From February 17 to 20, the Nordic Ukraine Forum was held in Stockholm, where for four days, Ukrainians together with Swedish and international guests discussed the culture of Ukraine during the war.
During the Forum, there was a panel discussion devoted to Sweden’s policy on helping Ukraine in the cultural sphere, which was moderated by Lisa Bjurwald, the author of the book “Slava Ukraini! Women’s Resistance under Russia’s War”.
Today, Ukrainian culture is adapting to the realities of war. For example, fashion brands refocused on the production of items for the Ukrainian army. Painters, writers, actors, musicians, theater figures arrange tours, artistic and literary events, collecting funds to support Ukraine. IT specialists are working on blocking russian government and propaganda sites. Ukrainian creative hubs and libraries act as volunteer centers and host internal refugees. Oleksandr Tkachenko, Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, told about this in his speech.
“Our task is to make Ukrainian culture sound powerful everywhere, because we are fighting for our identity and values. Thanks to representatives of the media, cinema, music and other spheres, Ukraine is already revealing to the world community our unity, our courage in the fight for freedom and the values we believe in. Ukrainian culture has become an important part of the national resistance and plays an important unifying role for the Ukrainian people. I believe in strengthening cooperation with Sweden on the cultural front. Thank you for helping Ukraine resist russian aggression,” said the Minister.
Among the panelists are Amanda Lind (Swedish Green Party), Chairwoman for the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Minister for Culture and Democracy, with responsibility for sport and national minorities 2019-2021, Susanna Pettersson, Director General at National Museum of Sweden, Vakhtang Kebuladze, Ukrainian philosopher.
Since there is currently a great demand for knowledge about the history and culture of Ukraine in the world, within the framework of the UkraineVision 2023 event and initiative, seminars were held in Ukrainian literature, theater life of Ukraine during the war, the representative role of musicians in the world, the development of stand-up in Ukraine, as well as on the protection cultural heritage of Ukraine and Sweden’s policy regarding assistance to Ukraine in the cultural sphere.
The event is carried out in collaboration with UnitedVoice, as well as with the support of the City of Stockholm, Nordic Light Hotel and Embassy of Canada to Sweden.
