Annual Report 2019
Ukrainian Institute
2019 in numbers
84
events and projects
in attendance at events and projects
100,000
over
10
million via media and social networks
84 events and projects implemented in 12 countries: Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, USA, Ukraine, France, Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
The largest ever representation of Ukraine in a foreign country during the Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria 2019. The Institute implemented 39 events and projects in 5 cities: Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Linz and Steyr.
Geography of activities
In its first full year of operation the Ukrainian Institute has taken flight. It has proven to be an expert and professional institution capable of acting as a reliable partner for foreign cultural institutions and building a positive image of Ukraine abroad.
Dmytro Kuleba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
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Institutions are not established in a day or even a year. In its first full year of operation the Ukrainian Institute has taken flight. It has proven to be an expert and professional institution capable of acting as a reliable partner for foreign cultural institutions and building a positive image of Ukraine abroad.
It is already obvious how difficult 2020 will be, not only for cultural diplomacy but for many other areas as well. This is the year of the Corona challenge, but at the same time it is also a year of new opportunities for Ukraine to strengthen its international position, in the field of cultural diplomacy, in particular.
It is now more important than ever for a modern and positive image of our country to be built abroad, for our culture to be integrated institutionally into the world cultural industry. The Ukrainian Institute is indispensable for this task. We need to show the world a creative, progressive, innovative Ukraine. A country that can amaze you. A country that is an integral part of Europe's cultural space, the cultural tapestry of Europe. We need to show Ukraine that its culture is valued in the world and that people want to see and hear it.
The global COVID-19 crisis is also changing the face of diplomacy. The methods of classic diplomacy need to give way to experimentation and unconventional solutions.
It is already obvious how difficult 2020 will be, not only for cultural diplomacy but for many other areas as well. This is the year of the Corona challenge, but at the same time it is also a year of new opportunities for Ukraine to strengthen its international position, in the field of cultural diplomacy, in particular.
It is now more important than ever for a modern and positive image of our country to be built abroad, for our culture to be integrated institutionally into the world cultural industry. The Ukrainian Institute is indispensable for this task. We need to show the world a creative, progressive, innovative Ukraine. A country that can amaze you. A country that is an integral part of Europe's cultural space, the cultural tapestry of Europe. We need to show Ukraine that its culture is valued in the world and that people want to see and hear it.
The global COVID-19 crisis is also changing the face of diplomacy. The methods of classic diplomacy need to give way to experimentation and unconventional solutions.
Personal meetings and visits are often impossible. Hence, digitalisation and modernisation have ceased to be novelty words. They became the only means for further development. For this reason, we at the Foreign Ministry are stepping up our digital diplomacy as an important component of public diplomacy.
Closure of borders should not stand in the way of Ukraine's introduction to the world. In fact, virtualisation can bring us even closer to the world when Ukraine is only two or three clicks, and not a two- or three- (or more) hour flight away. I am convinced that the Ukrainian Institute will act as our reliable partner in achieving this goal.
I wish the Ukrainian Institute a lot of enthusiasm and success to carry on with their important mission, despite all the challenges and obstacles. The best way to predict the future is to create it. Let's keep on creating the future of the Ukrainian culture together.
Closure of borders should not stand in the way of Ukraine's introduction to the world. In fact, virtualisation can bring us even closer to the world when Ukraine is only two or three clicks, and not a two- or three- (or more) hour flight away. I am convinced that the Ukrainian Institute will act as our reliable partner in achieving this goal.
I wish the Ukrainian Institute a lot of enthusiasm and success to carry on with their important mission, despite all the challenges and obstacles. The best way to predict the future is to create it. Let's keep on creating the future of the Ukrainian culture together.
Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute
Cultural diplomacy is a relatively new practice for Ukraine. Therefore, one of our tasks is to give it a clear meaning, to find the right words and actions, so that Ukraine appears to the world not as a failed state or a "blank spot" on the map of Europe, but as a capable and sovereign partner.
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2019 marks the first full year of the Ukrainian Institute's activity. For a long time, Ukraine observed the experience of cultural diplomacy in other countries, finally setting up its own institution designed to foster dialogue and solidarity with the world through its humanitarian potential. Many experts and professionals joined forces to establish the Institute and outlined the ambitious framework of our mandate.
Starting this year with a dozen people in the team, in the clutch of bureaucratic restrictions, but with many plans and ideas, we have come to year's end having realised nearly a hundred projects in 12 countries, a team expanded by fourfold and even more ambitious plans. Much of this work went unnoticed and was painstaking, but necessary for the start and subsequent steps of a new state institution.
Cultural diplomacy is a relatively new practice for Ukraine. Therefore, one of our tasks is to give it a clear meaning, to find the right words and actions, so that Ukraine appears to the world not as a failed state or a "blank spot" on the map of Europe, but as a capable and sovereign partner. There is no need to invent a new universal language other than that which culture provides. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to speak about Ukraine more convincingly than its artists, intellectuals, scientists, activists, foreign friends - all those who shape our country's modern and colourful identity.
Starting this year with a dozen people in the team, in the clutch of bureaucratic restrictions, but with many plans and ideas, we have come to year's end having realised nearly a hundred projects in 12 countries, a team expanded by fourfold and even more ambitious plans. Much of this work went unnoticed and was painstaking, but necessary for the start and subsequent steps of a new state institution.
