Transmittal - 2/9/2024DEPARTMENT of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ERIN MENDENHALL
MAYOR
LORENA RIFFO JENSON
DIRECTOR
CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL
_______________________
RACHEL OTTO, CHIEF OF STAFF
DATE RECEIVED:2/9/2024
DATE SENT TO COUNCIL: 2/9/2024
__________________________________________________________________
TO:Salt Lake City Council DATE:2/8/24
Victoria Petro, Chair
FROM:Lorena Riffo Jenson, Department of Economic Development
SUBJECT:Sister Cities Annual Report 2023
STAFF CONTACTS:Katie Matheson, Marketing & Research Manager, Diplomacy Officer,
Katherine.Matheson@slcgov.com
DOCUMENT TYPE:Information Item
RECOMMENDATION:Review Sister Cities 2023 Progress
BUDGET IMPACT:N/A
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Sister Cities is a diplomatic program which is housed within the Department of Economic
Development. In 2023, City Council passed an ordinance from the Department to establish an
updated Sister Cities Board and to supervise program operations, ensuring the program’s
longevity and effectiveness.
This Annual Report offers a concise summary of the accomplishments achieved by the newly-
established Sister Cities Board and the Sister Cities program in 2023, along with outlining
potential objectives and priorities for the future. It also provides detailed insights into Salt Lake
City's six Sister Cities, covering their present program status, commonalities, potential avenues for
connection, and city descriptions.
Currently, Salt Lake City maintains six active Sister City relationships with Matsumoto, Japan;
Keelung, Taiwan; Chernivtsi, Ukraine; Torino, Italy; Izhevsk, Russia; and Trujillo, Peru, each
rachel otto (Feb 9, 2024 14:01 MST)
aimed at fostering peace through mutual respect and cooperation. The success metrics for these
relationships vary, encompassing cultural exchange, humanitarian aid, economic development,
dignitary visits, and educational programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Sister Cities 2023 Annual Report PDF
Salt Lake City
Sister Cities Board
Annual Report 2023
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Program Background & History
The Sister Cities program is strategically housed in the Department of Economic Development.
Under the leadership of Mayor Erin Mendenhall and department staff, the city ordinance governing
the board and program was adopted by City Council in February 2023.
Today, Salt Lake City enjoys six active Sister City relationships with Matsumoto, Japan; Keelung,
Taiwan; Chernivtsi, Ukraine; Izhevsk, Russia; Torino, Italy; and Trujillo, Peru. Though there is a vast
range of diversity in these relationships, all share the common goal of promoting peace through
mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. Each relationship Salt Lake City established was
created for a different reason, under different circumstances.
The measure of success for one relationship may not be the best measure for another, yet all have
the ultimate goal of promoting peace. The reasons behind the creation of each of our partnerships
include cultural exchange programs, humanitarian aid, dignitary visits, economic development, and
student, teacher and employee exchange programs.
Throughout the life of a Sister City relationship the goals may change or evolve, and the level of
connectivity and involvement may vary greatly due to shifting political priorities, constantly changing
city administrations, or even governmental instability. These constant changes create an ever-
evolving and fluctuating environment in which Sister City relationships must survive.
To strengthen the Sister Cities program, the Department of Economic Development drafted a city
ordinance to govern it and created an official Board to oversee the program. The adoption of the
ordinance supports the future preservation of the program as well as its Board. It also demonstrates
the strong commitment and support of the current Mayor and City Council.
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The Sister Cities Board is made up of community representatives with strong ties and interests in
the sister cities program. In addition to the Board, a group of local representatives work behind the
scenes to accomplish the tasks that make these relationships work. Without the dedication and
commitment of community volunteers, Board members, and Economic Development staff, we
would not experience the level of success we have with our program.
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A Message from the Chair
2023 was a year of revitalization for Salt Lake City’s sister cities. With the Covid pandemic behind
us, a new Sister Cities board took the helm to begin a process of rebuilding and strengthening the
Sister Cities program.
