On 20 May, the State Museum of GULAG History hosted the first meeting of the Expert Council of the contest for development of a concept of an architectural and sculptural composition ‘Monument to Victims of Political Repressions’.

In the course of the meeting the experts chose criteria for appraisal of projects. In addition, a Member of the Russian Academy of Arts, People’s Artist of Russia, Andrey Kovalchuk, was appointed Coordinator of the Expert Council.

On 15 May, reception of applications was closed; 337 projects were submitted in total. Among participants there are honoured artists of Russia, sculptors, architects, representatives of large and even small architectural offices, design studios, and production groups.

The GULAG Museum is to host an exhibition of all the submitted projects. The winner is to be announced on 30 October 2015 — the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions. Financial reward of 350,000 roubles is to be given to the winner. The 2nd place laureate will receive 300,000, and 3rd — 250,000 correspondingly. An audience award is also to be given based on popular vote.

Creation of a monument to memorise victims of political repressions was initiated by Russian human rights organisations and supported by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the meeting of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights on 14 October 2014.

The monument of the prize-winning project will be constructed in the centre of Moscow — at the crossing of Academician Sakharov prospect and the Garden Ring avenue. The memorial’s construction is to be funded by the government and voluntary contributions.

Donations can be made to the account of the State Museum of GULAG History, operator of the contest, at konkurs.gmig.ru.