Cultural diplomacy is a relatively new practice for Ukraine. Therefore, one of our tasks is to give it a clear meaning, to find the right words and actions, so that Ukraine appears to the world not as a failed state or a "blank spot" on the map of Europe, but as a capable and sovereign partner. There is no need to invent a new universal language other than that which culture provides. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to speak about Ukraine more convincingly than its artists, intellectuals, scientists, activists, foreign friends - all those who shape our country's modern and colourful identity.
The basis of our projects and programmes is cooperation between people and institutions because these provide the basis for global cultural interaction. Acting alone, one can do far less than when acting in partnership with like-minded people. This is another challenge for Ukrainian cultural diplomacy: to think outside the box, and to be able to work for a common, systemic result.
I'm happy to be a part of this dream team. There are people of many professions, with different experiences and preferences working with us. They are outstanding and talented. For each of us, this work is a great responsibility and an incentive for self-improvement. I want to thank my colleagues for this difficult but unforgettable year.
I would also like to thank the members of the Supervisory Board for their assistance, advice and comprehensive support in the establishment of the Institute, our colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign diplomatic missions, friends in Ukrainian cultural institutions, project participants, partners, sympathizers and constructive critics.
P.S. We have worked on this report in a difficult time for Ukraine and the world, forcing us to rethink how cultural diplomacy can work. I hope that the foundation we have laid in 2018 and 2019 will withstand this unprecedented stress test.
I'm happy to be a part of this dream team. There are people of many professions, with different experiences and preferences working with us. They are outstanding and talented. For each of us, this work is a great responsibility and an incentive for self-improvement. I want to thank my colleagues for this difficult but unforgettable year.
I would also like to thank the members of the Supervisory Board for their assistance, advice and comprehensive support in the establishment of the Institute, our colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign diplomatic missions, friends in Ukrainian cultural institutions, project participants, partners, sympathizers and constructive critics.
P.S. We have worked on this report in a difficult time for Ukraine and the world, forcing us to rethink how cultural diplomacy can work. I hope that the foundation we have laid in 2018 and 2019 will withstand this unprecedented stress test.
Thanks to the Ukrainian Institute, our cultural vanguard has become integrated into both Austrian professional platforms and networks and those of Central and Western Europe.
Iryna Podolyak, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board
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Since Ukraine's declaration of independence in 1991, we have all been talking a lot about whether and how Ukraine is known in the world, and how we are to present ourselves abroad in the media space and in cooperation with partners. There has been much criticism of our country's positioning as a nondescript geopolitical player, as a country of permanent "catastrophes"; there's been criticism regarding the lack of a project promotion strategy that would captivate and surprise the world. There had been much talk and finally, after twenty-six years, something was finally done about it: we created the Ukrainian Institute, a group whose main task is to present the real, modern face of Ukraine — personal, young, contemporary, intellectual, innovative and vibrant.
In 2019, Ukraine experienced its European informational breakthrough via the Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria, an effort largely overseen by the Ukrainian Institute team. Austria's largest and most powerful media outlets have covered our work; some of the world's most renowned research centres, museums and orchestras, prestigious festivals, as well as individual artists and intellectuals have signed on as our partners. Thanks to the Ukrainian Institute, our cultural vanguard has become integrated into both Austrian professional platforms and networks and those of Central and Western Europe. This type of collaboration is one of the strategic directions of the Ukrainian Institute's work, and it is a strategy that is proving to be effective.
In 2019, Ukraine experienced its European informational breakthrough via the Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria, an effort largely overseen by the Ukrainian Institute team. Austria's largest and most powerful media outlets have covered our work; some of the world's most renowned research centres, museums and orchestras, prestigious festivals, as well as individual artists and intellectuals have signed on as our partners. Thanks to the Ukrainian Institute, our cultural vanguard has become integrated into both Austrian professional platforms and networks and those of Central and Western Europe. This type of collaboration is one of the strategic directions of the Ukrainian Institute's work, and it is a strategy that is proving to be effective.
Ukraine has begun to appear on the international cultural radar as an equal partner. A nation with a distinct vector of development, clear priorities, the power of free and courageous artists and thoughtful intellectuals. And despite the physical and psychic toll from its ongoing struggle with Russian-backed hostilities in its east, Ukraine is a state that has shown it can offer the world singular capabilities both for survival and development.
I had the honour of serving as the Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Institute since its inception (2018-2019). Thanks to the expertise of the members of the Supervisory Board, the cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the team of the Ukrainian Institute and our brilliant Ukrainian artists, we have succeeded in creating and securing an Institute of sterling reputation both at home and abroad.
A country is often judged on the reputation of its people and institutions, its capacity for cooperation and personal responsibility. I hope that this performance report of the Ukrainian Institute for 2019 will serve as a template for the entire sphere of public administration: this is how state institutions must work in difficult and changing times — transparently, flexibly, responsibly and globally.
I had the honour of serving as the Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Institute since its inception (2018-2019). Thanks to the expertise of the members of the Supervisory Board, the cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the team of the Ukrainian Institute and our brilliant Ukrainian artists, we have succeeded in creating and securing an Institute of sterling reputation both at home and abroad.