In July we organized a successful visit with a delegation from our oldest sister city, Matsumoto,
Japan, through which we hope to rekindle various economic and cultural exchange opportunities
with this affiliation. We have also been helping to coordinate a training event next year for firefighters
from our sister city, Trujillo, Peru, and we continue to seek new and promising opportunities for
exchanges with Keelung, Taiwan, and Torino, Italy, as well as Chernivtsi, Ukraine and Izhevsk,
Russia.
As a board, we are working with city staff to develop specific protocols for fostering clear and
genuine communications with our sister city counterparts and other international dignitaries. And we
are crafting a process to receive and review requests for new sister city partnerships in addition to
updating our board by-laws.
Our city’s sister city programs collectively hold tremendous potential and should be seen as vital
assets for our city on the world stage. The Sister Cities program has been reinvigorated since
becoming restructured under the Department of Economic Development which has allowed these
international relationships more opportunities to flourish and enhance Salt Lake City’s growth as a
world leader with new technologies and trade, healthcare advancement and democratization, and
building resilience in the face of global climate change.
As Salt Lake City moves closer to “welcoming the world” again as the host city for the 2034 Winter
Olympic Games we stand ready to support the City’s leadership with the exciting prospect of
cultivating our city into an international center for the Winter Olympics and beyond.
We encourage you as our city leaders to share your ideas and vision from our sister city
relationships so that we can better support you and our communities.
Ross Chambless
Board Chair
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Board Members
Ross Chambless - Chair
John Wilson - Vice Chair
Annie Quan
Missy Greis
Nicole Pessetto
Ricardo Becerra
Matilyn Mortensen
Sheri Sorenson
Olga Efimova
Ahimara Suarez
Joe Zeidner
Staff
Katherine Matheson, Department of Economic Development - Board Manager & Diplomacy Officer
Joshua Paluh, Department of Economic Development - Staff
Review of 2023 Goals and Priorities
Filing of board member seats in Districts 3,4,5,6
Election of Chair Ross Chambless and Vice Chair John Wilson
Creation of Google Drive database for Board Members:
Matsumoto, Japan Delegation Visit Success
Creation of six city subcommittees
Formation of the advisory committee to the board - members of the public
New Website Built for Sister Cities Program -https://saltlakesistercities.com/
Student Virtual Exchange between Salt Lake City Students and Matsumoto, Japan
Finalized ByLaws
Made contact with Torino, Italy Mayor Staff - lead by Nicole Pessetto
Made contact with staff in Keelung,Taiwan
Complete:
Peru firefighter training
Finding Board Members from Districts 2 and 7, and youth representation
Digitizing past Sister City documents and images
SLC Mayor visit to Matsumoto, Japan
Meeting with community members with past knowledge of city relationships
Annual planning
In progress/ongoing:
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Sister City Relationship Updates
Torino, Italy:
Committee Members:
Nicole Pessetto, John Wilson
Summary:
Staff members met via Zoom call with the Mayor staff in Torino this summer. The board hopes to
continue to build a relationship with their staff and share knowledge on Olympic hosting, sports
tourism, and higher education.
Current Programming Status:
Board member Pessetto connected SLC and the Mayor of Torino.
A Zoom meeting occurred between DED staff and Torino Mayor staff in June 2023. The
discussion focused on student exchange, innovation, sport, and tech.
Board member Pessetto has been trying to connect the Polytechnico di Torino engineering
program with a similar program at the University of Utah.
Staff and Board have had difficulty contacting Torino staff after the initial meeting.
Historical Images of the relationship were found online on a Facebook page about the
relationship.
Key Similarities with Salt Lake City:
Hosted Olympic Winter Games (Torino - 2006)
Geography - Surrounded by mountains
Sports and Recreation - soccer teams
Higher education
Diversity efforts with small businesses
Industry, commerce, and trade “crossroads”
Recommended Opportunities for Connection:
Winter Olympic Games
Higher education
Cultural exchange
About:
Torino is located in Northwest Italy, with a population of approximately 890,000. The city is
recognized for being a major European political center. It was Italy’s first capital city in 1861 and was
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Torino, Italy continued:
home to the House of Savoy, Italy’s royal family. Even though much of its political significance and
importance was lost in World War II, it became a major European crossroad for industry, commerce,
and trade, and currently is one of Italy’s main industrial centers, being part of the famous “industrial
triangle,” along with Milan and Genoa.
