The panel discussion Cultural Offensive: Effective Cultural Policy as a Prerequisite for Ukrainian Resilience was one of the highlights of the XIII Civil Society Development Forum (with)STAND.
In partnership with the Kultnastup Initiative, speakers discussed critical aspects of Ukraine's cultural policy in a modern world where the war unfolds not only on the battlefield but also in the cultural and informational space.
Discussion’s key points:
- Cultural war. Russians aim to weaken Ukraine emotionally and spiritually, devaluing our culture while promoting their cultural markers.
- Necessity to promote Ukraine. Only high-quality Ukrainian cultural products can displace Russian narratives.
- Proper funding of culture and education. In the postmodern world, victory is unattainable without investments in culture. In the future, reparations from Russia should also be directed toward Ukrainian culture development.
- Culture as a weapon. Language, culture, and cultural products are the building blocks of a nation and a powerful tool in the fight for identity.
The panel featured prominent speakers, including poet and publisher Ivan Malkovych, filmmaker, actor and producer Oles Sanin, poet, writer, and serviceman Serhiy Zhadan, lead singer of the Antytila band and volunteer Taras Topolia, and co-coordinator of the Space of Freedom Taras Shamaida. Anastasia Rozlutska, founder of the E-mova Platform, moderated the discussion and emphasized that national identity is the foundation of Ukraine's unity, security, economic development, and international influence.
This discussion served as a powerful reminder that victory requires not only military strength but also the strength of culture.
Video recording of the panel:
