UkraineVision 2024

2-4 February 2024

Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, Stockholm, Sweden

UKRAINE VISION 

Culture Dialogues

TheVision

Welcome to an insightful event dedicated to illuminating Ukraine's rich cultural heritage and challenges. This gathering brings together cultural experts and stakeholders from Ukraine and Sweden to explore various aspects of culture amidst ongoing conflicts and uncertainties.

Our primary goal is to raise awareness in Sweden about Ukraine's efforts to protect its cultural legacy. By promoting cultural exchange and facilitating discussions between professionals from both countries, we aim to build mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds between Ukraine and Sweden. Through the continuity of Ukraine Vision, we aim to foster greater appreciation and solidarity with Ukraine and its diverse cultural heritage.

Join us in this endeavour to deepen our understanding of Ukraine's cultural richness and reaffirm our support for its preservation


Panel Discussions

Saturday February 3, 2024


13.30 – 14.50

Musical Shifts

Ukrainian Musicians and Audience

Evolution


15.30 – 16.50

Literary Journey

Exploring Modern Ukrainian

Literature


18.00 – 19.20

Literary Outreach

Popularizing Ukrainian Literary

Heritage

Friday, February 2, 2024


13.00 – 14.20

Power of Cultural Diplomacy

Building Resilience at Time of War



15.00 – 16.20

Guardians of Legacy

Preserving Cultural Heritage for Future

Generations


17.00 –18.20

Empowerment of Ukrainian Artistry

Cultivating Support Networks

in Sweden

Sunday February 4, 2024


12.30 – 13.50

Conflict through Lens

Capturing Humanity's Tale



14.30 – 15.50

Resilience Stage

Enduring Challenges for Survival

of Theatre Art in Ukraine


16.30 –18.10

Cinematic Frontlines

Navigating the Art and Challenges

of Film-making

Digital Exhibitions

Friday, February 2, 2024


14.30 – 14.50
16.30 – 16.50


Andriy Yermolenko

Graphic Visual Artist


Nataliia Pavlusenko

Visual Artist

Saturday, February 3, 2024


15.00 – 15.20
17.00 – 17.20


Oleksii Pavlusenko

Visual Artist


Dasha Podoltseva

Visual Artist and Graphic Designer


Kyrylo Zhuravel

Visual Artist and Sculptor

Sunday, February 4, 2024


14.00 – 14.25
16.00 – 16.25


Vitalii Kravets

Visual Artist


Oleksandra Voronina

Graphic and Visual Artist

Other Activities

Concert 

Saturday, February 3, 2024, 20:00 

Venue: Kulturhuset- Studion

Book Release

Saturday, February 3, 2024, 12:00 

Venue: Kulturhuset- Lilla Studion

Film screening 

Sunday, February 4, 2024, 19:00 

Venue: Zita Cinema

 Workshop for Kids

Sunday, February 4, 2024, 11:00 

Venue: Kulturhuset- Lilla Studion

Friday, February 2, 2024

Time: 13:00 - 14:20

Power of Cultural Diplomacy

Building Resilience at Time of War

Cultural diplomacy becomes a powerful force in bolstering resilience and understanding among societies in times of war. This discussion, titled "Power of Cultural Diplomacy: Building Resilience at Time of War," examines how cultural diplomacy can bridge divides, preserve heritage, and promote dialogue between different cultures during tumultuous periods. By exploring its practical impact and strategies, this forum shows how cultural diplomacy can actively contribute to resilience, aiming to foster harmony and mitigate the adverse effects of conflict on societies and their heritage

Moderator

Yuliya Yurchuk, PhD,a Senior Lecturer in the History of Ideas at Södertörn University, Sweden, delves into memory studies, religious history, and nationalism, with the main focus on Ukraine, Eastern and Central Europe.
Her research includes projects on memory politics in Ukraine, propaganda and uses of history in Russian-Ukrainian war as well as religion and politics in Ukraine. Now she works on the project about transnational intellectual history that deals with the circulation of ideas of the Swedish intellectual Ellen Key in Eastern Europe, as well as continues to investigate the questions of Ukrainian resilience, resistance, and decolonization of memory. She also translates Swedish literature into Ukrainian and writes non-fiction booksinUkrainian.

Panelists

Hedda Krausz Sjögren is the CEO and publisher of Colombine Theatre Agency since 2023. Between 2017 and 2021, she was Sweden's first deployed cultural counselor in South Africa. She has worked internationally as a producer and playwright for a number of acclaimed documentary theater productions. She is the chair of the Swedish-Icelandic Cooperation Fund, a member of the board of the Hiroshima Prize, as well as the Albert Bonnier 100th Anniversary Scholarship Committee, and has had assignments for organizations such as the Gothenburg Book Fair, the Nobel Foundation, and the Swedish Institute.

