How did you come up with the idea of a festival?
We wanted to do something related to math because we love math and we want everyone to love math. Initially, various pop-science formats were discussed, but the format of the festival seemed to suit us the most. The festival is about fun and relaxation. We decided that it would be cool to combine the entertainment component with the educational one. Virtually no previous knowledge of mathematics is required from festival guests, while they have the opportunity to see that mathematics can be beautiful, fun and interesting.
In the process of implementation, the most difficult thing was to meet the deadlines 鈥� we left ourselves a little more than a month for implementation. There were no problems with thinking through the concept and writing the documentation, because here we were assisted by the lecturer Kristina A. Nasybullova and the project curator Daria V. Lytkina. Whenever we had some difficulties or were not sure what would be the best thing to do, we could consult with them and get help.
Most of it worked out. I would even say that everything worked out, with the exception of small nuances. We received positive feedback from those who came to the festival and from those who helped in its creation: the curator, teachers, speakers, volunteers. We liked how the event went. Also, it seems to me, an important incentive to continue developing the project was the student project competition within NSU. We received a lot of very useful recommendations on the project, as well as the support of the Mathematical Center.
This year the festival will last two days: May 20鈥�21. Guests can choose which day is more convenient for them to come or attend on both days. Also, we announced the theme of the festival 鈥� mathematics in life. This means that most of the events at the festival will be related to various applications of mathematics.
There are not many scientific or pop-sci festivals in Novosibirsk, and mostly they are not about mathematics. Our festival is about mathematics, and about mathematics for everyone: even if a person barely remembers school mathematics program, everything will be clear and interesting at our festival. We show how different and beautiful mathematics can be, a person with any level of knowledge can see it.