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
Thursday, February 20, 2025
13.00 – 14.15
Intersections Memories and Identity
Shaping the Future
15.00 – 16.15
Ukrainian Culture on Swedish Stages
Success Stories,
17.00 –18.15
Living and Creating under Occupation.
Friday, February 21, 2025
14:00 – 15.15
From Oppression to Freedom
16.00 – 17.15
Reviving Ukraine’s Jewish Legacy
18.00 – 19.15
Storytelling Ukrainian Identity
Fiction, Non-Fiction,
and Documentary Approaches
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Identity through the lens of history
16.00 – 17.15
Contributions and Challenges
18.0 –19.15
Ukrainian War and Veteran Narratives,
Intersections of Memories and Identity
Shaping the Future
This panel will delve into the profound connection between memory and identity, exploring how historical events and collective experiences shape the way individuals and communities understand themselves. Focusing on both personal and collective narratives, the discussion will address the role of memory in defining cultural and national identities, particularly in the context of conflict, displacement, and political change. Experts will explore how societies navigate the complexities of historical trauma, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the impact of memory on the formation of identity in a rapidly changing world. The conversation will also examine the resilience of communities in redefining themselves while confronting past and present challenges.
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
Yuliia Hnat, is the Ecosystem Projects and Development Director and Co-Founder of MOCA NGO, which includes the Ukrainian Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA) and the Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund (UEAF). She leads the Art Sanct initiative, coordinating efforts between Ukrainian state institutions, the art scene, and international partners. Hnat co-curates “The Post-War Memory Culture in Ukraine” and lectures on art management and interdisciplinary topics, inspired by Johan Huizinga’s Homo Ludens. With extensive experience in cultural institutions, she previously held leadership roles at the Ukrainian Institute and the National Art Museum of Ukraine.
Mats Berglund, Mats Berglund is currently a member of parliament and holds several positions within the Riksdag. He serves as a member of the Social Insurance Committee, where he works on issues related to the social insurance system and its development. In addition, he is a substitute member in several committees and councils, giving him a broad range of responsibilities. He is a substitute member of the EU Affairs Committee, contributing to Sweden’s EU-related policies, as well as the Taxation Committee, where he addresses issues related to taxes and economic policy. He is also a substitute member of the Labour Market Committee, the Social Affairs Committee, and the Finance Committee, participating in work that spans labor market policy, social policy, and economic governance and budgeting. Mats Berglund’s assignments reflect a wide-ranging commitment to both national and international issues.
Niklas Cserhalmi, Niklas Cserhalmi, born on July 22, 1968, is a Swedish agrarian historian and museum professional. He earned his Ph.D. in 2004 at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences with a dissertation on animal welfare. Cserhalmi has worked at the National Heritage Board, been employed by the Swedish Local Heritage Federation, and served as a lecturer at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in 2005. From 2005 to 2011, he was the Deputy Museum Director and Head of Mediation at the Museum of Work in Norrköping, and since May 2011, he has been the Director of the same museum.
Elisabeth Millqvist is the Director of Moderna Museet Malmö, she served as Co-director and Artistic Director for Wanås Konst since 2011. At Wanås Konst, Millqvist worked with site-specific international contemporary art. Under her leadership, new works of art were added to the sculpture park by artists such as Igshaan Adams, Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg, William Forsythe, Yoko Ono, and Rana Begum. The artistic program was also expanded to include dance and performance.
In addition to her extensive experience in the art world, Millqvist has a strong academic background in art history and leadership. She previously shared the position of Museum Director at Wanås Konst with Mattias Givell.
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Ukrainian Culture on the Swedish Stages
Success Stories
Between 2022 and 2024, Ukraine's cultural presence in Sweden has grown significantly, with a strong focus on literature and art. Swedish interest in Ukrainian writers has increased, especially through initiatives like Nils Håkansson’s translation of Amadoka. Magasinet 20-tal has played a key role in introducing Ukrainian authors to Swedish readers, deepening cultural understanding.
