Nick to Exhibit SpongeBob Art in Russia

Nickelodeon Russia, a unit of Viacom International Media Networks, is planning "Absorbent: A SpongeBob Exhibit," a modern art exhibition that will run Sept. 16-Oct. 2 at the Flacon Design Plant in Moscow. Admission will be free.

The interactive exhibition, produced in partnership with Beeline, will trace how SpongeBob Squarepants has influenced fashion, culture and modern media.

To celebrate the opening, Nickelodeon will host an exclusive auction with all funds raised going to the Naked Heart Foundation, a children’s charity that builds playgrounds across Russia and develops programs for children with special needs.

As part of the Naked Heart Foundation partnership, exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to donate to the cause by purchasing one-of-a-kind charity bracelets. Nickelodeon will also help create Russia’s first ever SpongeBob SquarePants playground, which will be built in one of the orphanages the Naked Heart Foundation supports.

“SpongeBob has a staggering level of awareness and popularity in Russia, and ‘Absorbent: A SpongeBob Exhibit’ is a special way of sharing this beloved character with Moscow-based fans of all ages," says Nicholas Walters, vice president and general manager, Viacom International Media Networks, Russia and CIS. "We’re delighted to be partnering with Natalia Vodianova and the Naked Heart Foundation, and are proud to support this amazing organization’s commendable work.”