Discussion and opening of the exhibitions "Reflection" and "Salt of My Land"

July 4, 4:00–5:30 PM
Dnipro Center for Contemporary Culture (21A Krutohirnyi Uzviz)

Right after the discussion, the exhibitions "Reflection" by Roksolana Dudka and "Salt of My Land" by Oleksandra Klod will open. Author-led tours will also take place on opening day.

About the discussion

The preservation of cultural heritage emerged as both a necessity and a phenomenon during the world wars. Today, for Ukraine, it is a matter of national security.

When tangible heritage (architecture, parks, urban complexes, physical artifacts) is destroyed or under threat, we as artists turn our focus to the intangible: language, traditions, memories, and testimonies.

We do what is within our power: researching, activating, highlighting, and capturing through artistic technique.

Within the "Heritage. Practical Work" residency programs, four unique artistic projects have been created, each wrapping the memory and stories of the Donetsk region.

During the meeting, we will discuss the methodologies of working with communities tested throughout the residency program, the experience that stays behind the scenes, and the value of collaboration between an artist and the community whose heritage the artist reinterprets.

This is a conversation about the experience of artists and representatives of the Soledar and Kramatorsk district communities within the "Heritage. Practical Work" project.

Participants of the conversation:

• Oleksandra Klod, author of the project "Salt of the Earth"
• Roksolana Dudka, author of the project "Reflection"
• Dasha Podoltseva, co-author of the project "Rosa Donetzica", created with Oleksii Shmurak
• Bohdana Korohod, author of the project "Degrees of Belonging"
• Natalia Tyshchuk, manager of the "Heritage. Practical Work" project
• Representatives of the Soledar and Kramatorsk district communities

The conversation will be moderated by Lusia Nychai, curator of the "Heritage. Practical Work" residency program.

The capacity-building and networking program for local cultural actors "Room for Heritage" is supported by the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU), funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden. The Program's goal is to strengthen Ukraine's resilience amid Russian aggression by providing critical support to local communities in cooperation with Ukrainian government bodies, civil society, media, and the private sector.