Cultural institutions such as the Nordiska Museet and Kulturhuset have been crucial in these efforts. The Nordiska Museet launched a support fund for preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage, while Kulturhuset hosted the Triangle for Ukrainian Artists, offering Ukrainian artists a platform to showcase their work. These collaborations have fostered stronger ties and mutual understanding between Ukraine and Sweden.
Moderator
Iryna Melnychenko, Ukrainian writer and screenwriter Iryna Melnycheko, 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.
Panelists
Nils Håkanson is a writer and translator, mainly from Ukrainian, Russian, and English. His book "Hidden Gods. A Book about Everything that is Not Lost in Translation" won the August prize in the non-fiction category in 2021. His latest book, “Heavy Metal” (2023), deals with the impact of popular culture on social development in Sweden during the 20th century.
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.
Madeleine Grieve, 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.
Sanne Houby-Nielsen has been a director of the Nordic Museum since February 2015. Sanne Houby-Nielsen is an associate professor at Lund University and holds a PhD in classical archaeology from the University of Copenhagen. She has previously been Superintendent and Director of the National Museums of World Culture in Stockholm (2010-2015), Director of the Mediterranean Museum and the Museum of East Asia in Stockholm (2000-2010) and Head of the Royal Cast Collection at the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen.
Spirit of Resilience
Living and Creating under Occupation.
This panel will explore life under occupation, focusing on Ukraine and other conflict zones, and how communities resist foreign control while preserving their cultural heritage. It will address the daily struggles faced by occupied populations and their efforts to maintain cultural identity through art, language, and tradition.
Panelists will highlight both nonviolent resistance and creative forms of defiance, including art, music, and literature, as tools for cultural survival and empowerment. The discussion will also examine the role of international solidarity in supporting resistance movements and advocating for human rights.
Finally, the panel will explore paths to liberation, the long-term impact of occupation on identity and heritage, and the process of healing and rebuilding after conflict. The conversation will emphasize the resilience of communities in preserving their culture, sovereignty, and dignity in the face of occupation.
Moderator
Andreas Norman is a writer and former diplomat, today Head of Communication at Östgruppen. He has written several novels which has sold worldwide, his debut ”Into A Raging Blaze” being shortlisted for the International Dagger Award. He served in the Swedish Foreign Service 2003-2013 in Bosnia, North Macedonia and Lithuania, and in various positions in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs with a focus on Eastern Europe and security policy.
Panelists
Olha Mukha, PhD, is a cultural analyst, philosopher, and expert in cultural diplomacy and human rights. She co-authored the award-winning guidebook Lviv – City of Inspiration. Literature and curated the book Dialogues on War (2024). Mukha also co-authored Stories from Ukraine: Believers and Keepers (2024) and has over 80 scientific publications. She curated notable projects like UNSEEN FORCE - Ukrainian Non-Violent Resistance and Lost Childhood. Mukha is recognized for her work in fostering cultural understanding and preserving Ukrainian heritage.
Olena Yurchenko is a Ukrainian journalist who lived and worked in Kerch before leaving Crimea following the Russian occupation of the peninsula in 2014. She is the editor of the Crimea.Realities project under the Ukrainian bureau of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Yurchenko is an expert on the Russian occupation of Crimea and security in the Black Sea region. She has authored numerous articles on human rights violations in occupied Crimea, the Russian threat in the Black Sea, and the international response to Crimea's occupation.
Janush Panchenko, is a researcher of Romani descent, studies Romani culture, history, and language. He examines the impact of the Russian invasion on Ukrainian Roma, their migration, and indigenous status. Panchenko is a research associate at the Czech Academy of Sciences, a Ph.D. student at Zaporizhzhia National University, and a member of the EVZ Foundation Advisory Board. He founded "Romano Than," Ukraine's first Romani youth center, looted during the Russian occupation, highlighting Roma resilience and challenges.
