UkraineVision 2025 is a cultural conference-festival dedicated to exploring Ukraine’s identity, history, and artistic heritage in a global context. Bringing together leading cultural experts, artists, and thought leaders from Ukraine and Sweden, the event serves as a dynamic space for dialogue, exchange, and creative expression.
At the heart of UkraineVision 2025 is an exploration of how history continues to shape Ukraine’s modern identity. The festival highlights the voices of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural minorities, fostering conversations on representation and inclusion. It also celebrates Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting traditional arts, literature, and storytelling. In addition, the program challenges dominant historical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on Ukraine’s past beyond Soviet and Russian influence.
Through a diverse program of film screenings, panel discussions, exhibitions, and live performances, UkraineVision 2025 invites audiences to engage with the most pressing cultural issues of today. More than just an event, it is a platform for new ideas, collaborations, and a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s place in the world.
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
14.00 – 15.15
Identity Through the Lens of History
16.00 – 17.15
Contributions and Challenges
18.00 –19.15
Ukrainian War and Veteran Narratives,
Saturday, 22 February 2025
11:30-12:20
Street artist and painter Gamlet Zinkivskyi
12:30-13:20
Artist, photographer and writer Anton Shebetko
Sunday, 23 February 2025
11:00-11:50
14:00-14:50
Sunday, 23 February 2025
15:00-15:50
16:30-17:20
Saturday, February 22, 2025
20:00 Studion Kulturhuset Stadsteatern
Thursday, February 20, 2025
18.30 – 19.20
Opening ceremony
Ukraine Artistic Meetings
Thursday, February 20, 2025
19.30 – 22.30 Lilla studion
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 NGO Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA NGO), which includes subentities of the Ukrainian Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA) and the Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund (UEAF). Hnat co-curates “The Post-War Memory Culture in Ukraine” and works as an expert on Memory and Identity issues at RES-POL. She leads the Art Sanct initiative, coordinating efforts between Ukrainian state institutions, the art scene, and international partners. With extensive experience in cultural institutions, she previously held leadership roles at the Ukrainian Institute and the National Art Museum of Ukraine.
Annika Hirvonen is a Swedish politician (Green Party). She has been a Member of Parliament since 2014, and holds the position of Group leader of her party group. She has worked in several committees including committee on justice, the committee on education and the committee on taxes. She is also spokes person on migration. Before entering parliament she was the chair of her local committee on culture and sports. With her ancestry in Finland Annika Hirvonen comes from a family that was very much marked by Russias war with Finland. She Is determined that Sweden should continue supporting Ukraine for as long as need be.
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, a division of Moderna Museet funded by the City of Malmö, Region Skåne, and the Swedish Government. With over a decade of experience as part of the leadership duo and Artistic Director of the renowned sculpture park Wanås Konst, she has dedicated her career to contemporary art. Millqvist is particularly known for her close collaborations with artists, often focusing on site-specific works. Her strong commitment to art education underscores her mission to create an engaging museum that strengthens connections between people, objects, and ideas. Currently, she is the curator of the exhibition “The Fantastic and Horrific – Maria Prymachenko and works from the Moderna Museet Collection”.
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 the editor-in-chief of the magazine 20TAL as well as founder and artistic director of the Stockholm International Poetry Festival 1997 and the publishing house, 20TAL Bok, were she is the publisher. As editor-in-chief, she introduced 25 Ukrainian authors in a 150-page special issue about Ukrainian literature and culture in 2014, which was followed by a 160-page issue on Ukrainian literature and culture in 2024. She was awarded the prestigious 2024 Nagler Prize by Swedish PEN, for her work with international authors.
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.
Hanna Gerdes is the Chair of Civil Rights Defenders (crd.org) and the founder of Hanna and Goliath Law & Education (hannagoliath.com).
Hanna is an experienced and value-driven leader who has worked nationally and internationally for 20 years to strengthen the protection of human rights and influence societal development. She is an expert in international law and has extensive experience in board work. Hanna has previously held strategic leadership and development roles at organizations such as the Swedish Armed Forces, the Foundation for Human Rights, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Equality Ombudsman. She has during the last 20 years served on Boards of several international organisations, research institutions and held several public offices.
