The grand opening of the 3rd National Art Exhibition of Food Design Objects for students of secondary vocational educational institutions took place at Kazan Innovative University named after V.G. Timiryasov. The organizers of this large-scale project were Kazan Innovative University named after V. G. Timiryasov and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Tatarstan

The exhibition once again brought together talented students, teachers, representatives of the professional community, and experts from the restaurant, design, and tourism industries. This year, the event is dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Russia has historically formed as a multinational state where dozens of peoples live in peace and harmony, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and cuisine. It is through the preservation and development of these traditions that the connection between generations is formed, and the values of dignity, patriotism, and historical memory are strengthened.

A welcoming speech to the participants was given by the Rector of Kazan Innovative University named after V.G. Timiryasov, Asiya  Timiryasova:

"The exhibition has become a tradition and reflects the creative potential of the young generation of our multinational republic. Today, a chef is an artist creating culinary works of art. The plate becomes a canvas, and food becomes a way to give emotions and mood. It's no coincidence that the outstanding Tatar chef Yunus Akhmetzyanov said that a chef is simultaneously an actor, a doctor, and an artist. It's important that not only future chefs and food technologists participate in the exhibition, but also students majoring in 'Design'. Through this competition, young people connect with the country's traditions and unleash their creative imagination. I am confident that the professions of a chef and a designer will never be replaced by artificial intelligence. While using modern technologies, we must preserve and develop our own thinking. I wish the participants inspiration and victories, and I wish us all bright impressions."

Welcoming remarks were also made by Diana Abdulkhakova, Deputy Director of the Committee for Tourism Development of the City of Kazan, and Galina Sharafutdinova, General Director of the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of the City of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan, and an expert in the restaurant industry. They noted that such projects contribute to the promotion of gastronomic culture and the formation of a positive image of Russia as a country with a rich cultural and culinary heritage.

The honorary guest and expert was Alfríd Shaimardanov, a member of the Tatarstan branch of the Union of Artists of Russia and Tatarstan, and Honored Art Worker of the Republic of Tatarstan, who emphasized the importance of early professional self-determination and continuous development:

"There are many talents, but it's important to preserve and develop them. In the modern world, demand is determined by qualification. Success requires work and constant learning. The earlier a person finds their calling, the more confident their path will be. I wish the participants not to rest on their laurels and to constantly move forward."

The art exhibition became a serious professional competition. In the "Food Design" category, participants presented works in the following nominations:

• Artistic products made from foodstuffs (paintings, panels, compositions, etc.);

• Dough art work;

• Chocolate art work;

• Sugar art work: sugar flowers;

• Unity Loaf (Karavay);

• Original baked goods.

Works in these nominations were evaluated by the following experts:

• Ildar Takhiullin — Chef, Vice-President of the Guild of Chefs of the Republic of Tatarstan, Ambassador of Chefs Team, prize-winner of culinary championships, founder of the culinary theater "EdaKakShow", expert of the show "Hell's Kitchen", and editor-in-chief of the Gastronomic Book of Records of Russia.

• Vlada Sazonova — Pastry Chef at Akbars Golf Resort, ranked in the top 5 best pastry chefs of Tatarstan (WheretoEat award), author of the acclaimed dessert "Zhemchuzhina" (The Pearl), participant in collaborations with brands like Coperni and Moscow chefs, and member of the jury at professional competitions.

• Daria Konushko — Pastry Chef at restaurants "Gruzinskie Istorii" (Georgian Stories), "Suluguni", and "Scramble", food technologist and public catering technologist, expert with experience in large factories and the trading company "Panem", speaker at industry forums, and mentor for students.

• Gastronomic Tourism

• Ethnographic Tourism

The experts for this category were:

• Yulia Bashirova — General Director of the Assembly Of Tourist Volunteers of the Republic of Tatarstan 

• Tatiana Belozerova — Director of Domestic Tourism at LLC "Bank Puteshestviy" (Travel Bank).

• Galina Solovieva — Director of LLC "Cruise Stories".

The "Design and Visual Solutions for the Food Industry" category is dedicated to artistic and project works that shape the visual environment of the food industry: from academic painting and graphics to branding, packaging, and interior concepts. Experts evaluate the artistic level, composition, execution technique, creativity, applied value, and adherence to the stated theme. Works were presented in the following nominations:

• Drawing in the genre of academic still life

• Drawing in the genre of decorative still life

• Drawing on the theme of "national cuisine"

• Illustration/poster on the theme of the food industry in painting technique

• Illustration/poster on the theme of the food industry in graphic technique

• Illustration/poster on the theme of the food industry in digital technique

• Corporate identity and packaging

• Interior design for public catering environments

Experts for this category:

• Ksenia Zubkova — Member of the Tatarstan branch of the Union of Artists of Russia and Tatarstan, lecturer at Kazan State Institute of Culture, Head of the research and experimental laboratory for artistic ceramics at the Engineering Center.

• Alfrid Shaimardanov — Member of the Tatarstan branch of the Union of Artists of Russia and Tatarstan, Honored Art Worker of the Republic of Tatarstan.

• Albert Zakirov — Painter, street artist.

• Mikhail Kraev — Artist, member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Tatarstan, author of the "Artist's Book" collection.

• Dinara Galieva — Lead illustrator at the educational online platform "Uchi.ru", illustrator of children's books, co-founder of the Kazan art community "sketchvstrechi".

• Polina Khafizova — Architect-artist, photographer, organizer and director of theatrical projects at the Kazan City Hall, the A. S. Pushkin Cultural Center, and others.

Asiya Timiryasova:

"All the works make a strong impression. I would especially like to highlight the projects of the food technologists, cooks, and pastry chefs — these are true culinary works of art. You can feel the effort, thoughtfulness, and a deep idea connected to the theme of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia."

Diana Abdulkhakova:

"The exhibition never ceases to amaze with its scale and the quality of the works every year. I was particularly impressed by the presented artistic solutions — many of them are ready for use in the interiors of restaurants, hotels, and other public spaces. This is already a professional level."

Galina Sharafutdinova:

"Such exhibitions are unique because they become a center of attraction for creative initiatives. It's important that not only event participants see these works, but also industry representatives. Here we see projects reflecting Russian stylistics, folk traditions, and the friendship of peoples. This is a contribution to the promotion of Russian cuisine and the formation of a national brand on the international level."

The 3rd National Art Exhibition of Food Design Objects has once again confirmed the high level of professional training of students and the importance of creative initiatives aimed at the development of culinary arts, design, and gastronomic tourism in the Russian Federation.