Decolonisation
From Oppression to Freedom
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This panel will explore the process of decolonizing identity—how communities reclaim their cultural, political, and historical narratives from the legacies of colonialism. The discussion will focus on the revitalization of language, traditions, and history that were suppressed under colonial rule, as well as the importance of redefining national and collective identities on one’s own terms. Panelists will examine the role of decolonization in empowering individuals and societies to challenge external perceptions, assert their sovereignty, and reshape their futures in a post-colonial world.
Moderator
Maria Dahlström, curator at the World Culture Museums, 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.
Panelists
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.
Anna-Mariia Kucherenko, is a researcher and curator. She studied art history at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture. In 2021, she started the Archive of Forms project, which focuses on image gathering from various books, archives and collections, both online and physical. Mainly highlighting underrepresented Ukrainian visual language and culture, which has primarily been seen as peripheral to both Europe and the Russian Empire, the Archive of Forms also showcases objects and images that remain in the shadow of their collections and archives, their interconnections, that challenge the dominant narratives.
Gulnara Abdullayeva, is a historian, journalist, and author specializing in the history and culture of Crimea and the Crimean Tatars. She has worked for the Crimean Tatar newspaper Avdet, the TV channel ATR as host of the program Altyn Devir / Golden Age, and on the historical video blog project Tugra for Krym.Realii. Abdullayeva has also contributed to cultural projects such as Shlyah/Yol and Zincir, promoting Crimean culture. She is the author of books including The Golden Age of the Crimean Khanate and Crimean Tatars: From Ethnogenesis to Statehood.
Shared Histories
Reviving Ukraine’s Jewish Legacy
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Jewish culture has been deeply intertwined with Ukraine's history for centuries, shaping its music, literature, traditions, and everyday life. Yet, much of this rich heritage was lost or suppressed due to the Holocaust, Soviet repression, and the war’s lingering scars. This discussion invites us to reflect on what was taken, what remains, and how we can restore and celebrate Jewish culture as an integral part of Ukraine’s identity.
Panelists will share personal stories, explore forgotten connections, and discuss the responsibility of preserving this shared history. How do we ensure that future generations embrace this heritage as part of a diverse and resilient Ukrainian identity? Through this dialogue, we seek to honor the past while building a more inclusive future.
Moderator
TBA
Panelists
Żanna Słoniowska, born in Lviv, debuted with her novel The House with the Stained-Glass Window in 2015, which won the Conrad Award and was nominated for the Nike Award. The novel, translated into 10 languages, has been recognized internationally, including a shortlist nomination by the University of Warwick. She writes children's books and theatrical plays, participates in literary festivals, and translates Polish literature into Ukrainian. Słoniowska also teaches at the Polish-Ukrainian Department of Jagiellonian University in Kraków.
Olha Mukha, PhD, is a cultural analyst, philosopher, and expert in cultural diplomacy and human rights. She co-authored the award-winning guidebook Lviv – City of Inspiration. Literature and curated the book Dialogues on War (2024). Mukha also co-authored Stories from Ukraine: Believers and Keepers (2024) and has over 80 scientific publications. She curated notable projects like UNSEEN FORCE - Ukrainian Non-Violent Resistance and Lost Childhood. Mukha is recognized for her work in fostering cultural understanding and preserving Ukrainian heritage.
Fo Sho, Ethiopian influences with powerful lyrics that address social issues, identity, and empowerment. Fo Sho gained widespread recognition in Ukraine with their energetic performances and distinct style. The band was selected to compete in the 2020 Ukrainian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with their song "BLCK SQR," inspired by Kazimir Malevich’s iconic artwork. Although the competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
Fo Sho is celebrated not only for their music but also for promoting diversity and cultural dialogue, making it an influential voice in the Ukrainian and international music scene.
