ST. PETERSBURG, September 23. /TASS/. As many as 137 schools of creative industries for teenagers have opened in 68 Russian regions, Deputy Culture Minister Zhanna Alekseyeva said at a plenary session of the Fifth International Forum titled "Creative Industries in the Social and Economic Development of Tourist Territories: New Horizons of Cooperation."

"A school of creative industries is a modern educational space where teenagers study in professional studios, equipped with up-to-date technologies. Minors gain basic skills of creative professions here. Over four years of the program, a total of 137 schools have been founded in 68 Russian regions. More than 17,500 children are already studying there," Alekseyeva said.

The deputy culture minister also noted that in 2026, schools of creative industries opened in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and the city of Sevastopol in Crimea, with 16 more planned in 16 regions by the end of the year.

Alekseyeva said that the history of Russian cities needs a modern interpretation to attract younger tourists.

"Each city has its own cultural code. History, architecture, traditions, famous sites and events. But for a territory to keep developing and remain interesting to new generations, all these meanings need a modern interpretation. Certainly, young residents play a key role here, so we have to provide conditions for the development and implementation of creative projects, giving them the opportunity to create something where they live," Alekseyeva added.

Unique projects by students of these schools are already being actively used in many Russian cities, including Kirov, Vladivostok, Ulan-Ude, Kaluga, Perm, Vladimir, Omsk and Voronezh.