A country is often judged on the reputation of its people and institutions, its capacity for cooperation and personal responsibility. I hope that this performance report of the Ukrainian Institute for 2019 will serve as a template for the entire sphere of public administration: this is how state institutions must work in difficult and changing times — transparently, flexibly, responsibly and globally.
About the 2019 programme
In 2019 – its first full year of operation - the Ukrainian Institute implemented 84 projects in 12 countries. Most events (77) took place during the second half of the year (July-December). Our efforts attracted nearly 100,000 participants and visitors and reached more than 10 million via media and social networks.
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In the autumn of 2018, the Ukrainian Institute formulated its short-term work strategy, determining its mission, strategic goals, and geography of activities for 2019. In addition, in accordance with its Charter, the Institute team identified areas of project activities and substantive project criteria, all of which was approved by our Supervisory Board in February 2019. Working from these parameters, we constructed our annual action plan.
Areas of project activities — format outlines and event themes:
Areas of project activities — format outlines and event themes:
1
Presentation of Ukrainian culture abroad;
2
Ukraine's participation in key world cultural, educational and scientific events;
3
International exchange and mobility;
4
Image-building projects;
5
Support for Ukrainian Studies;
6
Teaching and promoting the Ukrainian language abroad;
7
Research platform.
Substantive project criteria are applied in developing and implementing both Institute and partner projects:
The project represents contemporary Ukrainian culture and/or deals with a contemporary and professional interpretation of cultural heritage.
The project is aimed at developing international cooperation, exchange and dialogue, not just a one-sided representation of Ukraine abroad.
The project has a contemporary format, reflects global trends, expectations of foreign partners, the needs of the target audience and local (country) context.
Project partners have the institutional capacity and experience to implement similar initiatives.
The project encourages dialogue and discussion on the challenges of the past, present and future and/or relates to important and relevant Ukrainian cultural phenomena.
Following consultations with stakeholders and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was decided to launch the Institute in the following countries in 2019: Austria, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, UK, USA and Czech Republic.
Having analysed the requests from the cultural sector of Ukraine, considering the status and dynamics of cultural processes in Ukraine and abroad, and having studied the best practices of cultural diplomacy institutes of the UK, Germany, France, USA, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Spain, the team identified the priority cultural sectors with which we would begin our work: music, film, performing arts, visual arts, literature. With their potential to attract wider audiences and enhance the Institute's media reach, communication and cross-sectoral projects were not overlooked.
One important objective for 2019 was the testing of various formats of project activities. Experience from our pilot year helped us better understand the effectiveness of these formats, as well as the limitations faced by a Ukrainian state institution. In addition, we launched our first long-term programmes designed to increase the visibility of Ukrainian culture abroad, deepen its integration into the international environment, and resulting in a more stable and systemic cultural diplomacy effort.
Having analysed the requests from the cultural sector of Ukraine, considering the status and dynamics of cultural processes in Ukraine and abroad, and having studied the best practices of cultural diplomacy institutes of the UK, Germany, France, USA, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Spain, the team identified the priority cultural sectors with which we would begin our work: music, film, performing arts, visual arts, literature. With their potential to attract wider audiences and enhance the Institute's media reach, communication and cross-sectoral projects were not overlooked.
One important objective for 2019 was the testing of various formats of project activities. Experience from our pilot year helped us better understand the effectiveness of these formats, as well as the limitations faced by a Ukrainian state institution. In addition, we launched our first long-term programmes designed to increase the visibility of Ukrainian culture abroad, deepen its integration into the international environment, and resulting in a more stable and systemic cultural diplomacy effort.
The first of these were the Exter Art Residencies programme and the Audible to U programme for the creation of Ukrainian-language audio guides at international museum venues. In addition, we have made considerable efforts to launch institutional partnerships abroad, to build confidence in Ukrainian cultural diplomacy and to lay the groundwork for future projects and programmes.
Our most ambitious programme was the Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria brought forward in 2018 by both countries and resulting in the implementation by the Institute of 39 events in 5 Austrian cities in 2019.
Despite the considerable attention to Austria, the Institute has also initiated cooperation with prestigious institutions and forums from other countries, including the French Cinematheque, the international film sector and theatre and arts festivals. We have organised regular study and professional visits to Ukraine, and supported projects of the Consulate General of Ukraine in Munich and the Consulate of Ukraine in Gdansk. These connections and working contacts will serve to further expand the network of Institute partners both in Ukraine and abroad.
Iryna Prokofieva, Head of the Programme Department
Our most ambitious programme was the Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria brought forward in 2018 by both countries and resulting in the implementation by the Institute of 39 events in 5 Austrian cities in 2019.
Despite the considerable attention to Austria, the Institute has also initiated cooperation with prestigious institutions and forums from other countries, including the French Cinematheque, the international film sector and theatre and arts festivals. We have organised regular study and professional visits to Ukraine, and supported projects of the Consulate General of Ukraine in Munich and the Consulate of Ukraine in Gdansk. These connections and working contacts will serve to further expand the network of Institute partners both in Ukraine and abroad.