Storytelling Ukrainian Identity
Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Documentary Approaches
This panel will explore how Ukrainian identity is represented in fiction, non-fiction, and documentary storytelling. It will focus on how each medium captures the complexities of national identity, memory, and cultural resilience. Fiction reflects and shapes collective identity, while non-fiction, through personal narratives, preserves history and addresses trauma. Documentaries provide a powerful visual record of life under occupation and conflict, offering real-life perspectives on resistance and cultural preservation. Panelists will discuss how these forms intersect and complement each other to create a multifaceted portrayal of Ukrainian identity. Finally, the conversation will look at how contemporary artists continue to redefine and evolve this identity through new storytelling forms.
Moderator
TBA
Panelists
Ostap Slyvynsky, poet, translator, essayist, and vice-president of PEN Ukraine, has authored five poetry books translated into many languages. He created and compiled the Dictionary of War (2023) and translates literature from English, Belarusian, Macedonian, and Polish. Recognized with multiple awards for his writing and translations, he also lectures at Ukrainian Catholic University. His scholarship focuses on 20th- and 21st-century Central and Eastern European literature.
Dmytro Stus, PhD in Philology and Shevchenko Prize laureate, is the General Director of the Taras Shevchenko National Museum. He has preserved his father Vasyl Stus’s legacy through Collected Works, over 40 publications, and the biography Vasyl Stus: Life as Creativity. Stus also spearheads cultural projects, including exhibitions and modernizing a library in Druzhkivka. He is currently leading the publication of Vasyl Stus’s Complete Collected Works in 15 volumes.
Olha Mukha, PhD, is a cultural analyst, philosopher, and expert in cultural diplomacy and human rights. She co-authored the award-winning guidebook Lviv – City of Inspiration. Literature and curated the book Dialogues on War (2024). Mukha also co-authored Stories from Ukraine: Believers and Keepers (2024) and has over 80 scientific publications. She curated notable projects like UNSEEN FORCE - Ukrainian Non-Violent Resistance and Lost Childhood. Mukha is recognized for her work in fostering cultural understanding and preserving Ukrainian heritage.
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.
Crimea
Identity through the lens of history
This panel is dedicated to Crimea and the long history of entanglement of Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian cultural, political, and social history. After Russia illegally annexed Crimea in the spring 2014, people in mainland Ukraine and Crimean Tatars from Crimea, or those who lived outside Crimea before the annexation, began re-visioning the place of Crimea in Ukrainian contemporary identity and the place of Ukraine in Crimean Tatar identity. This journey of mutual re-discovery of each other is taking place with the war in the background. At the same time, because of the war, the whole world has learned more about Crimea. When Jamala won Eurovision song contest in 2016, telling the story of the deportation of Crimean Tatars by the Soviet authorities in 1944, millions of people outside Ukraine got a short lesson in Crimean history. The conversation will shed light on the Ukrainian-Crimean Tatar encounters and co-existence.
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
Gulnara Abdullayeva, is a historian, journalist, and author specializing in the history and culture of Crimea and the Crimean Tatars. She has worked for the Crimean Tatar newspaper Avdet, the TV channel ATR as host of the program Altyn Devir / Golden Age, and on the historical video blog project Tugra for Krym.Realii. Abdullayeva has also contributed to cultural projects such as Shlyah/Yol and Zincir, promoting Crimean culture. She is the author of books including The Golden Age of the Crimean Khanate and Crimean Tatars: From Ethnogenesis to Statehood.
Rustem Skibin, is a renowned contemporary Crimean Tatar ceramic artist and craftsman, known for his contributions to decorative and applied arts. He is the Honored Master of Folk Art of Ukraine (2020) and a member of the International Foundation of Masters of Decorative and Applied Arts "Michelangelo" (2021). As a curator of international cultural and artistic events, he has significantly promoted Crimean Tatar culture. Skibin is also an activist and a member of the NGO "Crimea SOS," actively engaging in initiatives in Crimea since 2014.