Gamlet Zinkivskyi is born, educated, and currently working in Kharkiv. Since 2009, he has been creating street art in his hometown, and from 2015, he began painting in various cities across Ukraine, including Mariupol, Ternopil, Uzhhorod, Izium, Odesa, Berdyansk, and Dnipro. A volunteer since 2014, he joined the volunteer formation Khartia after the full-scale invasion. Internationally recognized for his street art in war-torn Kharkiv, as well as in de-occupied Izium, Balakliia, Kupiansk, and Lyman, he has been dedicating his artworks and artistic objects to charity fundraisers for the past three years to support various military units.
Decolonisation
From Oppression to Freedom
.
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. As a part of MOCA NGO team she co-curates The Wartime Art Archive by UMCA.
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.
Anton Shebetko (he/him) is a Ukrainian artist, photographer, curator, and writer from Kyiv who currently lives in Amsterdam. His works focus on the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine, themes of memory, loss of identity, multiplicity of history, and the role that photography and archival materials can play in revealing these stories. Most of his research is devoted to the forgotten queer history of Ukraine; part of it was recently published in his book "A Very Brief and Subjective Queer History of Ukraine"
Shared Histories
Reviving Ukraine’s Jewish Legacy
.
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
Paulina Sokolow is a distinguished art historian and culture editor at Flamman, Sweden's progressive weekly magazine. Renowned for her insightful critiques and thought-provoking articles, she is also a regular contributor to Judisk Krönika and Ord & Bild, where she explores themes of art, identity, and politics.
Her work often delves into the interplay between cultural heritage and contemporary societal issues. With a particular focus on Jewish art history, Paulina has highlighted the lives and works of influential figures such as Lotte Laserstein and Peter Weiss.
Beyond writing, Paulina has collaborated with prominent institutions like Tensta Konsthall and Konstfrämjandet, furthering her mission to make art accessible and socially relevant. Her contributions continue to inspire and shape critical discourse within the Swedish and international cultural landscapes.
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.
Yuriy Gurzhy is a musician, songwriter, composer, DJ, and author from Kharkiv, Ukraine, living in Berlin since 1995. He is the founder of RotFront, Shtetl Superstars, The Disorientalists, and Kaminer & Die Antikörpers, blending Eastern European, Jewish, and global sounds.
He has released twelve compilations, including Russendisko Hits (2003), Shtetl Superstars (2006), and Borsh Division (2016). As part of RotFront, he recorded three albums and toured worldwide. His theater works include Who Was Essad Bey?, BANDERA, and music for productions across Germany and Ukraine.
Gurzhy collaborated with Serhiy Zhadan on Fokstroty (2021), SkovoroDance (2023), and Semafory (2024). His 2022 album Ukrainian Songs of Love and Hate reflected on the war’s early months. He is also an author and is currently working on his second book.
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
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
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 Skybin, 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
Arina Stoenescu is a publisher, translator, and researcher specializing in multilingual children's literature and book culture. She founded pionier press, a publishing house focused on bilingual children’s books. Stoenescu has translated numerous works between Romanian and Swedish and contributed to academic research on children's literature, typography and politics. She actively promotes Romanian and Ukrainian literature in Sweden and frequently participates in literary discussions, conferences, and book fairs across Europe, emphasising the role of children’s literature in shaping identity and collective memory.
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.
Domino Kai is an independent researcher, human rights defender, mediator, drama teacher, minority affairs consultant, and documentary filmmaker. Among his notable achievements is initiating the designation of August 2 as Sweden’s Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Roma Holocaust in 2009. In 2021, he produced a documentary series on the Roma Holocaust for Swedish Public Television. Currently, he serves on the council of the Human Rights Institute and coordinates two government initiatives at Södertörn University: revitalizing the Romani chib language and advancing Romani teacher training in Sweden.
Through the Fire
Ukrainian War and Veteran Narratives,
Ukrainian war and veteran literature vividly portrays the human experience of conflict, focusing on the psychological, social, and cultural impacts of war. It reflects themes of trauma, resilience, and national identity, offering an unfiltered perspective on the realities faced by soldiers and civilians alike. These works often blur the line between fiction and memoir, capturing the emotional and physical toll of war while emphasizing the strength of the human spirit. They serve as historical records, tools for healing, and a testament to Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.
Poet Olena Herasymyuk captures the emotional and psychological toll of war, while writers such as Oleksandr Denysuk and Alex Voronov bring raw, frontline experiences to life. These works serve as historical records, tools for healing, and a testament to Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity.
