On November 11–12, a two-day event titled “Joint Action for Culture: Strategies, Reforms, Policies” took place in Odesa. Over the course of the event, participants discussed the key provisions of Ukraine’s Cultural Development Strategy 2025–2030 and debated how these provisions could be integrated into the development strategies of communities in the Odesa region, taking into account local contexts and needs. The event also focused on the project for a comprehensive reform of the cultural institutions network.
The event was organized with the support of Switzerland by the UCORD project in partnership with the Odesa Regional Development Agency, the Odesa Regional State (Military) Administration, and the NGO “Coalition of Cultural Activists.”
The event brought together cultural sector managers, cultural institution directors, representatives of the business and civil society sectors, and community representatives from the Odesa region, including those responsible for community development strategies and cultural affairs.
Ivan Verbytskyi, Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine, in his welcoming remarks, emphasized the importance of joint efforts by the entire cultural community for the successful implementation of the National Strategy for Cultural Development, particularly highlighting the work of communities and the Regional State Administration in implementing the strategy at the local level.
“Our task is to unite efforts and move forward. We understand that much needs to be done for the development of culture, but it is impossible to do everything at once. That is precisely why the strategy exists — it is our guide, setting priorities and helping to understand where to start, given the available resources. The strategy was created by the cultural community and remains a relevant, high-quality document that serves as an effective tool for development,” he emphasized.
Anton Shalyhailo, Deputy Head of the Odesa Regional State (Military) Administration, emphasized that culture is not only about art but also a matter of national security and Ukraine’s future. Culture unites society, helps preserve identity, and strengthens statehood. Despite the challenging conditions of wartime, the regional authorities continue to support the sector through regional cultural development programs and are restoring damaged and destroyed cultural heritage sites, recognizing that preserving the past is the foundation for the future.
Maryna Bryl, UCORD Project Leader, highlighted the importance of partnership, noting that it is the key to success in all joint initiatives. For this reason, UCORD aims to engage a wide range of participants — representatives from the cultural sector, government, local self-government, and civil society organizations — to hear the voices of all communities in the Odesa region and collaboratively achieve meaningful results.
She also noted that the European Commission recently published a report on Ukraine as part of the EU enlargement package, highlighting positive progress in the cultural sector. Importantly, the Cultural Development Strategy until 2030 has been adopted, and the main task now is to ensure its practical implementation.
“UCORD places special emphasis on strategic planning, including in the cultural sector. Today, we have the opportunity to revisit the key points of the National Strategy for Cultural Development and identify elements that can be integrated into local development strategies. I hope our meeting will be productive and that we will be able to prepare concrete recommendations for the region and the Ministry of Culture as an outcome of our joint work,” she emphasized.
One of the co-organizers of the event is the Odesa Regional Development Agency, a key UCORD partner in the region.
Serhii Kononenko, Director of the Odesa Regional Development Agency, highlighted the region’s potential: “Odesa region is the largest in Ukraine by territory, with 91 communities, and is home to representatives of 133 nationalities — this is a tremendous potential. Thanks to our cooperation with UCORD, we have a well-developed regional strategy aligned with the national strategy, where cultural issues occupy an important place. Culture and heritage form the foundation for communication, social cohesion, international connections, and regional development.”
Olha Sorochenko, Deputy Director of the Odesa Regional Development Agency, presented the “Living Museum” project, developed with the support of UCORD — an example of how innovative cultural initiatives can revitalize communities and strengthen local identity.
Additionally, throughout the day, participants worked in groups with moderators and facilitators to discuss the Strategy and the comprehensive reform of the cultural institutions network. They analyzed strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities, and formulated expectations for the implementation of changes. The group work encouraged open and free dialogue, allowing each participant to share their experience, express hopes and concerns, and collaboratively identify practical steps for the successful implementation of the reform and the Cultural Development Strategy.
The second day of the event began with an important lecture by Nina Matsyuk on the fundamentals of inclusivity and accessibility. The speaker posed a question that prompted reflection among all participants: “Is inclusion in cultural projects when the product is accessible to everyone, or when everyone has access to participate in its creation?”
The discussion focused on the different types of accessibility: physical, informational, digital, educational, social, and economic. Culture should be open both to those who create it and to those who engage with cultural products.
After the lecture, the practical part of the event began — a policy design workshop. Participants worked in three groups, moderated by Olha Sahaidak, Volodymyr Vorobey, and Olena Pidopryhora. Each group identified the most pressing issues and developed initial policy drafts aimed at addressing them.
The day concluded with concrete outputs for shaping local cultural policies, based on the real needs of communities, the potential of people, and partnerships between authorities, civil society, and cultural institutions.
The Swiss-Ukrainian project Cohesion and Regional Development of Ukraine, UCORD is being implemented by NIRAS Sweden AB with the support of Switzerland.
