The most talented artists meet together in the Caucasus MountainsThe village of Khaikhi on the slope of the Shunudag plateau in Dagestan has become a cultural capital of the whole North Caucasus Federal District. Since 2002, this settlement, at a height of 2000 metres above sea level and less than 100 inhabitants, has been a traditional place to hold a folk festival of the peoples of the Caucasus, encompassing all forms of visual art.

All the activities are arranged by one individual. The festival in Khaikhi is organized by Omari Kolaev, a businessman and sponsor, who has built an amphitheatre and a hotel in Khaikhi from his own funds.

"It would be natural if such festivals were sponsored and organized by the ministry of culture and by local officials, however, they are not interested in it, but thank God that there are individuals who are ready to spent their money on such activities," says Arsen Kardashov, a member of the Russian Union of Artists.

Musa Musaev, Makhachkala. Exclusively to VK.