On 28 November 2023, members of the Culture Hub Bulgaria foundation, along with the project manager of Ukraine is in Europe: Solidarity with Ukrainian Youth Artists, visited the historic city of Veliko Tarnovo for a special event. The occasion was the highly anticipated exhibition titled „Palyanitsa“ by renowned Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova, which brought together members of the local Ukrainian youth artistic society.
The visit was a key opportunity for the project team to engage directly with their target group—young Ukrainian artists who have found refuge in Bulgaria due to the war. The project team took the time to conduct interviews with these young artists, listening to their personal stories, struggles, and aspirations. These interviews will be instrumental in shaping the project’s ongoing activities and will help document the artists’ journey as part of the broader Ukraine is in Europe initiative.
Exhibition Highlights: „Palyanitsa“ by Zhanna Kadyrova
Zhanna Kadyrova’s exhibition, Palyanitsa, offered a powerful visual representation of resilience, cultural identity, and the impact of war on personal and national narratives. The name of the exhibition, „Palyanitsa,“ holds deep cultural significance for Ukrainians and has become a symbol of defiance and survival. Kadyrova’s work moved the attendees, serving as both an artistic and emotional bridge between the past and the present, the local and the displaced.
Building Connections and Sustaining Project Outcomes
In addition to attending the exhibition, the project management team successfully established connections with members of the Ukrainian youth artistic society in Veliko Tarnovo. These connections are crucial for the long-term sustainability of the Ukraine is in Europe project, ensuring that the project’s outcomes continue to benefit its target group well into the future. Through these partnerships, Culture Hub Bulgaria aims to support these young artists by providing platforms for their work and helping them navigate the challenges of displacement.
Looking Ahead: Dissemination and Future Collaboration
The interviews and connections made during this visit will play a key role in the dissemination of the project’s results. The voices and stories collected will be featured on the UkraineYouth.eu platform, which serves as a digital home for the project. Additionally, the relationships built during this visit will foster future collaborations, enabling the project to extend its reach and impact across Bulgaria and beyond.
This visit to Veliko Tarnovo exemplifies the project’s commitment to connecting with Ukrainian youth artists and amplifying their voices. As the project moves forward, the Culture Hub Bulgaria team remains dedicated to showcasing the resilience and creativity of these young artists, ensuring their stories are heard, and their work is seen.
Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming activities and the ongoing development of the UkraineYouth.eu platform!