Cecilia Chroona has served 20 years as an aid worker and diplomat at Sida, Sweden's government agency for development cooperation and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Currently she is heading the project Funding Unit at the Swedish Institute, which has strong focus on strengthening Ukraine´s resilience through cooperation and exchange. During her career Cecilia has had a specific focus on Ukraine and Eastern Europe. She was serving as the Head of reform cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Kyiv at the time of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Cecilia had several years of experience in the area of education for sustainable development from the Swedish Ministry of Education and UppsalaUniversity.

Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute Specialist in culture management, marketing and communications. For 11 years he held senior positions in the Ukrainian mission of the British Council. Organizer of numerous cultural projects and events in the UK and 15 European countries: exhibitions, art residencies, film festivals, professional internships, concerts, literary programs, trainings, theaterproductions.

Friday, February 2, 2024

Time: 15:00 - 16:20

Guardians of Legacy

Preserving Cultural Heritage for Future Generations


Understanding the current state of museums in Ukraine necessitates a comprehensive assessment of their operational challenges and contemporary needs. This involves scrutinizing the socio-political, economic, and cultural factors influencing these institutions. To foster future cooperation, it's essential to develop a collaborative framework aligned with these identified needs. This framework aims to establish enduring partnerships, resource-sharing mechanisms, and knowledge exchange platforms, fortifying the resilience of Ukrainian museums and safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage for future generations.

Moderator

Karin Bojs is a Swedish journalist and author. She was previously the science editor of Dagens Nyheter, a Swedish daily newspaper. She is an honorary doctor of Stockholm University and has received numerous awards for her work. Her book My European Family: The First 54,000 Years was awarded the August Prize in 2015 and has been translated into 16 languages. Her follow-up book Swedes and Their Fathers: The Last 11,000 Years (2016) was also a bestseller. In 2023, she was awarded the Eva Bonnier Foundation's 70th Anniversary Fund Scholarship for her book Europe's Mothers: The Last 43,000 Years.

Panelists

Maria Dahlström, curator at The National Museums World Culture, focuses on provenance and repatriation, navigating the complexities of cultural object trade and heritage preservation. Leading initiatives addressing illegal trade and cultural heritage destruction, she's a staunch advocate for ethical stewardship. With a BA in archaeology, specializing in classical archaeology, Dahlström brings scholarly insight and dedication to safeguarding global cultural legacies.

Helene Rånlund is the General Director of the Swedish Defense History Museums authority, as well as the chairwoman of ICOM Sweden, the Swedish section of the international organization for museums and professionals in the museum area. During the spring of 2023, Helene Rånlund travelled with a colleague from the Swedish National Archives to Ukraine, where she was for almost two weeks. The aim was to find out more about the importance of cultural heritage in and before war. Helene Rånlund has been the driving force in several collaborations between Swedish and Ukrainian cultural institutions, including the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War in Kyiv.

Johanna Fries-Markiewicz, international coordinator at the Swedish National Archives, has experiences from different cooperation projects with Ukrainian partners within the cultural heritage field since 2008 when she for the first time visited Kyiv as courier for the Ukrainian Constitution. This historical document has been displayed at two more occasions with Johanna as a guardian - in New York in 2010 and once more in Kyiv in 2021 in connection to the 20 year anniversary of the Ukraine independance. Throughout the years Johanna has developed a broad knowledge about the Ukrainian history and culture, based on her professional skills in the archival sector but, most of all due to a deep committment to support Ukraine in telling and preservering their own identity and heritage. Currently Johanna is one of the curator´s working with the exhibition collaboration project "Crossroads: Sweden-Ukraine through 1000 Years" which is opening in the Army Museum in the end of February.

Oksana Poviakel is the Director General of the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine, one of the largest open-air museums in Europe with more than 300 of the best examples of Ukrainian folk architecture on 130 hectares, including six unique churches of the 16th-19th centuries. The museum's collection includes more than 100,000 exhibits.
The museum is also famous for its exhibition projects, folk art festivals, and its efforts in the field of preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
Oksana is also a co-organizer of the competition named after Hryhor Tyutyunnyk.

