The V International Performing Arts Prize "FOLK-STAR" (hereinafter referred to as the Prize) brings together performers who strive not only to preserve their national heritage but also to contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue and friendship between nations.

Participation in the Prize «FOLK-STAR» - is an unforgettable opportunity to spend 6 festive winter days in the heart of Russia - Moscow, to see it shimmering with New Year's lights, and to celebrate the bright Orthodox Christmas. Participants will experience the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale, present their performances to the public, find new friends and also to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of different nations.

Dates: January 5-10, 2026
Location: Moscow
Venue: Central Officer Club of the Aerospace Forces of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation (address: Moscow, Pavlovskaya Street, 8)
Hotel: «Vega», Izmailovo (address: Moscow, 71 Izmaylovskoye highway, 3V)

Goals and objectives:

• Popularization of traditional folk culture and preservation of Russia's cultural heritage.
• Introduction to the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia and the world.
• Identification and promotion of the best folk performers
• Improvement of professional skills of group leaders and teachers.
• Development of friendship and cultural cooperation between Russian Federation and foreign countries.
• Formation of mutual respect for the cultural traditions and customs of other ethnic groups.
• Development of public diplomacy and strengthening of international relations.

Nominations:

• Folklore - theatrical performances, rituals, unique genres, throat singing, and other directions.
• Vocal - authentic, folk, folk in modern arrangement, academic, pop, jazz.
• Choirs
• Instrumental Creativity - folk, classical, pop, jazz instruments.
• Choreography - folk dance, ethnic, stylized, modern, pop, and other directions.
• Fashion and Design - prêt-à-porter, evening wear, children's clothing, stage costume, historical costume, folk costume, modern youth clothing, accessory design, and other directions.
• Theatrical Creativity - drama theater, artistic word, musical theater, folk theater, pop theater, musical, theatrical miniatures, fashion theater, theater of mime and gesture, theatrical productions, and other directions.

Age categories:

• 5-6 years old
• 7-9 years old
• 10-12 years old
• 13-16 years old
• 17-44 years old
• 45 and over
• Pro Category: students and groups from colleges of culture and arts, higher educational institutions, state ensembles, etc.

Age categories do not apply in the "Fashion and Design" and "Theatrical Creativity" nominations.

Preliminary program:

January 5
Arrival of participants. Meeting in the airport. Transfer to hotel. Moscow city tour.

January 6
Festival activity and *optional tours (upon request)

January 7
Competition day. Transfer to and from the competition venue. Friendly dinner.

January 8
Festival activity and *optional tours (upon request)

January 9
Gift for all foreign and regional participants - walking tour of festive Moscow with an escort (4 hours).

January 10
Departure of participants.

Rounds:

• 1st ROUND - Qualifying
  • All participants of the Prize participate in the 1st ROUND.
  • Each participant in the 1st Round performs 1 competition piece.
  • The duration of the performance for all nominations is up to 5 minutes.
  • If the time limit is exceeded without prior approval from the jury, the performance will be stopped.
  • Awarding takes place on the competition day.
  • Based on the results of the 1st Round, in each nomination and age category the titles of Laureate of the I, II, III degrees as well Grand-Prix Laureates are determined.
  • The maximum number of Grand-Prix Laureates is up to 14.
  • Grand-Prix Laureates are nominated for the «FOLK-STAR» Prize.
• 2nd ROUND - Superfinal
  • Grand-Prix Laureates participate in the 2nd Round - the Superfinal.
  • The jury determines the winners of the "FOLK-STAR" Prize regardless of age categories across 7 nominations.