Iryna Prokofieva, Head of the Programme Department
Projects by country
Austria
46%
Poland
14%
9%
Ukraine
France
9%
Germany
6%
5%
Spain
Italy
Lithuania
United Kingdom
USA
Netherlands
Czech Republic
3%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
Projects by sector
Visual arts
33 %
Music
25 %
Performing arts
12 %
Film
10 %
Communications
6 %
Ukrainian language
5 %
Cross-disciplinary projects
5 %
Literature
1 %
Academics
1 %
Ukrainian diaspora
1 %
Research
1 %
Projects
by areas of activity
by areas of activity
Teaching and promoting
Ukrainian language abroad
Ukrainian language abroad
5 %
Research platform
1 %
Presentation of Ukrainian
culture abroad
culture abroad
29 %
International exchange and mobility
32 %
Ukraine's participation in key world cultural, educational and scientific events
25 %
Image building projects
7 %
Support for Ukrainian
Studies
Studies
1%
See all projects by a click
For the occasion of the Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria 2019, the Institute planned and implemented a large-scale programme of cultural diplomacy activities in Austria in pursuit of a singular objective: to employ the creative potential and historical ties of Austria and Ukraine in order to lay the foundation for lasting cultural cooperation.
Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria
2019
“
To get our Bilateral Cultural Year started we set out with a mission. We wanted to look more in-depth at our historic relations, we wanted to know more about current writing, also focus on film, music and on contemporary artistic creation in general. We hoped to share a lot, to co-create and look at designing elements of future together. We started with structures, building upon existing cooperation, creating new networks, full of ideals and visions. As a result, we were rewarded in Austria with truly fantastic artistic works from Ukraine. We were sitting in theatres and concert halls, walking through exhibition spaces, in admiration, grateful for being in touch with today's Ukraine through the arts. The great nation of Ukraine is conveying to us essential knowledge through its artists. Hope, also sadness, dreams, a sense of belonging.
Why is cultural diplomacy so essential? Because it reaches deep into the core of understanding, creating a sense of closeness. Congratulations to the Ukrainian Institute, the Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna and the many other institutions. You have inspired us. Please, let's keep it going!
Teresa Indjein, Director General for International Cultural Relations (MFA)
Why is cultural diplomacy so essential? Because it reaches deep into the core of understanding, creating a sense of closeness. Congratulations to the Ukrainian Institute, the Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna and the many other institutions. You have inspired us. Please, let's keep it going!
Teresa Indjein, Director General for International Cultural Relations (MFA)
Communication Activities
In 2019, the Ukrainian Institute had several major communication tasks: to present Ukraine and the Ukrainian Institute abroad in countries where we are active; to seek contacts and establish relations with foreign media partners; to engage the audiences for Institute events; and, at the same time, to provide coverage of programme activities of the newly established Ukrainian institution while developing our medium-term communication strategy.
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With foreign media interest largely focused on Institute activities and projects, the broadest media coverage was provided in those countries featuring the largest number of events - Austria, Poland, France and Germany. These countries were able to offer coverage by key national media providers with a large audience reach. Examples of this include repeat coverage by ORF television and radio stations, the Austrian national broadcasting company, publications in major Austrian newspapers like Die Presse, Kurier and Der Standard; articles in key French publications, including Le Monde and Liberation; German periodicals including Deutsche Welle and Opernwelt; as well as appearances on Polskie Radio and in Gazeta Wyborcza. Not surprisingly, the Bilateral Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria received the greatest number of media references. In addition to news broadcasts, a documentary about Ukrainian culture produced with the support of the Ukrainian Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria was broadcast several times on the ORF TV channel. The Institute also implemented a special project "Ukrainian Week", dedicated to contemporary Ukrainian culture, together with Radio Klassik, a Vienna FM station. The APA, Austria's largest news agency, repeatedly released information on the Institute's activities to all of Austrian media.
In order to ensure publicity and accountability of its activities for Ukrainian taxpayers, the Institute maintains an active communication network through its own channels (website, social media) and cooperates with the Ukrainian media, organising press tours to foreign events. As a result, Ukrainian Institute activities have been made it onto many published "Best of 2019" lists, including those of Livyi Bereh (Left Bank), Radio Liberty, UA Radio Culture, Korydor (industry-specific publication), and the final annual issue of the Novoe Vremya (New Time) magazine "The World in 2020". For the second year in a row, Volodymyr Sheiko, the Director General of the Institute, was included in the annual rating of the most influential people of Ukraine according to Focus magazine.
In addition, materials and interviews on the activities of the Ukrainian Institute were published in the following media: UNIAN, Radio Liberty, Ukrinform, Censor.net, UATV, 1+1, Espresso TV, Zbruch, Novoe Vremya, Holos Ukrainy, Ukrainski Novyny, gazeta.ua, Holos, chytomo, Prostir Muszeiv, Vogue UA, Hromadske, Ukrainska Pravda Zhyttia, theBabel, Litaccent, Korydor, Support Your Art. In order to increase the visibility of the EXTER programme (the international residency programme of the Ukrainian Institute) among the professional community in Ukraine, we have formed a partnership with VONO, an independent periodical on art and culture.