Torino is well known as the home of the Shroud of Turin, the football teams Juventus F.C. and
Torino F.C., the headquarters of automobile manufacturers FIAT, Lancia and Alfa Romeo, and as
host of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Several International Space Station modules, such as Harmony
and Columbus, were also manufactured in Torino.
In 2002, Torino, Italy and Salt Lake City worked to forge an Olympic City relationship between the
two cities. Conversations included the former Vice Consul, Dr. Giovanni Maschero, former Salt Lake
City Mayor Rocky Anderson, and former Mayor of Torino, Sergio Chiamparino, each seeing
opportunities in cultural exchange with the relationship. In October of 2003, the cities established a
Friendship City relationship, and in January 2007, Mayor Anderson officially signed the documents
for establishment of the Sister City relationship.
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Sister City Relationship Updates
Matsumoto, Japan:
Committee Members:
Ross Chambless, Joe Zeidner
Summary:
In July 2023, we hosted a visiting delegation of 19 from Matsumoto, including Mayor Yoshino Gaun
and his staff, members of the Matsumoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and affiliated
residents. We hosted a panel discussion on climate change between the Mayors and provided a tour
of the city and Great Salt Lake.
Current Programming Status:
SLC welcomed Matsumoto for a 65th anniversary trip which included the Mayor and Council
President, along with members of their Chamber and Sister Cities board. The Delegation visit
included a proclamation ceremony, a Climate Change Panel at the University of Utah, and a
dinner at Squatters Brewery.
Delegation was impressed by how much we have grown as a city as well as our diversity. City
staff reiterates how positive responses have been from both Salt Lake City staff and delegation
members.
Sister wooden bowl and gifts from Matsumoto are on display in the Mayor's office
Subcommittee met to discuss similarities between the cities and potential opportunities to
connect.
Mayor's office received a letter from Mayor Gaun saying they were happy with the visit and
would like the mayor to join them in Matsumoto in 2024.
Matsumoto staff received the historical map in the mail which was given during the delegation
visit.
A small documentary by a student at Temple University, Tokyo, Bryan Cooper, about the
relationship between Matsumoto and Salt Lake City was filmed in Matsumoto. The film has not
yet been published.
A high school performing group is interested in visiting Matsumoto in 2025. The Salt Lake City
School District was connected with Matsumoto contacts.
In December 2023, an online education exchange took place between Salt Lake City School
District and students in Matsumoto, Japan. A follow-up exchange is planned for January 2024.
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Matsumoto, Japan Continued:
Key Similarities with Salt Lake City:
Environmental Concerns
Tourism industry and outdoor recreation
Nagano, Japan hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1998. Salt Lake in 2002.
Geography - both cities are near mountain ranges
Interest in Tech/Robotics
Want to create opportunities for their students
Appreciation for craft beer
Recommended Opportunities for Connection:
Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
Utilizing Infrastructure of past Olympics
Health Care Information exchange
Japanese people culturally believe food is medicine
“PenPal” exchange for students either virtually or mail
Tech/Robots
Tech is becoming more important to assist the elderly in Matsumoto as the population grows
older.
Cultural exchange
About:
In 2023, Salt Lake City and Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan celebrated the 65th anniversary of their
Sister Cities relationship. Matsumoto holds the distinction of being Salt Lake City’s first and oldest
Sister City, with additional ties through Olympic Sister Cities. The establishment of this relationship is
credited to the mutual respect and admiration between the two cities, with the contributions of
Japanese citizen, Tamotsu Murayama, playing a significant role. Murayama, a Japanese newspaper
correspondent from Matsumoto, visited The Utah Nippo, a Japanese newspaper agency in Utah, in
1957. Witnessing the beauty of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Mountains evoked memories of the
Japan Alps surrounding Matsumoto City. Alongside Murayama, several individuals from Salt Lake
City were involved in forging this connection, including Mayors Earl J. Glade and J. Bracken Lee,
University of Utah President A. Ray Olpin, Mrs. Kuniko Terasawa, Henry Kasai (the President and
owner of the Utah Nippo), members of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), and the
wider Japanese community.