Friday, February 2, 2024

Time : 17:00-18:20

Empowerment of Ukrainian Artistry

Cultivating Support Networks in Sweden

The discussion centers on the vital support structures necessary for Ukrainian artists within Sweden. It examines the challenges faced by these artists in a new cultural context, emphasizing the need for robust networks offering mentorship, funding, exhibition opportunities, and community integration. Additionally, the conversation highlights the potential collaborations between Ukrainian artistic expressions and Sweden's cultural landscape, aiming for mutual enrichment and cross-cultural understanding. This panel seeks to pave the way for fostering Ukrainian artistry in Sweden while facilitating meaningful cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Moderator

Oleksandra Yakubenko is the Regional Representative for Ukraine at the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), manages Emergency and Resilience funds for Ukrainian visual artists.

She was previously the head of the international cooperation department of Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF) since 2018, and was among other things, responsible for building partnerships, creating partner grant programs, building the international presence of the Foundation, and establishing diplomatic relations with embassies and governmental organizations. She organized the first official representation of the UCF at the International Frankfurt Book Fair in 2019, and took part in strategic sessions and work groups on policy development for CCI in Ukraine.

Panelists

Nina Röhlcke is a trained cultural scientist and theater producer who has worked at several of the country's most prominent cultural institutions, including Uppsala Stadsteater and Kulturhuset Stadsteater in Stockholm. Currently, Nina serves as the head and project manager for international collaborations at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern. Additionally, she held the position of cultural advisor at the Swedish Embassy in Berlin.

Oleksandra Voronina, a graduate in graphic arts from the Ukrainian Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, Kiev, secured her master's in easel graphics in 2016, specializing in classical techniques like etching. Proficient in diverse mediums—graphic design, sculpture, painting, and installations—she presently directs her focus towards exploring three-dimensional art forms. Voronina's artistic journey revolves around probing human relationships, delving into the intricate interplay of shapes, colors, and compositions to evoke profound emotional and cognitive responses in the viewer.

Ulricha Johnson serves as the Operations Manager at Scensverige / Swedish ITI and doubles as a translator. Her versatile career spans acting in both theater and film, showcasing her talent and proficiency as a skilled performer. Additionally, she excels as a musical artist, contributing her multifaceted expertise to the entertainment industry.

Theresa Lekberg is the Projectmanager of SWAN Emergency residencies, board member of Swedish Artist residency Network and was the initiator of SWAN emergency residencies in February 2022.

She is an artist and founder of two artist residencies in Sweden, Art See Ocean Gallery & Artist residence andArtSeeTemple.

Åsa Steinsvik is the sanctuary coordinator at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern for Stockholm’s sanctuary for threatened cultural practitioners. She produces public programs on freedom of expression, as well as develops international projects andcollaborations.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Time : 13:30-14:50

Musical Shifts

Ukrainian Musicians and Audience Evolution


In the wake of war, Ukrainian musicians faced seismic shifts in their landscape. Some completely transformed their repertoire to reflect the country's struggle, while others grappled with migration, seeking new audiences amidst upheaval. The overshadowing presence of Russian musicians posed a challenge, making it harder for Ukrainian artists to gain recognition. Despite these hurdles, many persevered, adapting their music and seeking new platforms to ensure their voices weren't drowned out amid the chaos of war. This panel aims to explore these transformative journeys and the resilience of Ukrainian musicians amidst these challenging times.

Moderator

Mansour Hosseini is a luminary in music, theater, and musical production, notably known for founding Teater Sesam in Gothenburg. With a career spanning years, his leadership has made a lasting impact. Since 2006, as the creative producer for the Swedish National Touring Theatre (Riksteatern), he's elevated theatrical experiences. Mansour's role as CEO of United Voice speaks volumes about his influence in fostering artistic talent and producing groundbreaking works globally. His expertise has not only shaped entertainment but also inspired aspiring artists worldwide, leaving an enduring mark on the performing arts.

Panelists

Marianna Tanska, a experienced cultural manager, specializes in diverse artistic domains and international cultural projects. At Music Export Ukraine, she spearheads initiatives elevating Ukrainian music's global presence, notably through the Eastern European Music Academy funded by Creative Europe. Tanska plays a pivotal role in the Baltic Indie Group, a Swedish Institute-backed network uniting independent music businesses across eight countries. She is also a program manager at the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Centre.

Dagmara (Daga) Gregorowicz is a vocalist, DJ, composer, music journalist, founder and manager of the Dagadana band.