We also did a lot of first-hand promotion of the activities of the Ukrainian Institute: team members made presentations about the institution, about Ukraine and Ukrainian culture at events both in Ukraine and abroad, and delivered lectures on cultural diplomacy for students of the Gennady Udovenko Diplomatic Academy under the MFA of Ukraine and the Institute of International Relations of the Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University. In 2019, the Institute's activities were presented at several dozen events in Ukraine and abroad, including:
We also did a lot of first-hand promotion of the activities of the Ukrainian Institute: team members made presentations about the institution, about Ukraine and Ukrainian culture at events both in Ukraine and abroad, and delivered lectures on cultural diplomacy for students of the Gennady Udovenko Diplomatic Academy under the MFA of Ukraine and the Institute of International Relations of the Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University. In 2019, the Institute's activities were presented at several dozen events in Ukraine and abroad, including:
- Creative Ukraine Conference by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine (Kyiv);
- Reporting Conference of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (Kyiv);
- Conference V Congress Literature in Action 2019 (Kyiv);
- Music Conference Ukraine (Kyiv);
- Creativity Days Conference (Kyiv);
- Culture Congress (Lviv);
- School of Public Affairs of American University (Washington DC, USA);
- Centre for Public Diplomacy Summer Institute, University of Southern California (Los Angeles, USA);
- "Ambassadors School" of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine (Kyiv);
- 9th International Book Arsenal Festival (Kyiv);
- Presentations of the EXTER artist residency programme at the Institute for Cultural Strategy (L'viv) and Impact Hub (Odesa);
- Strategic Session of the Anne de Kyiv Centre (Paris / Vincennes).
- Reporting Conference of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (Kyiv);
- Conference V Congress Literature in Action 2019 (Kyiv);
- Music Conference Ukraine (Kyiv);
- Creativity Days Conference (Kyiv);
- Culture Congress (Lviv);
- School of Public Affairs of American University (Washington DC, USA);
- Centre for Public Diplomacy Summer Institute, University of Southern California (Los Angeles, USA);
- "Ambassadors School" of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine (Kyiv);
- 9th International Book Arsenal Festival (Kyiv);
- Presentations of the EXTER artist residency programme at the Institute for Cultural Strategy (L'viv) and Impact Hub (Odesa);
- Strategic Session of the Anne de Kyiv Centre (Paris / Vincennes).
According to verified media monitoring data, employing both traditional and social media the Institute's activities and projects reached over 10 million contacts in 2019. The actual number of contacts was probably higher.
Tetyana Oliynyk, Head of Communication Department
Tetyana Oliynyk, Head of Communication Department
Ukrainian Institute in the Media
"The Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria and the "Ukrainian Night in the Museum Quarter" project are listed among the year's TOP-5 arts events according to the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports; the GAZ opera project, whose international premiere took place in Vienna with the support of the Institute, is named one of the top "Critics' Choice for Distinguished Art Events in 2019".
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"Finally, Ukrainian theatre (and the cultural content in general) was given an important tool for integration into the global context. Only now, almost 30 years after the declaration of independence, has our country begun to wonder whether anybody knows anything about Ukraine in the European Union or the United States. The programme managers of the Ukrainian Institute, headed by director Volodymyr Sheiko, convey knowledge about the Ukrainian theatre, which is otherwise virtually non-existent in the international information field."
"Over the past five years, against the backdrop of an inconsistent cultural policy, the Ukrainian Institute has been created, operating, unlike other newly created institutions (the Book Institute and the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation) under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose cultural intentions after the transfer of power are not yet clearly defined. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian Institute does not wait for State policy to be handed down from above, indicating who is to be represented abroad and who is not. Instead, the Institute forms its own vision of cultural diplomacy. One of its priorities is to reach not only the Ukrainian diaspora abroad (by default their target audience, if not a full-fledged partner of any Ukrainian project) and invest resources in Ukrainian Studies in western academic circles. One persistent opinion is that Slavic studies programmes in western universities are infected with Russian imperial discourse, given the significant financial investment Russia makes in the west supporting studies of its culture and history. The same cannot be said about Ukraine, which until recently, had not focused on systematic state support for Ukrainian studies."
Ukrainian Culture: Summary of 2019. Prostranstvo media, Oksana Semenik:
"The Ukrainian Institute was founded in 2018 a-nd became fully operational this year. From the start, it has devoted its focus to the Cultural Year Austria-Ukraine bilateral project. This effort has included several events in Austria, including a retrospective of Kira Muratova, "Between Fire and Fire"—an exhibition of contemporary Ukrainian art by Alisa Lozhkina and Kostyantyn Akinsha, and concerts by DakhaBrakha, Onuka and DZ'OB. In Ukraine, a number of programmes related to the translation of Austrian literature, music and film were implemented. This programme is an example of how Ukrainian culture can be promoted abroad without relying on stereotypical images of traditional Cossack trousers, salo, the Virsky dance ensemble or the Veryovka Choir. It's not that these things should be banned , but Ukrainian culture is diverse and it's time we dispensed with tired stereotypes."
