Mapping of cooperation, key trends, and prospects
Presented here is a mapping of Belarusian-Ukrainian cultural cooperation in 2022–2026, prepared by experts from the Belarusian Council for Culture in partnership with the Danish Cultural Institute.
The document collects and describes joint projects in literature, theatre, film, visual arts, media, festival programmes and international networks. These examples demonstrate not only the scale and diversity of cooperation, but also how the nature of Belarusian-Ukrainian cultural dialogue has changed since 2022.
The aim of this work is to document what has already been achieved and, through the lens of accumulated experience, to identify the distinctive features of the current state of Belarusian-Ukrainian cultural dialogue and its potential for further development.
The mapping does not claim to be exhaustive. It documents more than 45 projects, while the actual scale of cooperation is likely to be greater. Even this sample, however, demonstrates the resilience of these ties: dozens of joint initiatives were implemented in less than four years despite the war, forced migration, limited resources and the effective absence of systematic interstate dialogue.
A significant share of these initiatives became possible thanks to volunteer work, the personal funds of artists and organisers, crowdfunding, or modest donor support. Many achieved international recognition, were well received by audiences and professional communities, and were nominated for prestigious awards. At the same time, Belarusian-Ukrainian cooperation has often developed within broader programmes supporting independent culture and intercultural cooperation, rather than as a dedicated priority in its own right.
The joint Belarusian-Ukrainian projects that have already been implemented, as well as those still underway, show that the basis for cooperation is far broader than current resources and institutional mechanisms allow.
This leads to one of the document’s key recommendations: to establish a dedicated long-term programme supporting Belarusian-Ukrainian cultural cooperation, with its own funding, sustainable partnerships, and support for both creative projects and the infrastructure needed to sustain dialogue.
Read the full PDF in Belarusian
Read the full PDF in Ukrainian
Questions, ideas or comments?
We would be happy to hear your suggestions for the further development of this research.
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