The Artists’ Association branches of Revolutionary Russia: experience of interaction with regions

Importance. The activities of the Artists’ Association branches of Revolutionary Russia (1922–1932) are considered. During this period, the organization had a significant and sometimes decisive place in the artistic life of the country. The subject of the study relates to the culture of the country as a whole and touches on local history issues. The purpose of the work is to assess the influence of the central organization on the local branches development and analyze their importance in the Association work. Materials and Methods . The research is based on materials from the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art, the State Archive of the Yaroslavl Region and published memoirs of participants in the events. In the course of the work, the biographical method is used, as well as historical-genetic and historical-comparative methods traditional for historical science. Results and Discussion . It is noted that the Association participants paid great attention to the creation of representative offices at the local level. The presence of artistic traditions in a particular region played an important role in the development of local branches of the AARR. At the same time, established traditions are not the determining factor. The presence of a bright creative personality in it, who set a certain pace of work, could be of significant importance in the development of a particular branch. Conclusion . It is revealed that some of the regional branches ceased their activities even before the liquidation of the AARR. Despite this, the work of branches of the Artists’ Association of Revolutionary Russia contributed to the accessibility of art for the local population, attracting regional residents to artistic life and preserving cultural monuments. Museums and creative studios are created, and active exhibitions and lectures are carried out.