16.11.2023

On behalf of the Academy, the President of the Ukrainian Academy of Arts Victor Sydorenko extends his greetings to the opening of the Ukrainian Institute's representative office in France, emphasising that it is important for cooperation and the establishment of cultural and diplomatic ties between Ukraine and France. The opening ceremony took place at the cultural centre La Gaîté Lyrique.

The event was attended by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, the Secretary of State for European Affairs Laurence Boone, Minister of Culture of France Rima Abdul Malak, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute Volodymyr Sheiko, President of the Institut français Eva Nguyen Binh, Deputy Mayor of Paris for Culture Carine Rolland, and President of the Association of the Ukrainian Institute in France Iryna Dmytryshyn.
“If you ask many Europeans what they know about Ukraine not from the news, but from the sphere of culture, from books, which of our classical artists, writers, it is likely to be a difficult question. Sadly, the world is starting to learn more about Ukrainian culture and our contribution to the world only because of the Russian attack. But it is good that the process of discovery is happening. Because our culture proves: we exist, we have always been and will be. No matter how much the empire wanted, and still wants, to appropriate us again.” – First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

“The world’s unprecedented attention to Ukraine opens up new opportunities for cultural diplomacy between Ukraine and France. Mutual understanding, awareness, and cooperation between the two cultures strengthen the European project and make our societies better informed and more resilient. To provide more opportunities for Ukrainian and international culture makers, we are opening Ukrainian Institute offices in key partner countries in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ukrainian Embassies,” comments Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute.
The opening ceremony was attended by Natalia Shpytkovska, Advisor to the President of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, Deputy Head of the Department of International Scientific and Artistic Relations of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, PhD.
The opening of the Ukrainian Institute's representative office in France is a continuation of the strengthening of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy in Europe and the world. The mission of the Ukrainian Institute in France is to promote Ukrainian culture abroad, foster curiosity in its exploration, and generate demand for Ukrainian cultural offerings. This is achieved by presenting Ukrainian culture as an essential and integral part of European culture, as well as encouraging France’s active participation in supporting Ukrainian culture, including the restoration and renovation of cultural heritage sites.
On the opening day, the team of the Ukrainian Institute and Olena Zelenska visited the Sorbonne University, to sign a memorandum of cooperation. This is evidence that Ukrainian studies have once again gained a chance to return to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
The event was followed by a concert of Jamala.