Association of Culture

Bohdan Kutsenko’s fellowship project, Association of Culture, aimed to strengthen solidarity among cultural actors – artists, managers, and activists – during the ongoing war in Ukraine. The initiative was born from the need to address the humanitarian crisis by harnessing the power of culture to support displaced persons (IDPs) and promote solidarity within the cultural sector.

The project began by fostering cooperation among stakeholders in Vinnytsia, focusing on identifying the needs of local and displaced artists. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the Association of Culture (KUT), a platform for mobilizing artists and volunteers to provide direct aid to IDPs. The team developed a framework for action, which included the distribution of humanitarian aid, art therapy programs, and the organization of cultural events aimed at healing the community.

The second phase saw the legal registration of the association and the implementation of its action plan, which involved hosting public events, art exhibitions, and creative workshops. Through its initiatives, KUT offered psychological support via art and culture, helped integrate displaced artists into the local scene, and provided temporary accommodation to over 400 people.

Through social media campaigns, podcasts, and public engagements, the project raised awareness about the critical role of culture in times of crisis. Bohdan’s project not only helped sustain cultural identity in the face of war but also united artists and the wider community in a shared mission of resilience and recovery.