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Matsumoto, Japan Continued:
The enthusiasm for international culture was reciprocated in 1957 when Murayama delivered a
supportive message from Matsumoto City Mayor Tokuya Furuhata to Salt Lake City Mayor J. Braken
Lee, leading to the formal declaration of the relationship in November 1958, thirteen years after the
conclusion of World War II.
In 2023, Matsumoto City has a population of 243,000, and it continues to be renowned for its
captivating features, with one notable highlight being its historic castle. Among the four castles in
Japan considered national treasures, Matsumoto Castle stands out as a remarkable symbol. This
architectural marvel is accompanied by beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with a moat,
encompassing 90 acres at the city’s core. Alongside the castle, Matsumoto is celebrated for various
cultural and recreational attractions. These include the prestigious Saito Kinen music festival
conducted by Seiji Ozawa, the renowned Suzuki Methods of Music, winter sports and games,
wasabi farms, woodblock prints, buckwheat noodles, hot springs (onsen), silk culture, temari
(colorful silk cord-wound handballs), and a plethora of modern and contemporary art museums. One
museum in particular is the Chihiro Art Museum, founded by Chihiro Iwasaki. Ms. Iwasaki devoted
her entire life for world peace through the arts, including her artistic depictions of children amidst the
atomic bomb attack during World War II.
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Sister City Relationship Updates
Trujillo, Peru:
Committee Members:
Ricardo Becerra, Ahimara Suarez
Summary:
In 2023, key members of the Sister City board helped build connections with Salt Lake’s Peruvian
Community, and we pursued discussions about hosting a training for firefighters.
Current Programming Status:
University of Utah and a Trujillo school were connected for student exchange.
Subcommittee met with community member Juanita Paucar, who planned a cultural event in
August. Board member Becerra helped with the process and location finding, and the event was
successful.
The mayor of a town in Cusco, Peru, asked for winter clothes. Board asked for a letter to be sent
explaining the request and needs. No response was given.
Board member Becerra connected with The Leonardo about art/artifact exchange with a director
of a museum in Peru.
Firefighter training/education exchange with Trujillo and Lima airport firefighters in progress.
Key Similarities with Salt Lake City:
Geography - desert climate near Trujillo
Urban Development and Growth
Tourism
Water Scarcity
Inland commercial and transportation center
Recommended Opportunities for Connection:
Environmental concerns - demand and misuse of water resources
City development - affordable housing
Education
Cultural exchange
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Trujillo, Peru continued:
About:
Founded in 1534, Trujillo is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Located 350 miles
north of Lima, Trujillo is one of the most important economical centers of Northern Peru. It serves as
an inland commercial and transportation center for the surrounding farming areas.
In the early 2000s, Peruvian residents of Salt Lake City, members of the Fraternidad Peruana de
Utah, and locals from Trujillo gathered to discuss the establishment of a Sister City relationship
between Trujillo, Peru and Salt Lake City. A meeting was also held in Trujillo with representatives
from the Chamber of Commerce, the municipal government, as well as leaders from the industries of
education, business, art and tourism. The Mayor of Trujillo drafted a letter, presenting this to the
committee, establishing Trujillo as a Friendship City in 2005. In 2015, Trujillo officially became a
Sister City with Salt Lake.
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Sister City Relationship Updates
Chernivtsi, Ukraine:
Committee Members:
Sheri Sorensen, John Wilson
Summary:
In 2023, the board’s efforts were focused on helping refugees from the conflict between Ukraine and
Russia now living in Salt Lake City. A letter of solidarity one year after the war began was signed by
SLC Mayor and Council, and delivered along with a gift by the World Trade Center in April/May
2023.
Current Programming Status:
A volunteer drive for clothes and medical supplies was sent to Chernivtsi.
The Mayor and Council sent a letter of solidarity and support to Ukraine via a World Trade
Center visit.
