Ukrainian Institute set to open new branch in Paris

The Ukrainian Institute is set to open a new branch office in Paris, marking its second international location, according to a Facebook post (text in French).

As a state entity, the Ukrainian Institute‘s primary role is to present Ukrainian culture and foster a positive image of Ukraine globally. Its mission, established since its inception in 2017 by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, focuses on “strengthening Ukraine internationally and domestically as a subject using the tools of cultural diplomacy.”

The Paris office will be led by Ivan Riabchi, a Ukrainian publisher and French literary translator. The team includes Olha Pasko Hoff as project manager, Oksana Trypolska as cultural projects manager, and Natalya Guzenko Boudier as communications manager.

“The work on establishing a representative office of the Ukrainian Institute in France, a strategically important country for Ukraine, has been led by Olga Sahaidak’s talented team since last year. The opening of the Representative Office is entirely their achievement. I am excited to continue and expand their work,” Riabchi said in a statement to Chytomo.

Riabchi emphasized that the Paris office’s primary goal is to differentiate Ukrainian culture from Russian in the French perspective, aiming to establish a distinct Ukrainian cultural identity. “An important part of our work in France is to strengthen existing cultural bridges and forge new connections between Ukrainian and French artists,” he added.

The first foreign office of the Ukrainian Institute was established in Berlin. The Institute is also a member of the EU Network of National Cultural Institutes

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Main image: Ukrainian Institute