Graduated Studium Piosenkarskie (songwriting institute) im. Czesława Niemena w Poznaniu. Her interests include voice processing and its merging with electronic music. Collaborated on studio recordings with artists Grabek, Tomasz Gwinciński and was featured in projects Deus Meus and R.U.T.A. Performs as Degradazia with Wojtek Grabek, promotes World Music as DJ Daga.

Dana Vynnytska is a composer, vocalist and pianist.
She has graduated Composiiton Department at Lviv National Musical Academy, laureate of the “Gaude Polonia” scholarship programme funded by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, aimed for young artists from Central and Eastern Europe. Her half-year scholarship in Poland allowed Dana to study the material and actively perform live (initially as a female duo). Dana participated in recordings of artists such as Shokolad, Babooshki, and Afro Kolektyw. Also performs with the band Babooshki.

Ragnar Berthling is Musikcentrum Riks' international coordinator and director of Musikcentrum Öst, as well as a frequent visitor to Jazzahead, one of the world's largest meeting places for those active in the jazz genre. Ragnar is usually found in meetings with international delegates in Export Music Sweden's Jazzahead stand. And also at other ExMS events at home and aroundtheworld.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Time : 15:30-16:50

Literary Journey

Exploring Modern Ukrainian Literature


This event will feature presentations by Ukrainian artists who will share their experiences navigating their creative process during the ongoing conflict. They'll describe how the current situation has affected their artistry, detailing the changes in their themes, techniques, and perspectives. These artists will offer insights into the impact of the conflict on their work, showcasing the challenges they've faced and how they've adapted their creativity in response. Through their stories, this discussion aims to illuminate the resilience and innovation of Ukrainian artists in the face of adversity, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of art during times of war.

Moderator

Stefan Ingvarsson, currently an analyst at the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS), brings a rich background in publishing, cultural journalism, and literary translation. From 2015 to 2020, he served as the Cultural Counselor at the Swedish embassy in Moscow. Preceding this role, Ingvarsson steered the acclaimed 'Stockholm Literature' international festival at Moderna Museet as its artistic director. Additionally, he is a board member of the Baltic Centre for Writers and Translators in Visby, contributing significantly to the cultural dialogue and literary exchange.

Panelists

Yevhen Polozhiy is writer, screenwriter, publicist who sometimes writes poems. He is the author of ten books and three screenplays. According to the results of the voting of the Ukrainian Book Institute and the Ministry of Culture on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence (2021), "Ilovaisk" was included in the list of 30 iconic books of the modern Ukrainian literature.
Yevhen has just released his epic novel The Final Episode (of the 400 Year War) based on real stories and archive materials.

Oksana Davydova is Ukrainian writer of children’s books. Oksana lives in Ukraine and wriges for children and teenagers, focusing on fairy tailes, short stories, novels, informative articles. Oksana used to be the editor-in-chief of the children’s journal. Now she’s working in the book publishing house and writes her own stuff.
“I feel bored writing for adults - they can’t be surprised anymore. Also, children are the ones who needs to be explained about this world the most”.

Ukrainian writer, screenwriter and narrative designer Iryna Melnychenko, known for co-authoring the historical novel 'Alive. Against All Odds,' champions the profound impact of storytelling. She believes that stories are not just weapons and powerful tools for preserving memory and culture. She perceives them as gateways to comprehending ourselves, others, and the hidden realms of motivation and aspiration. For Iryna, storytelling emerges not just as an art form but as a formidable means to preserve our world.

Natalia Matolinets is a Ukrainian writer from Lviv, who loves travelling, coffee, Belle Epoque and urban culture. She incorporates the myths, magic, and cultural heritage of Central and Eastern Europe into her fantasy stories. She’s an author of eight (so far) novels: the urban fantasy trilogy Varta in the Game; All My Keys and Gaia duology; Ceramic Hearts, a historical fantasy, inspired by France; and in the mythological fantasy subgenre, Hessie and Amaterasu Academy. 

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Time : 18:00-19:20

Literary Outreach

Popularizing Ukrainian Literary Heritage


This discussion explores diverse tactics aimed at boosting the global recognition and appreciation of Ukrainian literary works. It delves into innovative promotion methods, translation endeavors, and collaborative ventures to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Ukraine's literary treasures. Through scholarly examination and practical insights, this dialogue aims to underscore literature's crucial role in cultural representation and cross-cultural communication. Ultimately, it seeks to pave the way for wider dissemination of Ukrainian literary heritage, fostering deeper connections and resonance across diverse global audiences.