Olena Yurchenko is a Ukrainian journalist who lived and worked in Kerch before leaving Crimea following the Russian occupation of the peninsula in 2014. She is the editor of the Crimea.Realities project under the Ukrainian bureau of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Yurchenko is an expert on the Russian occupation of Crimea and security in the Black Sea region. She has authored numerous articles on human rights violations in occupied Crimea, the Russian threat in the Black Sea, and the international response to Crimea's occupation.
Olena Kulish, is a social anthropologist specializing in identity and cultural preservation during war. Born in Crimea, she incorporates her personal experience of occupation into her research on Ukrainian wartime soundscapes, exploring how they shape resilience and national identity. She has also participated in ethnographic expeditions in Egypt and Turkey, studying spirituality, traditions, and material culture. Olena has organized educational projects and delivered multiple presentations, as ethnographer and ethnochoreologist, on Middle Eastern traditions and folklore, contributing to cultural understanding and safeguarding intangible heritage.
Akhtem Seitablaiev, is a director, actor, TV presenter, lecturer, public figure, and military serviceman. From 1992 to 2004, he worked as an actor and director at the Simferopol State Crimean Tatar Academic Music and Drama Theater and has collaborated with the Kyiv Academic Theater of Drama and Comedy since 2005. He is the host of the TV program "Brave Hearts" on the 1+1 channel. Seitablaiev holds the titles of Honored Artist of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Honored Worker of Arts. He is a member of the Ukrainian and European Film Academies and serves as the director of "Crimean House." Additionally, he is a lecturer at KNUKiM and a supervisory board member of the "Ukrainian Institute."
Roma Culture in Ukraine
Contributions and Challenges
This discussion will explore the vital role of the Roma community in Ukraine, highlighting their cultural contributions in music, dance, language, and crafts. For centuries, the Roma have enriched Ukrainian society, influencing folk traditions, music, and cuisine. Despite their cultural impact, they face challenges such as discrimination, marginalization, and limited opportunities.
The conversation will also compare the experiences of Roma in Ukraine and Sweden. How do Roma in Sweden balance identity and integration, and what lessons can Ukraine learn from their approach to fostering inclusivity?
By addressing these topics, we aim to emphasize the importance of recognizing Roma culture as a key part of Ukrainian and global heritage, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and the preservation of their traditions.
Moderator
TBA
Panelists
Nataliia Zinevych, a Ukrainian researcher and PhD at Södertörn University, focuses on oral history, historiography, and Romani studies. She documents Ukrainian scientists at risk and collects stories of Ukrainians in Sweden. A cultural manager, she has led projects like Roma radio Chiriklo, Irpin – My Photo, My Story, and documentaries on Irpin defenders. She heads the public organization Cultural Action.
Janush Panchenko, is a researcher of Romani descent, studies Romani culture, history, and language. He examines the impact of the Russian invasion on Ukrainian Roma, their migration, and indigenous status. Panchenko is a research associate at the Czech Academy of Sciences, a Ph.D. student at Zaporizhzhia National University, and a member of the EVZ Foundation Advisory Board. He founded "Romano Than," Ukraine's first Romani youth center, looted during the Russian occupation, highlighting Roma resilience and challenges.
Through the Fire
Ukrainian War and Veteran Narratives,
This panel is dedicated to Crimea and the long history of entanglement of Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian cultural, political, and social history. After Russia illegally annexed Crimea in the spring 2014, people in mainland Ukraine and Crimean Tatars from Crimea, or those who lived outside Crimea before the annexation, began re-visioning the place of Crimea in Ukrainian contemporary identity and the place of Ukraine in Crimean Tatar identity. This journey of mutual re-discovery of each other is taking place with the war in the background. At the same time, because of the war, the whole world has learned more about Crimea. When Jamala won Eurovision song contest in 2016, telling the story of the deportation of Crimean Tatars by the Soviet authorities in 1944, millions of people outside Ukraine got a short lesson in Crimean history. The conversation will shed light on the Ukrainian-Crimean Tatar encounters and co-existence.
