On October 10, Anastasia Bondar, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization, met with the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Ukraine, Colm McGivern, who is also the Director of the British Council in Ukraine. Olena Zoria, the Head of Arts Programs at the British Council in Ukraine, was also present at the meeting.
The participants discussed strengthening cooperation regarding the protection of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and its presence on all major artistic platforms in the United Kingdom.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for the robust support and significant assistance provided to Ukraine in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
“I am immensely grateful to you for the continued support of the United Kingdom alongside Ukraine in the fight for our identity and cultural heritage. It is crucial for us to unite our efforts to promote Ukraine on the global stage. We must collaborate on artistic projects and demonstrate what Ukraine truly is. The world should see us not only through the lens of war but also, in particular, as a powerful potential in the field of art. Our cultural figures are collaborating with renowned foreign artists, musicians, and singers to create true masterpieces and leave their mark in history. We hope for the continuation of fruitful cooperation in this direction,” emphasized Anastasia Bondar.
For his part, Colm McGivern, the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of comprehensive support for Ukraine and the promotion of Ukrainian art abroad.
“The creative industries are another area where we can make a joint contribution. We have both the desire and the capacity to assist the sector here in Ukraine and facilitate a full cultural exchange between our countries. We need to support connections in various forms of art between young Ukrainian artists and their British counterparts. That is why we will certainly continue to create diverse festivals and initiatives. I am confident that all our joint efforts will strengthen Ukraine’s position and its cultural value on the global stage,” emphasized Colm McGivern.
A separate important aspect of the meeting was the discussion of the historical relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, contemporary decentralization, and the issue of engaging youth in the development of the cultural sector.
“We must care for our cultural infrastructure—museums, theaters, philharmonics, and other organizations, as they are an integral part of our national identity. This is our shared treasure that requires constant attention and protection. Decentralization will allow us to consider the voices of local communities and engage young, creative professionals. They are called to make cultural services accessible to all and to bring fresh ideas and formats to existing institutions,” noted Anastasia Bondar.
Olena Zoria, the Head of Arts Programs at the British Council in Ukraine, shared the results of the collaboration with Ukrainian organizations: “We support a large number of Ukrainian initiatives, including the creation of a new decolonization manual dedicated to Ukraine. This manual is being developed by the Ukrainian Institute in cooperation with ICOM UK and ICOM Ukraine. Over the past six months, we have conducted closed consultations with Ukrainian consultants and history experts. The manual has also undergone its first testing at a museum in Vienna, at Belvedere. Our team is now creating focus groups with a broader range of experts from around the world. We plan to publish the guide in the winter. Thus, we recognize the full potential of Ukrainians in various fields, not only in art but also, for example, in tourism. Therefore, it is important for us to present Ukraine as a country that continues to develop. We will support you and do everything possible to engage Ukrainian artists in collaboration and protect cultural heritage from the enemy.”
As a result of the discussions, the parties agreed to continue their cooperation in the field of artistic projects and to exchange experiences regarding the development of cultural initiatives.