Moderator

Yuliya Yurchuk, PhD,a Senior Lecturer in the History of Ideas at Södertörn University, Sweden, delves into memory studies, religious history, and nationalism, with the main focus on Ukraine, Eastern and Central Europe.
Her research includes projects on memory politics in Ukraine, propaganda and uses of history in Russian-Ukrainian war as well as religion and politics in Ukraine. Now she works on the project about transnational intellectual history that deals with the circulation of ideas of the Swedish intellectual Ellen Key in Eastern Europe, as well as continues to investigate the questions of Ukrainian resilience, resistance, and decolonization of memory. She also translates Swedish literature into Ukrainian and writes non-fiction booksinUkrainian.

Panelists

Renowned Swedish publisher and interpreter Ola Wallin stands as a co-founder of Ersatz, established in 1994 as a prominent Stockholm-based publishing house. Ersatz specializes in translated literature from Eastern European languages and German, showcasing Wallin's commitment to fostering cross-cultural literary exchanges. Amidst the recent turmoil of the Russian invasion, Ersatz courageously delved into publishing Ukrainian literature, unveiling works by esteemed authors Yuri Andrukhovych and Serhiy Zhadan in 2023. 

Kholod Saghir, a versatile writer and interpreter fluent in Arabic and French, holds the prestigious role of artistic director at the Uppsala International Literature Festival. Saghir's illustrious journey includes a notable tenure as the editor-in-chief of PEN/Opp.
All wars are evil, but allow me to emphasize that because of this appalling war, we have discovered that our ignorance of Ukrainian literature, language and history is striking. 

Cecillia Hansson, an author of diverse literary works spanning poetry, reports, and novels, has garnered critical acclaim for her thought-provoking contributions. Among her recent releases stand "Hopeless, but not seriously - art and politics in Central Europe," showcasing her insightful exploration of intricate socio-political intersections. Additionally, her novels "Au pair" and "Snow and Potato" exemplify her narrative prowess. Hansson is a board member of the Swedish PEN and writes regularly for Svenska Dagbladet.

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Time: 12:30-13:30

Conflict Through Lens

Capturing Humanity's Tale 

Renowned photographers who bravely ventured into Ukraine's front lines will offer firsthand accounts of their experiences while showcasing their photographic documentation. This discourse aims to delve into photography's intrinsic power and indispensable role in encapsulating reality, specifically in its role as a means of documenting Ukrainian culture and daily life. Moreover, this discussion will critically examine Russia's actions against the Ukrainian populace, illuminating the gravity of these transgressions through the lens of photographic evidence.

Moderator

Lisa Bjurwald is an award-winning Swedish journalist, political editor at VLT and author of numerous books, including ""Slava Ukraini! Women’s Resistance under Russia’s War."" (2023).
Lisa has been awarded and nominated for a number of prestigious awards over the years, including the Raoul Wallenberg Prize, the Night Angel of the Year. Lisa Bjurwald has also founded human rights initiative Stockholmers against Nazism. 

Panelists

Katarina Carlsson is the Head of Operations at Reporters Without Borders, Sweden. Reporters Without Borders has been present in Sweden since 1994. Nine years earlier, in 1985, the French parent organization, Reporters sans frontières, was created. Today, Reporters Without Borders has its own offices in seven countries and independent sections in six countries around the world. In addition, Reporters Without Borders has correspondents in almost 150 countries. With its long history and global network, Reporters Without Borders is one of the most important actors in the world for freedom of expression and freedomofthepress.

Benjamin Mack-Jackson, a filmmaker, author, and visionary behind the WWII Veterans History Project, commits himself to immortalizing the narratives of the Greatest Generation. Through 100+ interviews with WWII veterans, he crafted the evocative documentary "Normandy Revisited" and penned "World War II History for Teens," fostering historical education. His traveling museum serves as an educational platform, offering insights into this pivotal era. As a freelance reporter, Mack-Jackson courageously documented the Russian invasion in Ukraine, capturing the poignant stories of soldiers and civilians. His impactful work has graced museum exhibitions in both the United States and Ukraine, resonating with audiences and preserving vital historical legacies.

Paul Hansen, a Stockholm-based journalistic photographer working for the newspaper Dagens Nyheter, undertakes global assignments and local projects. His multimedia work and authored reportages demonstrate significant journalistic responsibility, earning acclaim from readers. Whether in Haiti, Bosnia, Afghanistan, or Sweden, empathy threads through his coverage of events. Hansen's visual storytelling has garnered numerous domestic and international awards, including two "Picture of the Year" and nine "Photographer of the Year" honors in Sweden.