Moderator
Mikael Nydahl, is a distinguished literary translator, publisher, and literary activist whose work has made significant contributions to cultural exchange and the promotion of global literature. As a key figure in Swedish PEN, Nydahl advocates for freedom of expression and supports writers worldwide, particularly in challenging and conflict-ridden regions.
Nydahl is also the editor of Under Ukrainas öppna himmel (Under Ukraine's Open Sky), a poignant anthology that amplifies Ukrainian voices and highlights the resilience of a nation through its literature. His efforts bridge cultural divides, fostering understanding and dialogue across borders.
Renowned for his dedication to literature, Nydahl's translations and publishing initiatives continue to inspire readers and elevate the role of literature in addressing complex social and political issues.
Panelists
Oleksandr Denysyuk, born in the picturesque region of western Ukraine, built an impressive career working in France and Canada before ultimately returning to support his homeland in its time of need. On February 24, 2022, the day the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, he made the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable life abroad and join the Ukrainian army. His harrowing experiences on the frontlines became the foundation of his powerful book, 7 Days of Ukrainian Hell, a deeply personal account that preserves the memories of the war while honoring the sacrifices of fallen heroes. Denysyuk is steadfast in his belief that heroes continue to live on through remembrance, and he sees books as a vital means of eternalizing their legacy. His remarkable story is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his country, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of memory to inspire and unite.
Ola Wallin, a highly respected Swedish publisher and interpreter, co-founded the Stockholm-based publishing house Ersatz in 1994. Over the years, Wallin has become widely recognized for his expertise in translating Eastern European and German literature, bringing the works of countless celebrated authors to new audiences. Ersatz expanded its scope in 2023 to include publishing Ukrainian authors such as Yuri Andrukhovych and Serhiy Zhadan, a significant step taken during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. This decision reflects Wallin’s deep commitment to promoting cross-cultural exchange, fostering understanding, and amplifying diverse literary voices, especially during challenging and transformative times. His efforts underscore the vital role literature plays in connecting people and shining a light on stories that might otherwise remain unheard.
Alex Voronov, is a respected journalist and columnist for Eskilstuna-Kuriren, where his sharp analysis and well-informed commentary have made him a prominent voice in Swedish media. Known for his nuanced perspectives on political, social, and cultural issues, Voronov combines deep expertise with a commitment to fostering meaningful public discourse.
His writing often delves into pressing topics of both national and international importance, providing readers with thought-provoking insights and a clear understanding of complex subjects. With a career marked by intellectual rigor and journalistic integrity, Alex Voronov continues to shape public opinion and contribute significantly to Swedish journalism.
Olena Herasymyuk is a Ukrainian poet, essayist, and paramedic whose work vividly captures the resilience and struggles of her homeland. Her poetry delves into themes of war, trauma, and identity, reflecting both personal and national experiences. Known for her evocative language and emotional depth, she has become a leading voice in contemporary Ukrainian literature. Beyond her literary contributions, Herasymyuk served as a combat medic during the conflict in eastern Ukraine, an experience that profoundly shaped her worldview and advocacy for human rights. Her dual role as an artist and paramedic highlights her commitment to healing—both through words and action.
Ukraine Artistic Meetings
Artistic talk and play reading
Kulturhuset Stadsteatern is organizing Artistic Meetings during spring 2025
This year's first Ukraine Artistic Meetings, on February 20, coincides with the opening evening of the Ukraine Vision conference, held in Stockholm for the third consecutive year. The evening will feature, among other highlights, readings of two newly written Ukrainian short plays performed by actors from the ensemble of Kulturhuset Stadsteatern. Welcome to an evening celebrating drama as resilience!
Learn more about this here
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