Nominatiom and criteria:

Awarding:

• Laureates of I, II, III degrees are awarded with a diploma and a cup.
• Grand-Prix Laureates are awarded a diploma, a cup, and monetary certificates ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles for participation in festivals of the organizing committee.
• Winners of the "Folk-Zvezda" Prize are awarded a diploma, the "Folk-Zvezda" badge, and a commemorative prize at the discretion of the Award's partners.
• All participants are awarded commemorative medals FREE OF CHARGE.
• Leaders and teachers are awarded letters of gratitude (electronically).
• Sponsors and sending organizations are awarded letters of gratitude (electronically) at the discretion of the participants themselves.
• The best performers may be invited for tours and festivals in Russia and abroad on preferential terms.

Jury:

• To identify the winners of the Prize, a Grand Jury consisted of a Professional and Honorary Jury is created. Grand Jury includes cultural and art figures, famous artists, art-directors, teachers, representatives of creative, public and government organizations in Russia and foreign countries.
• The Chairman of the Professional Jury has the right to 2 votes in case of a dispute.
• The professional jury may decide to cancel the competition in one of the nominations or combine the age categories specified in this regulation due to an insufficient number of applications submitted.
• The jury has the right not to award all titles, to share laureate titles among performers, to present special prizes to teachers for outstanding achievements, to decide to stop a performance that exceeds the time limit.
• The decision of the Grand Jury is final and not subject to discussion.

Conditions of participation:

• To participate in the Prize, it is necessary to submit an application and pay the target fee.
• Applications are submitted only electronically.
• Each participant can apply in several nominations.
• A separate application must be submitted for each nomination.
• Performances by groups must be based on national, folk material from any country or region, either in authentic, traditional, or modern interpretation.
• Participants must be 5 years of age or older, with no upper age limit.
• Participants are admitted to the Prize only if accommodated at the accredited festival hotel provided by the Organizing Committee.
• The recommended arrival date in Moscow is January 5. Departure date is January 10. Extension of the stay is possible upon prior request, if necessary.

Financial conditions:

• Financing of competition and festival events is carried out at the expense of targeted contributions (donations) of the participants of the event.
• All travel expenses to and from Moscow are borne by the participants themselves or their sending organizations. You can apply for funding for your group's travel to local cultural departments or other municipal authorities.

Participation fee:

• 399 Euro per person - 5 nights HB

Every 16th person is free (15+1)!

Participation fee includes:

• Accommodation in DBL/TWIN Standard room (6 days/5 nights)
• Meals HB: buffet breakfasts + dinner
• Moscow city guided tour (might be combined with airport-hotel transfer)
• Transfer from hotel to airport
• Transfer from the hotel to the competition venue and back
• Friendly dinner with participants

Other conditions:

• Responsibility for the life and safety of participants lies with the leaders/ accompanying persons!
• The Organizer is not responsible for any harm related to any deterioration of the participant's health and injuries that occurred or were sustained during the performance or preparation for it, including backstage or in the dressing room.
• The Organizer is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or damage to property during the Prize or during the stay at the hotel.
• By submitting an application, the leaders/parents of the participants automatically confirm their agreement with all clauses of these Regulations, as well as consent that the participant may be involved in competition events until 23:00 (at the discretion of the leader/parent).
• The Organizing Committee has the right to disqualify a participant, creative group, or leader for gross violation of the Competition Rules, breach of discipline, and unethical behavior towards the Organizing Committee, jury members, and other participants of the competition.
• All disputed issues are resolved through negotiations. The Organizing Committee has the right to resolve any issues not covered by these Regulations.

Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form.
Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.

The hotel is booked after receiving a 30% deposit to be made within 3 days after receiving the confirmation invoice.

If payment is not received by the deadline specified in the Confirmation Invoice, the hotel reservation will be canceled without notice.
Full payment must be made until November 25, 2025.
If the target participation fee is paid by an organization, it is necessary to provide the legal banking details. Original documents (contract, invoice, certificate of work completed) are provided upon arrival or sent by mail.

In case of refusal to participate in the Prize due to force majeure circumstances or participant illness, the organizational fee is non-refundable. Refund for the target participation fee is made minus actual expenses incurred and hotel penalty fees.