Eddy van Wessel, an acclaimed documentary photographer, captures the raw essence of life's extremes, from the horrors of war to the resilience of the human spirit. His work has been published in renowned magazines worldwide, and he has received numerous accolades.

He won awards with work from Chechnya, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine:
2022: Winner of Årets bild, Sweden (Picture of the Year), Årets fotograf (Photographer of the year)
2022, 2019, 2015, 2013: Overall Winner "Zilveren Camera"
2020,POY,2eprize

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Time : 14:30-15:50

Resilience Stage

Enduring Challenges for Survival of Theatre Art in Ukraine

Theater, throughout history, has been a poignant mirror reflecting societal struggles, especially the impact of conflict and war. In the context of Ukraine, theater stands as a potent platform to articulate the human experience amidst such challenging times, encapsulating emotions, and narrating the intricate struggles.

In supporting Ukrainian artists and theater professionals post-war, Sweden and other nations hold a vital role. Cultural exchange programs, collaborations, and partnerships can pave the way. By fostering connections between theaters in Sweden and Ukraine, we facilitate invaluable knowledge sharing, workshops, and joint productions. These initiatives not only aid in the rebuilding of theaters but also contribute significantly to preserving the rich craft of Ukrainian stage art.

Moderator

Fransesca Quartey is an actress and director, previously serving as CEO of Västerbottensteatern (2013-2022). She is a board member of the Swedish Performing Arts Association (Svensk Scenkonst), the Swedish Arts Grants Committee (Konstnärsnämnden), and the Stockholm University of the Arts (Stockholms konstnärliga högskolan).

Panelists

Tamara Trunova, Ukrainian theater director and Chief Director at Kyiv Academic Theatre of Drama and Comedy on the Left Bank of Dnipro. She has directed across Kyiv and Ukraine, judged at Ukrainian and global festivals (e.g., 2016 British Edinburgh Fringe), and won theatrical competitions. Notably, her program "Taking the Stage" won at the British Council in Ukraine. Trunova directs "Bad Roads" at Gothenburg City Theatre, premiering in Sweden in March 2024. This multi-award-winning play debuted at London's Royal Court Theatre in 2017, also performed in Germany, Switzerland, Lithuania, and more.

Dritëro Kasapi serves as the Artistic Director of The Swedish National Touring Theatre (Riksteatern). He received his training as a director at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Macedonia. Since 1997, he has directed approximately 50 performances in various city theaters, county theaters across Sweden, and theaters throughout Europe. Kasapi has also directed productions for Riksteatern. Prior to joining Riksteatern, he held the position of Assistant Theater and Performing Arts Director at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm.

Dmitri Plax is a Swedish director, writer, artist, and a board member of Swedish PEN. He is currently working as artistic director of Dramaten.Doc at the Royal Dramatic Theatre — a concept of performative readings on current global events. Dramaten.Doc aims to provide a platform for playwrights, writers, and theater colleagues in conflict zones and put the stories “from places where it happens, when it happens” on stage.

Anna Halas is a Ukrainian playwright, theatre translator, and researcher, distinguished by her extensive training in drama and translation. Her educational journey commenced at Lviv University (Ukraine) and was further enriched at Oxford University (UK). With a vast background in theatre translation and playwriting, Anna is actively involved in several projects aimed at popularising Ukrainian drama. As the director of the Theatre Translation Lab and the editor of the online platform 'Ukrainian Drama Translations,' she plays an important role in advancing the visibility of Ukrainian theatrical works. Anna is also a key member of the management team for the 'Showcase of Ukrainian Drama' project. Notably, this initiative recently celebrated the publication of an anthology featuring the best Ukrainian dramatictextsof2023.

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Time: 16:30-18:10

Cinematic Frontlines

Navigating the Art and Challenges of Film-making

Cinematic Frontlines: Navigating the Art and Challenges of Filmmaking" is an immersive exploration into the world of documentary filmmaking amidst conflict. This compelling journey delves into the intricate process of capturing truth, emotion, and reality on film in some of the most challenging and intense environments. From navigating the complexities of storytelling to the ethical dilemmas faced behind the lens, this narrative offers a poignant insight into the resilience, determination, and artistry required to capture raw human experiences during turbulent times. Join us on a cinematic odyssey that unveils the untold stories and profound challenges faced by filmmakers dedicated to portraying the human condition within conflict zones

Moderator

Dina Afkhampour, boasting a decade in film curation, has centered her focus on Africa. Her early contributions in Bosnia and Herzegovina supported the country's post-war pedagogical reform. She has served as the festival director of Cinema Africa and is the founder and director of Salam Cinema, Sweden's pioneering independent Iranian and West Asian film festival.