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 former 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
Sunday February 23, 2025
Time: 12:30-13:30
Evolving a Family Story into a Book
workshop with writer Iryna Melnychenko,
in Ukrainian language
Від родинної історії до книги
Воркшоп з письменницею Іриною Мельниченко
українською мовою
A practical workshop with Ukrainian writer Iryna Melnychenko about how to turn several pages of a handwritten diary into a full scale historically accurate book. Iryna will share her experience of writing a book “Alive. Despite all odds”. She will talk about how to maintain a balance between a creative process, exploring the materials, picking tone of voice and planting seeds of truth between the lines as well as the difficult choices a writer should make along the way.
Практичний воркшоп з українською письменницею Іриною Мельниченко про те, як перетворити кілька сторінок рукописного щоденника на повноцінну історично достовірну книгу.
Ірина поділиться власним досвідом написання книги «Жива. Всупереч усьому». Вона розповість, як знайти баланс між творчим процесом, дослідженням матеріалів, вибором тону оповіді та вплітанням правди між рядками. Також йтиметься про складні рішення, які автор має приймати на цьому шляху.
Artistic talk
Street artist and painter Gamlet Zinkivskyi
Saturday, 22 February 2025
11:30-12:20
Artist
Gamlet Zinkivskyi is born, educated, and currently working in Kharkiv. Since 2009, he has been creating street art in his hometown, and from 2015, he began painting in various cities across Ukraine, including Mariupol, Ternopil, Uzhhorod, Izium, Odesa, Berdyansk, and Dnipro. A volunteer since 2014, he joined the volunteer formation Khartia after the full-scale invasion. Internationally recognized for his street art in war-torn Kharkiv, as well as in de-occupied Izium, Balakliia, Kupiansk, and Lyman, he has been dedicating his artworks and artistic objects to charity fundraisers for the past three years to support various military units.
Facilitator
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.
Artistic talk
Artist, photographer and writer Anton Shebetko
Saturday, 22 February 2025
12:30-13:20
Artist
Anton Shebetko (he/him) is a Ukrainian artist, photographer, curator, and writer from Kyiv who currently lives in Amsterdam. His works focus on the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine, themes of memory, loss of identity, multiplicity of history, and the role that photography and archival materials can play in revealing these stories. Most of his research is devoted to the forgotten queer history of Ukraine; part of it was recently published in his book "A Very Brief and Subjective Queer History of Ukraine"
Facilitator
Anita Wernström is a multidisciplinary artist with a BA in Fine Art from the Slade School of Fine Art, London. She focuses on performance, public space, and self-organization in art and civil society.
She is engaged in pedagogical projects and collaborative artistic expression. A member of the IntraGalactic Arts Collective, she contributes to projects merging art, activism, and public engagement, often through interactive performances and site-specific interventions.
Artistic talk
11:00-11:50
Poet and essayist Ostap Slyvynsky
Sunday, 23 February 2025
11:00-11:50
Artist
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.
Facilitator
Yuliya Yurchuk, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer at Södertörn University, Sweden, specializing in memory studies, religious history, and nationalism in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Her research covers memory politics, propaganda in the Russian-Ukrainian war, and religion in politics. She also explores the circulation of Swedish intellectual Ellen Key’s ideas and Ukrainian resilience and decolonization of memory. Additionally, she translates Swedish literature into Ukrainian and writes non-fiction.
Artistic talk
Novelist and journalist Zanna Sloniewska
Sunday, 23 February 2025
14:00-14:50
Artist
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.
Facilitator
Yuliya Yurchuk, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer at Södertörn University, Sweden, specializing in memory studies, religious history, and nationalism in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Her research covers memory politics, propaganda in the Russian-Ukrainian war, and religion in politics. She also explores the circulation of Swedish intellectual Ellen Key’s ideas and Ukrainian resilience and decolonization of memory. Additionally, she translates Swedish literature into Ukrainian and writes non-fiction.
Artistic talk
Poet and combat medic Olena Herasymiuk
Sunday, 23 February 2025
15:00-15:50
Artist
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.
Facilitator
Olena Rogozina is an activist, the founder of Cause Good Trouble, and a growth manager at the Electrolux Group. She is one of the trio behind the Swedish community Kvartyrnyk, which uses poetry, music, and art to raise funds for Ukrainian defenders.
Among her previous projects is Humanium Metal, which was featured by O. Matviichuk from CCL during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2022.
Olena earned her Bachelor's degree at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and her Master's degree at Stockholm Business School. She writes poetry, creates art and music, and is deeply driven by social justice.
Artistic talk
Ceramist and artist Rustem Skybin
Sunday, 23 February 2025
16:00-16:50
Artist
Rustem Skybin 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.
Facilitator
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.