goal.
The local project team brought together dozens of young people, including entrepreneurs, students, musicians, artists, established community leaders, and teenagers.
Together, they completed every stage of the preparation process at a challenging site:
The local project team brought together dozens of young people, including entrepreneurs, students, musicians, artists, established community leaders, and teenagers.
Together, they completed every stage of the preparation process at a challenging site:
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They cleared decades' worth of rubbish, tidied the courtyard, and planted apple trees, acacias, and currant bushes. - They built outdoor infrastructure. During hands-on construction workshops, participants created benches, a large communal table, an amphitheatre, and market stalls. A week of building together became a unique and inspiring experience for everyone involved.
- They developed a festival programme with room for everyone to participate: young musicians from different genres, dance improvisations, exhibitions, art installations, workshops, talks, a market selling food and handmade goods, and even a custom audio guide.
the festival in numbers
2000
visitors attended the event
100+
activists and volunteers helped organise the festival and improve the courtyard
145
artists and performers took part in the creative programme, including musicians, visual artists, dancers, and craftspeople
40
cubic metres of rubbish were removed from the site
30
functional installations and art objects were built by volunteers
25
partners contributed to organising and resourcing the festival
Through the project, participants gained experience in collective action, sharing resources, and creating and experiencing things together. This experience can provide a foundation for new initiatives and projects.