The Russian Cultural Center in Austin, Texas (Non-profit)
The Russian Cultural Center in Austin is dedicated to promoting the Russian language and Slavic cultural heritage through inclusive educational, artistic, and community-based initiatives. Our mission is to serve as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and lifelong learning, supporting the Russian-speaking community and fostering connections across generations. We focus on the development of cultural and educational resources that inspire curiosity and engagement with Russian traditions, language, and the arts. The Center works to strengthen educational and social ties among Russian-speaking residents of Austin by offering diverse programs and fostering community involvement. Our key initiatives include the operation of the Russian School “Sputnik,” a Saturday program offering classes for children and adults in subjects such as Russian and Spanish languages, arts, mathematics, science, and robotics. We publish the bilingual journal Russian Austin, both in print and online, as a platform for cultural and community dialogue. The Center also maintains a book discussion club and a children’s library with Russian-language literature, providing access to books and encouraging a love of reading. We organize weekly art classes at the school and outdoor workshops in Austin parks, as well as exhibitions showcasing the creativity of local artists. Throughout the year, we host a variety of cultural festivals, theatrical performances, concerts, and holiday celebrations that bring the community together and highlight the richness of Slavic heritage. Our programming is supported entirely by volunteers, and all funds are reinvested into our projects and community outreach. The Russian Cultural Center in Austin is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space where cultural identity is celebrated, language is preserved, and new traditions are formed through shared experiences.
The Russian Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing Russian language and culture in Austin, Texas, organizing cultural and educational events. The Center operates entirely through volunteer efforts, with all funds directed toward community projects. Center is open to everyone who is interested in the Russian culture and language. There are several programs that have been launched at the Cultural Center:
Sputnik School – a Saturday school for children offering courses in Russian language, arts (ceramics, drawing, sculpting), sports, and classes in science, robotics, and math.
Mishki Preschool – a licensed early development program for toddlers (from 18 months). Open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
Cultural Events – organizing Russian cultural festivals, children’s performances, theatrical productions, and holiday celebrations (Maslenitsa, Easter, New Year, and more).
Summer Camp – a day camp for children that runs all summer long. The program includes Russian language classes, creative activities, games, sports, and walks. Every day features bus excursions to museums and parks.
“Russian Austin” Magazine – a print publication about the life of the Russian-speaking community in Austin.
Library and Clubs – a free library with Russian-language books and literature; hosting cultural clubs and events.
Address: 2008 Justin Ln, Bldg A, Austin, TX 78757
Russian Cultural Center is a Texas-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization operated exclusively by volunteers and for exempt purposes defined in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. Russian school Sputnik is part of the Russian Cultural Center (Austin, TX).
We are constantly preparing new celebrations, exhibitions, concerts, and, of course, Russian-language classes at Sputnik School. We are sincerely grateful to our volunteers and happy to welcome new members to the team! Join us — as an organizer or as a guest. We strive to make each event special: interesting, fun, and heartfelt. The Russian Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization, and all financial contributions go directly to our projects. Our administration is volunteer-based. By taking part, you contribute to preserving and developing the Russian language and Slavic culture in the U.S. If you’d like to help, below you’ll find our event schedule and ways to participate. We offer not only meaningful but also enjoyable volunteering in a friendly team, along with opportunities to promote your professional work through our Cultural Center’s resources.
About school Sputnik
Russian School Sputnik offering a number of art, science, and language classes (Russian language for kids and adults, all levels, and English for adults) that serves as a great intercultural satellite connecting Americans with the Russian cultural heritage. The Cultural Center publishes a magazine “Russian Austin” and bilingual newspaper to help promote the Russian Culture beyond the Russian Community in Austin. Our Center develops an online informational platform as well as puts together various events (art shows, celebrations, music festivals) to support and connect the Russian Community. Our website provides many useful resources, news and interviews of the Russian speaking professionals living in Austin. It is important to note that there are no political aspects in the work of our Center.
The Russian Cultural Center of Austin invites you and your children to our school Sputnik. The classes are held at 2008 Justin Ln, Austin TX 78757 every Saturday from 11 am till 5 pm. The school is a non-profit organization and a part and extension of the Russian Cultural Center. Children’s classes include drawing, clay sculpture, music, theater, chess, robotics, science, and more. Classes for adults offer Russian language, yoga, and art. Our school has professional teachers as well as volunteers. Russian Cultural Center and school Sputnik is a social platform in Austin where a number of Russian-speaking families gather together on a weekly basis to study, create, exchange ideas, and support each other. You do not have to be Russian or have children to participate in our school. We offer a variety of classes for adults. Our Cultural Center and school serve multiple purposes. If you wish to support the Russian language in your children, find new friends, get introduced to creative and interesting people, we are here for you at 2008 Justin Ln, Austin TX 78757 every Saturday. Registration is open. Please contact Olga at olga@russianaustin.com. We look forward to seeing you and your children.
Our team:
Founder, teacher, volunteer: Dmitry Ovcharenko
Coordinator, designer, and journalist: Olga Ovcharenko
Teachers: Alexander Gorelov, Galina Turkina, Irina Makarenko, Elizaveta Rybina, Oksana Fedosova, Raikhon Akhmedzhanova, Anastasia Shimanskaya, Ekaterina Lonshakova, Anna Blagodyreva
Volunteers: Olga Falkowski, Alexander Sorokin, Alexey Voronin, Kristina Leyman, Madina Almazova, Aigul Smagulova, Timur Takhtaganov, Irina Voronina, Vika Smagulova, Ekaterina Leyman, Natalia Kashirina, Pavel Derendyaev, Anna Kashkina, Anna Kutyavina, Nikolai Sorokin, Olga Adler, Olga Likhacheva, Nadezhda Spiropoulos, Irina Khoroshavina
Contact information:
Interested in joining our team of volunteers?
Email us at news@russianaustin.com