Panelists

Roman Liubiy, director, and cinematographer, graduated from Kyiv University of Theatre, Cinema, and Television, specializing in "Non-Fiction Cinema." Member of BABYLON’13 civic cinema since 2013, notably during the Revolution of Dignity. His debut, "War Note," compiles personal recordings of Ukrainian military personnel. Directed shorts on war crimes in the Russo-Ukrainian war and the MH17 plane downing, showcased at Sundance and Berlin Film Festival.

The versatile Viktor Storozhenko, acclaimed for his roles at Molody Theater, now stands among the valiant in the "Legion of Freedom," engaging in the severe street clashes of Severodonetsk. His journey took an unexpected turn when wounded in the Zaitsevo artillery skirmish. Scheduled for a directorial debut on February 25, 2022, staging "Cosmetics of the Enemy" from Amelie Nothomb's novel, fate intervened. Denied enlistment due to a "white ticket," yet undeterred, Storozhenko joined the Svoboda volunteer battalion amidst the nation's full-scale invasion.

Malcolm Dixelius is a Swedish journalist and documentary filmmaker with a long and distinguished career. He began his career as a reporter for Västnytt in Gothenburg in 1972, and later became a Moscow correspondent for Swedish Radio and Television for three decades. During this time, he produced several award-winning documentaries, including "Russian Mafia" (1994) and "CCCP Hockey" (2004).

In 1993, he founded his own production company, Dixit International. Since then, he has produced over 40 documentaries, including "A Bitter Taste of Freedom" (2011), an internationally acclaimed film about the journalist Anna Politkovskaya.

Dixelius is also a co-founder of B2B Doc, a network for documentary filmmakers in Eastern Europe. He has covered several major events in the world, including the referendum on Ukraine's independencein1991.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Time: 12:00-12:45

Субота, 3 лютого 2024

Час : 12:00-12:45

Book release

Final Episode (of the 400 Year’s War) with Yevhen Polozhiy


Презентація роману

Фінальний епізод (війни, що триває 400 років) з Євгеном Положієм

Famous by his bestseller Illovaisk Ukrainian writer Yevhen Polozhiy (born 1968) wrote an epic novel Final Episode (of the 400 Year’s War). The main events in the book happen during the full-scale Russian invasion of Mariupol and Kharkiv. Yet the text is full of historical rhymes and comparisons, which clarify the causes and roots of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The novel is based on real stories and archive materials. Each of its characters is a deep and rich story, closely woven into a strong knot of our country's past, says literary critic Anatoliy Dnistrovyi.

A protestant priest and military chaplains, musicians and volunteers, businessmen and artists, soldiers and doctors, refugees in Poland and Germany - the author covers all the strata of society and gives an epic and realistic picture of the first year of the full-scale invasion. Eventually, he, as well as his characters are looking for an answer about who they are, why they are like it, and why they keep fighting for their freedom even though they are pretty imperfect. 


Відомий своїм воєнним бестселером Іловайськ (2015), український письменник Євген Положій написав епічний роман Фінальний епізод (війни, що триває 400 років). Основні події в книги відбуваються під час широкогомасштабного російського вторгнення в Маріуполі та Харкові, але текст глибоко пронизаний історичними римами і порівняннями, які дають відповідь про витоки і причини російсько-української війни.

Роман побудований на реальних історіях та архівних матеріалах. ”Кожен його персонаж – це глибинна й насичена історія, тісно вплетена у міцний вузол минулого нашої країни”, - вважає літературознавець Анатолій Дністровий.

Протестантський пастор і військові капелани, музиканти і волонтери, підприємці і художники, військові і лікарі, біженці в Польщі та Німеччині - автор охоплює всі прошарки українського суспільства і масштабно та реалістично описує перший рік війни після великого вторгнення. Але зрештою він, як і його герої, шукає відповідь на головне запитання: ким вони є, чому вони вони саме такі і чому, навіть такі, вони продовжують битися за свою свободу.

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Time: 11:00-12:00

Неділя, 4 лютого 2024

Час : 11:00-12:00

Workshop for Kids

Our Emotions: Secrets of Human Insides with Oksana Davydova


Воркшоп для дітей

Наші емоції: таємниці людських серединок з Оксаною Давидовою

Children's writer Oksana Davydova invites you to the workshop "Our emotions: secrets of human insides" (for children 5-12 years old), where we will get acquainted with the books "Ghost" and "What's inside?" This workshop will contribute to the development of emotional intelligence – the ability to realize and analyze one's own and others' feelings.




