January 16-22, Perm is hosting the Open Cup of Russia on Snow and Ice Sculpture ‘Zimniy Vernisage’.

The founders of the competition are Perm City Culture Committee, "Edinenie" non-profit Fund of Sculptors supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

It is the first officially recognized snow and ice sculpture competition in the Russian Federation that demonstrates main artistic achievements in ice and snow carving in different countries.

50 best Russian and foreign ice and snow sculptors participate in the Cup, most of them are multiple prize-takers and winners of prestigious international competitions in Russia and abroad. Twenty teams from Russia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, France, Switzerland, the USA are creating their pieces from snow and ice this week.

An opening ceremony of the Cup of Russia was held on January 16 at the "Perm Fair" Exhibition Centre. The program included introduction of participants and presentation of "The Reality of the Art Experience in Deep Cold" exhibition.

The quick-tournament of team captains will be held on January 22, 2011.