Education and Culture
MISSION
To foster better international understanding and tolerance of differences through stimulating educational activities in Tula and the Capital Region. To provide opportunities for pupils, college students, and adults to educate themselves about the Russian and American values and cultures. To share the best of educational practices in Tula and the Capital Region. To encourage the teaching of the Russian language in Capital Regions schools. To promote cultural exchange between schools, art organizations, performers and the wider public with the aim of fostering greater cultural understanding by the one city of the other.
2012 Capital Region Essay Contest ~ Win a Trip to Russia!
The Alliance invites Capital Region High School students to enter the 2012 Essay Contest. The topic for this year’s contest is Leo Tolstoy’s influence on the thought of world leaders. Winners will travel to Tula in September with an adult chaperone to attend the Tula State Pedagogical University’s Conference on the Life and Works of Tolstoy.
>>>Get Information and Submission Form Here
The ATA becomes a Member of the UAG
Like the ATA, the Upstate Artists Guild is a not-for-profit volunteer organization. Their mission is to promote art education and artistic endeavors in the Capital Region. The ATA became a member of the UAG in January 2012 so we could exhibit dozens of wonderful Russian art at their gallery space on Lark Street in Albany. During a 1st Friday event a show called “Call of the Wild” featured three large prints by professional Russian artist Sergey Sachkov. His playful illustrations include images of whimsical mice, mischievous cats, winter chickadees and beady-eyed fish. His work is colorful and amusing and encourages viewers to not take art so seriously. To view the prints watch this YOUTUBE video:
What is the TSPU up to?
Tula State Lev Tolstoy’ Pedagogical University (TSPU) has been an active partner with the Albany-Tula Alliance for many years. The University was founded in 1938 as a teacher-training institute. In 1958 it was renamed after famous Russian writer Lev Tolstoy who spent most of his life in his estate, Yasnaya Polyana, not far from Tula. In 1994 the institute was transformed into a university.
Get Involved
We’re busy planning lots more activities for 2012 and beyond. To find out more or to volunteer your assistance, please email contact@albany-tula.org.