"Cultural life is in full swing. Arts institutions and individual artists are trying their best to keep afloat. This year, museums and galleries were both opened and closed. Books were printed. Large-scale exhibition projects took place. This may come as a surprise, but many projects were carried out (at least in part) with public funds. Significant progress in this area was made, for instance, through the activities of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation and the Ukrainian Institute.
…
The introduction of international residency programmes continues to enrich the local art scene.. The Ukrainian Institute, an active promoter of presentations on Ukraine internationally has, among other things, established Exter, a long-term residency programme that would allow Ukrainian artists, critics and curators to participate in residencies in Europe and the USA with the support of the Institute."
…
The introduction of international residency programmes continues to enrich the local art scene.. The Ukrainian Institute, an active promoter of presentations on Ukraine internationally has, among other things, established Exter, a long-term residency programme that would allow Ukrainian artists, critics and curators to participate in residencies in Europe and the USA with the support of the Institute."
and what we say to the world
One more click
Interview with Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, for UNIAN.
It is good that after Maidan, Ukraine has both clearly distanced itself from Russia and ceases to be a part of it in the eyes of the world.
Interview with Olha Birzul, Head of the Film Sector of the Ukrainian Institute, for Telecritique.
Interview with Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, for Vogue UA.
How is Europe interested in Ukraine: how to hold a night of Ukrainian electronic music in Vienna and why present Ukrainian culture abroad.
Director General of the Ukrainian Institute,
for LB.ua.
for LB.ua.
Interview of Iryna Prokofieva, Head of the Programme Department of the Institute, for Voice of America.
Column by Anastasiia Haishenets, Programme Manager for the Performance Arts and Theatre Sector of the Ukrainian Institute, for Novoe Vremya.
Interview with Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, for Ukrinform.
Ukraine does not have to show itself as a victim; our identity is not exclusively determined by war.
Guest in the studio: Oleksandra Haidai, Project Manager of the Ukrainian Institute.
Information and Analytics
In the autumn of 2019, the UI launched the Information and Analytics Department which evaluates the Institute's performance, accumulates and processes quantitative and qualitative data on our activities and projects.
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In November-December 2019, in cooperation with the International Renaissance Foundation, we conducted a preparatory stage and developed a methodology for researching the perception of Ukraine abroad. Its purpose is to define the expectations of Ukraine that foreign professionals may have, to explore the perception of its cultural potential and to evaluate the possibilities of cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and civil society. The research is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2020 in Germany, France, Poland and Hungary, with possible expansion to other countries.
In collaboration with the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre and One Philosophy Group of Companies, we have launched a study dedicated to the historical memory and interpretation of the "awkward" heritage of the 20th century. The project began with a monitoring of how the leading media in the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, France, Russia and Ukraine covered the historical events of the 20th century that influenced Ukraine's role in world processes. The moods, accents and tone of the media, their influence on the formation of national and international narratives have been analysed. The results of the monitoring will be presented in the second quarter of 2020.
In collaboration with the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre and One Philosophy Group of Companies, we have launched a study dedicated to the historical memory and interpretation of the "awkward" heritage of the 20th century. The project began with a monitoring of how the leading media in the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, France, Russia and Ukraine covered the historical events of the 20th century that influenced Ukraine's role in world processes. The moods, accents and tone of the media, their influence on the formation of national and international narratives have been analysed. The results of the monitoring will be presented in the second quarter of 2020.
At the end of 2019, the Institute began developing an internal evaluation system based on the international practice of cultural diplomacy institutions. This system will allow a comprehensive assessment of the Institute's performance on the basis of quantitative and qualitative data. It has a three-tier structure. At the primary, institutional level, the overall indicators that demonstrate the scale of the Institute's activity are evaluated. The second level determines the volume and quality of the engagement with the audience. The third level is dedicated to the qualitative impact of our work on each area of project activity. The system will be run in test mode throughout 2020.
Yuliia Hnat, Head of the Information and Analytics Department
Yuliia Hnat, Head of the Information and Analytics Department
Institutional Activities
The main institutional goals of 2019 were to launch a full-fledged operation of the Ukrainian Institute, to adapt the legal framework, to build the team, and to develop internal regulations and procedures.
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During the first half of the year, work continued on introducing amendments to a number of legal statutes that significantly restricted or prevented the full operation of the Institute. In particular, time limits for the prepayment of goods and services procured by the Institute for the implementation of activities and projects were extended; the ban on increasing the number of employees and the prohibition on expenditures for exhibitions, fairs, symposia and congresses were lifted. The procedure for using funds allocated in the state budget for the implementation of measures and projects of the Ukrainian Institute was approved. This procedure details the directions for the use of funds and expands the list of the types of expenditures that are allowed.
It wasn't until the second half of the year that were we able to expand the team from 11 to 37 people and implement our project and programme plans.
It wasn't until the second half of the year that were we able to expand the team from 11 to 37 people and implement our project and programme plans.
We expanded both the programme and the accounting departments, established departments of communications, information analysis, administration, legal support and public procurement. We developed processes for interaction between departments of the Institute and with external partners.
The rapid expansion of the team and the need to achieve our ambitious goals required a lot of effort from all our departments, as well as the involvement of professional consultants and team-builders. Establishing the institution took a full six months, during which we carried out 90% of the activities planned for the year.
