The Role of Cultural and Leisure Institutions in Preserving Ethnocultural Diversity: Historical Experience and Modern Challenges

The study examines the role of cultural and leisure institutions in preserving ethnocultural diversity in Russia, with particular focus on the endangered cultures of indigenous minorities amid globalization and socioeconomic transformations. The aim of the study is to analyze how these institutions, inherited from the Soviet era, function today as centers for safeguarding languages, traditions, and crafts, adapting them to modern times through digital technologies and interactive formats targeted at youth. Despite state programs for their modernization, the potential of cultural and leisure institutions is often limited by a lack of resources, fragmented support and the risks of commercialization. Particular attention is paid to practical examples demonstrating the necessity for profound transformation of these institutions, including rethinking their formats, emphasizing educational roles, and fostering local initiatives. In conclusion, the article dwells upon the fact that sustainable preservation of cultural heritage requires a systemic approach that integrates infrastructure modernization, active involvement of indigenous minorities in governance, incorporation of cultural and leisure institutions into development strategies, scientific and methodological support, and a balanced synthesis of authenticity and innovation.