Historical Experience in Development of Cultural and Educational Institutions in New Cities of Buryatia in 1950s—1980s

Abstract

The features of the formation and development of cultural and educational institutions in the new urban settlements of Buryatia in the 1950s—1980s are discussed in the article. On the basis of previously unpublished archival documents, journalistic texts and private sources, the main activities of state and departmental clubs and houses of culture, theater associations, libraries, and museums have been reconstructed. The problems of material and technical support and staffing of cultural institutions are considered; the specifics of the formation of amateur creative teams in the conditions of areas of new economic development are revealed. It is noted that the main trends in the cultural development of Soviet cities were determined by the state, but it was looking for new ways to regulate cultural policy. The authors come to the conclusion that the concentration of young people from different parts of the country in new towns favorably influenced the formation of the cultural environment and contributed to the emergence of various forms and directions of cultural — educational and mass cultural work. It is shown that the cultural life of new cities was provided by amateur art groups. It is noted that the transition of local groups from the amateur to the professional level slowed down due to the material dependence of cultural institutions on the city-forming enterprises, whose departmental interests they were called upon to serve.