Board member Sorensen helped hold a fundraising concert as well as an event for Ukrainian
Independence Day to raise money for refugees.
Chair Chambless connected Refugee Community Specialist Oksana Omel with the English
Language Director at University of Utah. He also connected Mrs. Omel with state legislators and
their staff regarding challenges for Ukrainian refugees with driver license tests.
Board member Sorensen worked to provide holiday dinners for the refugees.
Staff worked with board member Sorensen to brainstorm opportunities for refugees to raise
money. This brainstorm led to the group establishing a booth at the Christkindelmarkt to sell
Ukrainian crafts and art.
Staff and board members met with an individual from Baltimore, Amy Kozak, who identified as
Ukrainian-American, and received information regarding a website where U.S. citizens can fund
resources for Urkanians. Amy is meeting with a number of U.S. cities that have Sister Cities ties
with Ukrainian cities. She suggested the Ukrainian government-supported micro-funding,
person-to-person benefactor program website eDopomoga. They discussed the need to
investigate this exchange possibility further, and whether there are State Department conflicts,
and whether other US Sister Cities were endorsing it.
Key Similarities with Salt Lake City:
Surrounded by mountain ranges - the Carpathian Mountains
Higher Education
Chernivtsi University and Utah
Green Spaces
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Chernivtsi, Ukraine continued:
Recommended Opportunities for Connection:
Environmental concern/climate change
Higher education
Cultural exchange
About:
Salt Lake City residents Lowell and Jane Turner visited Chernivtsi in the late 1980s and were deeply
captivated by its charm and appeal. Inspired by their experience, the Turners approached then Salt
Lake City Mayor, Palmer DePaulis, with the idea of establishing a Sister City Relationship.
Recognizing the potential for cultural exchange and cooperation, Mayor DePaulis embraced the
proposal. In June 1989, Chernivtsi, Ukraine was officially declared a Sister City of Salt Lake City.
Chernivtsi, Ukraine, is situated in Southwestern Ukraine and stretches for seven miles along the
upper Prut River in the Carpathian foothills. First documented reference to Chernivtsi dates from
1408, when it was a town in Moldavia and the chief center of the area known as Bukovina. Over the
centuries, Chernivtsi was governed by several different countries: first, the Turks and then in 1774,
Austria; after World War I, Romania, and in 1940, the U.S.S.R. In 1991, after the break-up of the
former Soviet Union, Chernivtsi was recognized as a city in independent Ukraine and remains so
today.
Throughout its history, Chernivtsi has been a hub of trade, and in the early 20th century, it
blossomed into an industrial center and a crucial railway junction, connecting lines to Lviv, Ternopil,
Moldova, and Romania. Today, the city boasts an international airport, further facilitating its
connectivity. The local industries in Chernivtsi have encompassed diverse sectors, including
agriculture, woolen and cotton textile processing, light engineering, food processing, timber working,
as well as clothing manufacturing and technology in recent years. However, Chernivtsi’s significance
extends beyond its industrial prowess. It is renowned as a cultural and educational nucleus in
western Ukraine, boasting the prestigious Chernivtsi University and the UNESCO-listed Chernivtsi
Historic Center, both contributing to the city’s reputation as a vibrant center of knowledge and
heritage.
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Sister City Relationship Updates
Keelung, Taiwan:
Committee Members:
Annie Quan, Matilyn Mortensen
Summary:
Salt Lake’s relationship with Keelung would not be possible without relationships between past
police departments. Margaret Yee, community member and former city employee, was instrumental
in nurturing the relationship for many years. In 2024, the board hopes to rebuild this relationship,
learn more of the historical background, and revitalize the connection with the SLC Police
Department.
Current Programming Status:
Connection was made with Keelung City staff – they are in the process of rebuilding their
program post-pandemic and have expressed that they will likely prioritize closer relationships
geographically before expanding out to the U.S. The program is being shifted to a different staff
member internally and they have asked us to hold on further communication until such time as
that staff member is up-to-date.
A delegation from Keelung may travel to Salt Lake City in 2024 or 2025.
The subcommittee met to discuss similarities between the cities and potential connections.
