News

Moscow hosted the opening ceremony of the International Forum for Civic Engagement #MYPLACE. At the event, the winners were announced.
In the "Help to People" category, projects that assist people with disabilities, support socially vulnerable groups of Russians, and those aimed at protecting citizens from emergency situations and finding lost people were awarded. The winners in this category were presented by Oleg Gazmanov, a singer, People's Artist of Russia, and artistic director of the "Rodniki" national project, and Ekaterina Guseva, an Honored Artist of Russia.
Based on the decision of an expert jury and the results of a public vote, the third prize went to the "Creative Personalities. Support for Young People with Disabilities with Equal Creative Mentors" project of the "Kvartal Lui" organization.
The project has been supporting young people with disabilities for the past 10 years, transforming their lives for the better. We pay special attention to creative development, which is why in 2019 we opened the art estate "New Shores" in the village of Bogoslovka. Here, people with disabilities can live, study, work, and realize their dreams. They come from different parts of the country to New Shores to overcome their fears and find their calling. Studies at the art residence last between 2 and 5 years. During this time, young people can burn wood, paint, sing, sew, play musical instruments, engage in sports, participate in quests, and even attend media school.
According to Rosstat, less than 3% of people with disabilities are members of any community. Many men, women, and children with diagnosed conditions are socially isolated, with no interests or hobbies. We want everyone to have a decent and interesting future, where they can contribute, create, enjoy, and feel the energy of life.
Fifteen projects for young people with disabilities have already been completed at the art estate. One participant even opened his own woodworking workshop, "Les," which was presented at the international exhibition-forum "Russia" at VDNKh. Over 300 young people have attended the creative events of the project.
The Kvartal Lui activists plan to train 50 outstanding residents with disabilities to become mentors, helping other people with disabilities find their path. Their joint creative efforts will be showcased at "Quartafest" in 2025.
The winners of the #MYPLACE International Award will receive national recognition, the status of "Partner of National Projects", integration into the #MYPLACE community, opportunities for travel around Russia, points for self-development from the "Drugoe Delo" project, expert support, and promotion opportunities on the DOBRON platform. The Russian Federation will provide access to educational programs at centers such as Mashuk, Senezh, and Meganom.
In addition, award winners will have the opportunity to work with mentors, recognized industry leaders who will advise on the topic of project replication. They will also have face-to-face and online meetings with them. NGOs and businesses will have a chance to present their projects to experts at SPIEF as part of the business program at the #MYPLACE Forum, as well as other forums organized by award partners.
The International Forum of Civic Engagement #MYPLACE is a key event in the field of volunteerism, charity and NGOs in Russia and the world, a platform for the formation of a culture of mutual assistance and caring. The purpose of the forum is to organize a dialogue and partnership between the state, business and civil society for the development of the country and effective assistance to people.
The #MYPLACE International Award is the flagship project of the global community of leaders of social transformation. The idea of an international project was proposed by MyPlace volunteers at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2020. The President supported the idea, and it was included in the list of instructions from the President of the Russian Federation.