Interview of Mrs Eleonora Mitrofanova, Head of Rusintercenter
Here’s an extract from the interview Eleonora Mitrofanova, head of Rusintercenter, gave to the Russian Information Agency RIA-Novosti about the History and main goals of the organization:

Q: The All-Russian Society for Cultural Ties with Foreign Countries (VOKS) and the Union of Soviet Societies of Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries (SSOD) were always seen as public organizations. But Roszarubezhtsentr, their successor, is part of the Foreign Ministry. How does its official status influence its work?

A: Indeed, the SSOD always was a public organization, although all such organizations in Soviet times were state-run, and subscribed to one ideology. Roszarubezhtsentr is an official organization. Initially it reported to the government, and now it reports to the Foreign Ministry. It has a close cousin - a public organization called the Russian Agency for International Cooperation (RAMS) - which is likewise a successor to the SSOD. The changed status has not altered the nature of our work. As before, the public and political aspects of our efforts mean that we act as a venue for free discussion, a meeting place for various political groups. We cultivate the same approach in the cultural field.

Q: What are your current priorities?

A: The CIS and the Baltic countries. They are important because they have large Russian diasporas. There is a lot of work to do, starting with infrastructure. However, we need government-level decisions to get things moving. For the time being, our representatives are on the staff of Russian embassies, but that is not enough. In former Soviet republics we should set up not only Russian cultural centers in the capitals, but also establish a network presence.

Q: What is its purpose?

A: A cultural center in the capital is not enough. Roszarubezhtsentr should have branches in other cities as well. They may be centers in their own right - complete with concert halls, libraries and hobby groups. Where this is impossible, existing structures can be employed, such as local schools, libraries, or museums.

Q: What are your immediate plans?

A: Currently we are preparing some events for our cultural centers. They will deal with jubilees of dramatist Alexander Ostrovsky and writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky, whose anniversaries will be marked next year. In our centers we want to put on plays by Ostrovsky staged by Russian student youth theatres. Preparations are under way to present the film adaptation of Dostoyevsky's "The Idiot," attended by the shooting team. We are likewise going to set up photographic exhibitions on these themes. The anniversaries of Russian painters Mikhail Vrubel and Vasily Kandinsky are coming next. And we are continuing our large-scale project "Alexander Nevsky," launched on May 9 as part of celebrations of the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II. In addition, we are planning an extensive program on social and political issues and going to provide an expert venue to discuss problems facing the CIS and the Baltic states under the tentative title of Dialog Center. It will have visiting sessions to air the problems of our compatriots in these countries and bilateral relations. Plans are afoot to arrange informal meetings with the press where we intend to invite experts. Such informal gatherings on vital issues, especially in the CIS and Baltic states, may be very useful, especially if these venues raise painful topics difficult to articulate at the official level. All in all, there is plenty of work to do, and we are happy about this.

Q: How will you celebrate your anniversary?

A: Currently we are receiving congratulations from many countries, friendship societies, and governments. We have designed a very beautiful badge "For Contributing to Friendship" that will be presented to prominent public figures in all our centers abroad. They will also arrange festivities. With the help from RIA Novosti, we have organized an interesting photo exhibition. In Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will give a reception in our honor. Among the people invited are members of the diplomatic corps and the government, Duma deputies, well-known political and public personalities, and prominent figures from culture and the arts.