The rapid expansion of the team and the need to achieve our ambitious goals required a lot of effort from all our departments, as well as the involvement of professional consultants and team-builders. Establishing the institution took a full six months, during which we carried out 90% of the activities planned for the year.
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"When we conceived the Cultural Year Austria - Ukraine we understood that this important initiative could and should be more than the presentation of Austrian culture in Ukraine and Ukrainian culture in Austria. Accordingly, the success of this year cannot just be defined by the total number of events. It also reflects very strongly the result of the quality of the partnership that we developed with our colleagues and friends at the Ukrainian Institute. To be with the Ukrainian Institute on this joint mission to a new level of bilateral cultural relations was a wonderful experience—one that I recall with gratitude and appreciation."
Ulf Hausbrandt, director of the Austrian Cultural Forum
Ulf Hausbrandt, director of the Austrian Cultural Forum
In 2019, the Institute, in conjunction with the Projector School of Design and Technology, developed and implemented a new visual identity and brand, enhancing our communication work and the development of our own information platforms.
An important component of our activities in 2019 was the establishment and development of a network of partner institutions in Ukraine and abroad. This made it possible to develop and approve the 2020 Activity Plan in time, as well as to prepare for the implementation of the three-year budget planning.
In 2019, the Institute signed cooperation agreements with a number of Ukrainian and international institutions. These agreements are variously concerned with consolidating efforts and capabilities to improve the perception of Ukraine abroad;
An important component of our activities in 2019 was the establishment and development of a network of partner institutions in Ukraine and abroad. This made it possible to develop and approve the 2020 Activity Plan in time, as well as to prepare for the implementation of the three-year budget planning.
In 2019, the Institute signed cooperation agreements with a number of Ukrainian and international institutions. These agreements are variously concerned with consolidating efforts and capabilities to improve the perception of Ukraine abroad;
the dissemination of objective information and knowledge about Ukraine; the implementation of joint projects and initiatives in information, communication, cultural and other fields; the expansion and deepening of international cooperation. Among our partner organisations are the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre NGO, One Philosophy Group of Companies, MUMOK - Museum of Contemporary Art of the Ludwig Foundation (Vienna, Austria), the ZEIT-Stiftung Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius Foundation (Hamburg, Germany). The Institute has established close cooperation with the Austrian Cultural Forum in Kyiv and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in implementing the Cultural Year Ukraine-Austria programme.
Tetyana Filevska, Deputy Director General
Tetyana Filevska, Deputy Director General
Financial Performance
Total budget 50.7 million UAH
Financial Performance
Total budget 50.7 million UAH
The Team
A professional and capable team is the foundation of any institution.
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For work undertaken in the field of cultural diplomacy, a broad range of competencies is required: foreign language skills, project and process management, implementation of international cultural, educational and scientific programmes; reputation and institutional communications management; expertise in various sectors of culture; extensive professional networks; ability to work in a multicultural environment; understanding of the theory and practice of international relations and more.
We have successfully formed a team whose expert profile indicates a high level of competence and readiness for professional growth. This is the key to the Institute's internal expertise, i.e. the ability to take professional, thoughtful, well-grounded and ethical decisions about project selection and their subject matter.
Cultural diplomacy as a professional discipline is only beginning to emerge in Ukraine, fittingly, the Ukrainian Institute pays a great deal of attention to the professional development of our team and to the study of the best international practices in fields relevant to our work.
We have successfully formed a team whose expert profile indicates a high level of competence and readiness for professional growth. This is the key to the Institute's internal expertise, i.e. the ability to take professional, thoughtful, well-grounded and ethical decisions about project selection and their subject matter.
Cultural diplomacy as a professional discipline is only beginning to emerge in Ukraine, fittingly, the Ukrainian Institute pays a great deal of attention to the professional development of our team and to the study of the best international practices in fields relevant to our work.
As part of the Knowledge Transfer Programme for Public Diplomacy of Ukraine, with the support of the American Councils for International Education and the US Embassy in Ukraine, Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the UI, underwent training at the Summer Institute of the Centre for Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in July 2019. Iryna Prokofieva, Head of the Programme Department, and Olexandr Vynogradov, Programme Manager, took part in an Open World study tour to Washington DC in November 2019. The project also provided training for Institute staff with the participation of pro.mova professionals on institutional communications, reputation management and public sector work.
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The cooperation of the American Councils for International Education with the Ukrainian Institute began in 2018 as part of the Knowledge Transfer Programme for Public Diplomacy to Ukraine (KTI) with the support of the US Embassy in Ukraine.
During this time, a third of the UI team participated in public diplomacy training. Coaching in public and internal communications and in reputation strategy development was also provided for the team. Last year, some employees attended the Public Diplomacy Summer School at the University of Southern California and the Open World Exchange Programme. Soon the UI will also receive a number of printed publications on professional development and programme activities to replenish its own library and resource stock. Our organisation will continue to support the development of UI as an organisation that forms a positive attitude towards Ukraine.
Yarema Bachynskyi, Director of the American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS - Ukraine
During this time, a third of the UI team participated in public diplomacy training. Coaching in public and internal communications and in reputation strategy development was also provided for the team. Last year, some employees attended the Public Diplomacy Summer School at the University of Southern California and the Open World Exchange Programme. Soon the UI will also receive a number of printed publications on professional development and programme activities to replenish its own library and resource stock. Our organisation will continue to support the development of UI as an organisation that forms a positive attitude towards Ukraine.
