Katya Taylor, an art curator and expert in contemporary art, was the guest on our fourth episode of the “Culture Against Aggression” podcast. On the other hand, we also became guests, as Katya hosted the Gallery 101 team and the Skovoroda team at her home in Kyiv.

During the podcast, we discussed the export of Ukrainian culture abroad: how to present ourselves in a way that is both understandable and interesting. Katya mentioned that we have different paces: Ukrainians do everything in about 5 minutes, while foreigners are not accustomed to such speed.

Additionally, the key to understanding lies in consensus – sometimes we need to compromise, and sometimes others need to meet us halfway.

“Misunderstandings on the international level don’t arise because we ask for something abnormal or something they can’t give us. The European cultural community is ready to accept Ukrainians, but they want us to act according to their established rules.”

Katya also shared her vision regarding the function of Ukrainian culture, the mission of cultural diplomacy, and the theme of war in further communication with the world.

Content:

• Activities of the Port of Culture during the full-scale invasion and the first initiatives of cultural diplomacy
• A hut in the middle of a field and the USAID project that helped to avoid psychological disorders
• Countries where conducting cultural projects was easiest
• Main problems in the process of communication with foreign partners
• About differences in process speeds and misunderstandings between foreigners and Ukrainians
• Refusals to showcase Ukrainian artistic projects
• Is it easy to communicate and work with foreign institutions/organizations?
• The dilemma in choosing project themes: war representation or avoiding directness
• Solutions that help make projects understandable for foreign audiences
• Experience creating a Ukrainian art project in Kenya
• What to focus on: countries where Ukrainians are not welcomed but there is a need for Ukrainian art projects or loyal and open nations
• Advice for a hypothetical foreign colleague in a war situation
• Best practices in communication with potential foreign partners
• Personal experiences of war

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“Culture Against Aggression” is the project of Gallery 101 in partnership with Radio SKOVORODA and with the support of our exclusive sponsor Chicago Atlantic whose impact investment strategy Trident is building homes for Ukrainians and expanding the country’s industrial capacity, laying the foundation we need to revitalize Ukrainian culture and commerce.

• Host and author Marta Trotsiuk (on LinkedIn)

Please, subscribe and share with those who want to know more about Ukraine.