This year the Foundation received 419 applications from different Russian museums. The expert council selected winners in 18 nominations. In 2016, «Museums and Museum Community» nomination became the most popular category among Russian museum professionals, with almost 160 application received.

The outcomes of the 2016 contest also demonstrate a tendency in Russia to create new museums from scratch. Almost 130 applications were qualified for the semi-finals within the «Museum Startup» category.

The aim of the contest is to support museum’s up-to-date project approach and solutions, which help at the same time to better preserve and interpret Russia’s cultural heritage. The Program also strengthens collaboration ties within the professional network community as well as with outside organizations.