Staff and subcommittee met with Margaret Yee for lunch. Margaret Yee has historical
information/background on the relationships as well as the strong relationship between SLC and
Keelung’s police department.
Staff have scheduled a meeting with SLC Police Chief Brown in early 2024 to discuss the
relationship with Keelung.
Margaret Yee has historical images/documents that will be shared with the board to be archived.
Members of the public that have relationships with Keelung reached out via email and would like
to help with the board.
Key Similarities with Salt Lake City:
Environmental Concerns
“Port” Cities - Keelung has the 7th largest port in the world
Geography - surrounded by a mountain range
Tech interests
Outdoor Tourism
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Keelung, Taiwan continued:
Recommended Opportunities for Connection:
Discussion of water conservation and drought
Discussion of air quality
Pros and Cons of the tourism industry on the local area
Tech Lake City - Keelung’s mayor graduated from MIT
Cultural exchange
About:
Keelung, an international trade and business center, has a population of 372,000 and is located 18
miles northeast of Taipei on the Northern Coast of Taiwan overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has an
active seaside port, supporting vital economic industries of fishing, ship building and military
activities. Keelung also has many beautiful parks and ancient temples and is known to be one of the
wettest cities in the world with an average of 214 days of rain a year.
The Keelung Sister City Relationship with Salt Lake City was initiated in 1979 by Salt Lake City
Mayor Ted Wilson. In 1981 the Police Department from both cities became affiliated as a Sister
Relationship. The relationship between the Keelung and Salt Lake Sister City helps to develop
municipal partnerships and provides opportunities for city officials and citizens to experience and
explore other cultures, promote cultural understanding and economic development. For the duration
of their relationship, the two cities have participated in an exchange of culture, art, music, business
and education. Visiting delegations have participated in annual celebrations such as Days of ’47,
honoring the Mormon Pioneers.
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Sister City Relationship Updates
Izhevsk, Russia:
Committee Members:
Olga Efimova, Matilyn Mortensen
Summary:
Currently, the board has no contacts within Izhevsk and this likely will continue while the conflict
between Ukraine and Russia continues. The board proposed sending a letter to the people of
Izhevsk as an example of peace through people. This was not approved by the board in 2023 and
discussion will continue in 2024.
Current Programming Status:
2021 was the last time we had a contact with the city, according to board member Olga Efimova.
A nursing college in Izhevsk was interested in a health care class through the University of Utah.
This has been put on pause.
Key Similarities with Salt Lake City:
Value Arts and Education
Health Care Focus
Higher education
Science/tech innovation
Recommended Opportunities for Connection:
Future student exchanges
Health care knowledge exchange
Higher education
About:
Izhevsk is the capital of Udmurt Republic, Russia, a large industrial, cultural and scientific center with
a population of 652,000. It is located in the European part of Russia between the Volga River and
the Ural Mountains.
The history of the partnership between Salt Lake City and Izhevsk started in 2003 as a Friendship
Relationship.
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Izhevsk, Russia continued:
A joint resolution of the City Council and the Mayor of Salt Lake City approving the establishment of
a “Sister City” relationship between Izhevsk, Russia and Salt Lake City, Utah was adopted in
October 2011. With the help of volunteers within the organization, the Sister City relationship offers
opportunities to experience cross-cultural activities including the exhibition of children’s paintings
from the Izhevsk Art School. Ongoing exchanges such as these in the fields of business, culture and
education, promote a mutual understanding to the benefit of citizens in both cities.
Izhevsk is renowned for its great educational, intellectual and scientific research and attracts
investigators from different fields held within twenty-three scientific centers. Four state universities,
three private universities and ten colleges provide professional training in multiple occupational
areas, such as medicine, art, law, education, engineering, science, agriculture, and etc. Izhevsk has
a rich cultural life. Five theaters, four concert halls, sixteen recreational centers and clubs, fifty
libraries, twelve art schools for children, six cinemas and six museums are found here. One of the
greatest Russian composers Peter Tchaikovsky was born and spent his childhood near Izhevsk.
Every spring different music festivals devoted to Tchaikovsky’s creative works are held.
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