Yarema Bachynskyi, Director of the American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS - Ukraine
In March 2019, representatives of the Institute visited the UK to learn about international practices employed in cultural diplomacy and the experience of the British Council, as well as to establish professional contacts with the cultural institutions of London and Edinburgh.
In June 2019, a representative of the Institute made a study visit to Greece within the EU's Culture Bridges programme.
In June 2019, a representative of the Institute made a study visit to Greece within the EU's Culture Bridges programme.
At the invitation of the Czech Centre, the staff of the Institute visited Prague and Brno to get acquainted with the organisational structure and programme policies of the Czech Centres and to establish contacts with Czech cultural institutions in February 2019. A number of employees have undergone training in public procurement.
Team expertise profile
(as of early 2020)
Education
100%
university degree
61%
Masters
8%
PhDs
69%
secondary and advanced training (including 17% university degrees)
Staff have earned degrees in the following specialities
Work experience
78%
over 5 years of work experience
relevant to the current professional activity
50 %
over 10 years of work experience
relevant to the current professional activity
Foreign languages
International experience
90% of staff speak English and/or other languages. 31% speak two foreign languages, 14% speak three, 8% speak four, and two staff members speak 5-6 foreign languages). These include English, German, Polish, French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish, Croatian / Serbian, and Belarusian.
53% have undergone training abroad or participated in international training programmes.
78% have more than 5 years of experience related to their current professional activities, including 50% who have more than 10 years of experience.
36% have coordinated or participated in more than 10 international projects, 28% have worked with up to 5 projects, and 8% have experience with between 5 and 10 projects.
78% have more than 5 years of experience related to their current professional activities, including 50% who have more than 10 years of experience.
36% have coordinated or participated in more than 10 international projects, 28% have worked with up to 5 projects, and 8% have experience with between 5 and 10 projects.
Ukrainian Institute Team in 2019
Programme department
Communications department
Information and analytical department
Financial department
Administrative department
Legal department
Procurement department
Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Institute is an advisory and expert body that acts on a permanent basis to oversee the activities of the Institute, determine its priorities, manage its assets and more.
The Supervisory Board includes prominent Ukrainian and/or foreign public figures, as well as representatives of some ministries. The powers of the Supervisory Board include, in particular, the approval of the Institute's annual work plan and changes thereto, control over financial and economic activity, consideration of current issues, approval of the main areas of project activity, etc.
The experience and knowledge of experts, experienced managers from state institutions and civil society is extremely important for the establishment, development and upholding of the Institute's interests.
The experience and knowledge of experts, experienced managers from state institutions and civil society is extremely important for the establishment, development and upholding of the Institute's interests.
During the year 2019, the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Institute held 18 meetings in person or online. At different times of the year it consisted of:
Members of the Supervisory Board
Vasyl Bodnar
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Artem Bidenko
State Secretary of the Ministry of Information Policy of Ukraine
Vololdymyr Yermolenko
Director of European Projects of the "Internews-Ukraine" NGO, journalist with Hromadske.ua, philosopher, writer
Serhii Zhadan
Poet, prose writer, translator, public figure
Liliya Mlynarych
President of the Jazz Koktebel Festival
Anton Naichuk
Director of the "Public Diplomacy Charitable Foundation"
Olesia Ostrovska-Liuta
Director General of National Arts and Museum Complex "Art Arsenal"
Iryna Podolyak
First Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Culture and Spirituality, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of Ukraine
Olha Sahaidak
Co-founder of the Dofa Fund,
a charitable organisation
a charitable organisation
Akhtem Seitablaev
Film Director, Director of the State Enterprise "Crimean House"
Svitlana Fomenko
First Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine
Pavlo Khobzey
Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine
Ruslana Linnik
Secretary of the Supervisory Board
Vasyl
Bodnar
Bodnar
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Artem
Bidenko
Bidenko
State Secretary of the Ministry of Information Policy of Ukraine
Vololdymyr
Yermolenko
Yermolenko
Director of European Projects of the "Internews-Ukraine" NGO, journalist with Hromadske.ua, philosopher, writer
Serhii
Zhadan
Zhadan
Poet, prose writer, translator, public figure
Liliya
Mlynarych
Mlynarych
President of the Jazz Koktebel Festival
Anton
Naichuk
Naichuk
Director of the "Public Diplomacy Charitable Foundation"
Olesia
Ostrovska-Liuta
Ostrovska-Liuta
Director General of National Arts and Museum Complex "Art Arsenal"
Iryna
Podolyak
Podolyak
First Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Culture and Spirituality, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of Ukraine
Olha
Sahaidak
Sahaidak
Co-founder of the Dofa Fund,
a charitable organisation
a charitable organisation
Akhtem
Seitablaev
Seitablaev
Film Director, Director of the State Enterprise "Crimean House"
Svitlana
Fomenko
Fomenko
First Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine
Pavlo
Khobzey
Khobzey
Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine
Ruslana Linnik
Secretary of the Supervisory Board