BELOVED CHILDREN’S TELEVISION PROGRAM, ULITSA SEZAM CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN RUSSIA
Sesame Workshop and Nestle host Children’s Art Exhibition at the world famous Tretyakov Gallery
New York, NY and Moscow, RUSSIA, September 18, 2006
This weekend, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Ulitsa Sezam, and Nestle Food, LLC celebrated Zeliboba, Businka and Kubik’s 10th milestone year contributing to the education and development of children in Russia. From September 16-18, 2006, Sesame Workshop and Nestle commemorated the 10th anniversary of the beloved children’s program, with a Children’s Art Exhibition at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Russia.
In addition to presenting children with cognitive lessons about letters and numbers, Ulitsa Sezam focuses on helping parents reveal and develop children’s creative skills. Aspiring young artists from all over Russia have sent their art work for the exhibition, and some pieces are featured by Businka at the end of each new episode, along with the artist’s photo, during the new season of Ulitsa Sezam. Sesame Workshop was proud to host this unique event in close cooperation with one of the world’s greatest museums, Tretyakov Gallery.
The exhibition featured a special program for the youngest guests of the Tretyakov Gallery, including “creative zones” supervised by famous artists, where children had an opportunity to build paper ships, create a family flag or emblem, draw pictures for Zeliboba and Businka, and watch a puppet show starring Businka and Kubik. These zones were intended to encourage children to appreciate family and culture, practice creativity and use their imagination. Upon completing their projects, children were greeted by the Uiltsa Sezam characters and presented with small gifts.
Season four of Ulitsa Sezam premiered the first of 52 new episodes on September 3, 2006 on TV-channel CTC. This season introduces original characters and songs produced by DIXI-TV Production at Mosfilm studio in Russia. One of the new characters is Kolya, a young boy adopted by Aunt Dinara and her husband Uncle Jura. In other exciting new segments, Zeliboba, Businka and Kubik guesses riddles with Tina Kandelaki, sings songs with Natalya Podolskaya and “Fabrika.” In addition, actress Olga Prokofieva appears as a warm-hearted doctor and Vladimir Turchinsky sings about gymnastics. Popular musical bands “Na-Na” and “Neposedy” also visit Ulitsa Sezam as special guests. The focus of this exciting, new season is on young children’s social experiences, appreciation for cultural diversity, respect and understanding, physical development, and the importance of good nutrition.
“Ten years ago, Sesame Workshop and its Russian partners set out to create a television series that would have a positive impact on children in this region through educational content and engaging characters,” said Gary E. Knell, Sesame Workshop’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Today, we celebrate the achievement of this milestone, thank Nestle for their generous support, and look forward to the next 10 years encouraging children in Russia to reach their highest potential through Ulitsa Sezam.”
Ulitsa Sezam is made possible through the generous support of Nestle Foods, LLC. Nestle’s ”Good Nutrition Program,” which has launched in 26 regions throughout Russia, exemplifies Sesame Workshop’s desire to encourage health and the overall well-being of children.
Bernard Meunier, General Director of Nestle in Russia, highlighted: “We appreciate the 10 year partnership between Nestle and Ulitsa Sezam. This project is a real opportunity for us to invest in the education and health of Russian children, informing them about good nutrition principles and to help parents to discuss it with their children.”
Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of children around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching.
Contacts
Anna Latuhina
PRP Group – A Weber Shandwick Affiliated Company
(495) 937-3170 in Moscow
ulitsa_sezam@prp.ru
