Vinnytsia Delegation Returns from Lublin, where They Learned from the Experience of Internationalization for Cultural Development

Viktoriia Yaremenko, Senior Specialist of the Cultural and Artistic Institutions Division of the Vinnytsia City Council's Department of Culture, noted that for three days the delegation had been given fascinating lectures by leading experts in the field of cultural management and international relations. Among the trainers were Tamara Suhenko and Tetiana Pushnova. They also included Eva Kalinina from Latvia, who shared best practices in the field of culture.

"With the help of new knowledge and contacts, we will be able to develop innovative projects that will promote cultural exchange between Vinnytsia and international partners," says Viktoriia Yaremenko.

According to Larysa Kravchenko, director of the Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi Vinnytsia Literary and Memorial Museum, the lectures not only expanded the knowledge of our delegation but also inspired new ideas for the development of the cultural sphere in the city.

"The training was held in a mixed format, with some trainers connecting online. The topics were very informative, and the tasks we performed in the groups were also interesting. We were all united by a great desire to strengthen our culture," says Larysa Kravchenko. "Together with colleagues from Rivne and Odesa, we realized that we need to speak up and tell the whole world that we exist. Today, Europe is more interested in Ukraine than ever before, but Europeans know very little about our country, our true history and culture. The yoke that has been imposed on Ukrainians for decades has taken its toll. That is why today we need to speak boldly about our musicians, artists, writers, singers and actors, because we have something to show, and Europe does not know about it. Therefore, the main task is to work for the good of the country. Our Armed Forces of Ukraine are fighting for our independence on the frontline, and cultural workers have to fight on the cultural front."

Thanks to this training, specialists gained valuable experience and tools necessary to further increase cultural activity in our country and support creative initiatives. Participants also reported that thanks to this cooperation, they better understood the logic of creating international projects that take into account the context of war.

"For me, it's a great experience, new knowledge, emotions, and acquaintances! It's a great motivation to keep learning, developing, and improving!" emphasizes Olena Zakvatska, director of the Vinnytsia City Centralized Library System.

Together with Vinnytsia residents, representatives from Odesa and Rivne, who work within the #EU4Culture project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut, Czech Centers, Danish Cultural Institute, and Institut Français en Géorgie, participated in the educational training on internationalization.