Features of the event-geographical distribution of folk-art products in Russia

Russian folk crafts are a form of folk art, in which Russian traditional customs, which originated many centuries ago, are clearly traced. Russian handicrafts combine the uniqueness of Russian traditional culture. Russian art painting has at least 28 geographical varieties, fabric products have at least 11 geographical varieties, metal products and bone carvings have six geographical varieties each, toys have at least 16 geographical varieties. All of them were distributed in various ways on the territory of both Russia and foreign countries. The object of the study was the processes of distribution of works of folk art in Russia. The subject of the study was the mechanisms of distribution of folk-art products in Russia. The purpose of the study was to comprehend the historical practice of the realisation of works of traditional folk-art crafts, characteristics of the role of small retailers (ofenias, peddlers, walkers), fairs, national and international exhibitions in this process. Historical, logical, and critical research methods were applied to achieve the tasks set. The research used scientific articles and monographs of famous Russian and Soviet researchers in traditional applied art of Russia. The author concludes that in the new millennium, the traditional applied art of Russia has entered into conditions when interest in its ancestral roots and folk art has already covered a considerable part of Russian society. However, certain difficulties for the traditional applied art of Russia arise due to weak and ineffective advertising, and the lack of a distribution system for artistic products. If the sale of antiques, as well as the so-called “modern art” rely on a wide network of relevant institutions and organisations, then the sale of Russian folk-art products is just beginning to acquire organised forms. It seems that over time, a network of sales and distribution of folk-art products should still develop. When creating such a network, the experience of the past may well be useful.