Дитяча письменниця Оксана Давидова запрошує на воркшоп "Наші емоції: таємниці людських серединок" (для дітей 5-12 років), де ми з дітьми ознайомимося з книжками "Привидуся" та "Що всередині?" А потім кожен намалює те, що у нього зараз всередині - радість, здивування, смачне яблуко чи цілий скелет. Цей воркшоп сприятиме розвитку емоційного інтелекту – вмінню усвідомлювати та аналізувати власні й чужі почуття.

Digital Exhibitions

Friday, February 2, 2024

14.30 – 14.50
16.30 – 16.50

Andrii Yermolenko, a native of Kyiv, emerges as a revered figure in the realm of graphic artistry, wielding his talent as an art director for prominent periodicals. His creative footprint extends across diverse exhibitions, marked by victories in political poster competitions and leadership in significant animation endeavors for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yermolenko's artistic narrative frequently pays homage to Taras Shevchenko, utilizing the iconic figure as a poignant symbol of freedom and truth, encapsulating the multifaceted essence of the Ukrainian luminary's enduring legacy.

Natalia Pavlusenko, an esteemed Ukrainian artist and esteemed member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, is renowned for her expertise in historical portraiture. Over 13 years, she dedicated herself to the series "Heroes of Cossack Ukraine," meticulously reconstructing historical figures under expert guidance. With over 30 years of teaching experience, her profound artistic insight shines through in her portrayals of Ukrainian hetmans. Her remarkable artworks adorn collections and museums globally, gracing spaces in the United States, Sweden, and various other locations, marking her indelible imprint on historical artistry.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

15.00 – 15.20
17.00 – 17.20

Oleksii Pavlusenko, a Ukrainian artist, earned his degree in "Easel and Monumental Painting" from the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in 2016. His artistic exploration delves into the intersection of the digital realm and contemporary painting, probing its influence on the modern artistic landscape. Notably, Pavlusenko crafts public art tailored to specific sites, intertwining historical and socio-political contexts. His recent focus centers on the theme of the Ukrainian war, epitomized in poignant works like "Package," "Wind," and the watercolor series "Hidden," showcasing his compelling artistic response to the profound societal challenges gripping Ukraine.

Dasha Podoltseva, a Kyiv-based visual artist and graphic designer, graduated from the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and refined her skills in academic drawing and painting under Oleksandr Titov. Her global educational pursuits include Central Saint Martins/University of Arts London and Petr Bankov poster school. Notably, she completed the Canactions Studio 1 school of urban planning. Co-founder of SERIA__, dedicated to Ukrainian brutalist mass housing, Podoltseva explores themes like public spaces and "temporary inconveniences." Her installations, graphics, and exhibitions earned acclaim, notably receiving the Golden Medal at the International Poster Biennale in Warsaw for her work "(Unwanted) Harvest."

Kyrylo Zhuravel, a Ukrainian artist and sculptor, was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and holds esteemed affiliations with the Konstnarernas kollektivverkstad Göteborg (2023) and the Union of Artists of Ukraine (2019). He obtained a Master's degree in monumental sculpture from the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv in 2018. His artistic oeuvre spans monumental sculpture, installations, and CG art. Zhuravel's sculptures grace urban landscapes in Ukraine and Sweden, while also finding homes in collections across America, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, China, and France, reflecting his global artistic impact.

Saturday, February 4, 2024

14.00 – 14.25
16.00 – 16.25

Oleksandra Voronina, a graduate in graphic arts from the Ukrainian Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, Kiev, secured her master's in easel graphics in 2016, specializing in classical techniques like etching. Proficient in diverse mediums—graphic design, sculpture, painting, and installations—she presently directs her focus towards exploring three-dimensional art forms. Voronina's artistic journey revolves around probing human relationships, delving into the intricate interplay of shapes, colors, and compositions to evoke profound emotional and cognitive responses in the viewer.

Ukrainian artist Vitalii Kravets, born in 1988 and based in Kyiv, is a graduate of the Taras Shevchenko State Art School (2006) and the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (NAOMA) in Kyiv (2009). Proficient in painting, graphics, and interdisciplinary cultural fields, his artworks grace private collections worldwide, spanning Ukraine, the UK, France, the USA, Canada, Cyprus, Turkey, Austria, and Japan. His project "Anatomy of Spineless" earned a nomination for the prestigious Taras Shevchenko Prize, showcasing his influence in contemporary Ukrainian art.

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