ROZKOLYADA
Photo by: Roman Gorbun
ROZKOLYADA: Ukrainian Caroling
This event is a powerful celebration of cultural heritage and an outstanding example of cultural diplomacy, bringing Ukrainian traditions to an international stage at the OSCE and UN. By showcasing the Ukrainian tradition of rozkolyada, this gathering fosters cross-cultural understanding, strengthens international connections, and highlights Ukraine’s rich artistic and spiritual legacy.
Kolyada is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in Ukrainian culture, deeply rooted in the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. The lyrics of these carols are filled with blessings and heartfelt wishes, glorifying the birth of Jesus Christ and the Holy Evening. Musically, kolyada spans a rich spectrum, from timeless folk melodies to modern arrangements.
More than just a musical tradition, caroling is a profound expression of Ukrainian folk culture. It fosters unity, preserves spiritual values, and reinforces a deep connection to heritage. Through these songs, people share joy, hope, and a sense of togetherness, making the tradition an enduring symbol of cultural identity.
This event also offers a unique opportunity to experience the legendary "Shchedryk", the Ukrainian Christmas carol that became the globally renowned "Carol of the Bells."
Cultural Diplomacy Through Art
Beyond its cultural and festive significance, this event plays a crucial role in cultural diplomacy, using art and tradition as a bridge for dialogue. At a time when cultural identity and heritage are more important than ever, this event at the OSCE and UN serves as a meaningful exchange, fostering mutual understanding and highlighting Ukraine’s resilience and creativity.
A photo exhibition of Ukrainian vintage costumes will showcase intricately embroidered garments from different regions of Ukraine, each adorned with rich cross-stitch patterns symbolizing the nation's cultural depth. Since 2022, there has been a resurgence of interest in Ukrainian folk traditions within the art world, with artists reinterpreting Ukraine’s intangible cultural heritage through the lens of the present moment. In response, the exhibition will also present contemporary prints inspired by traditional Ukrainian patterns, offering a fresh and meaningful perspective on this artistic legacy.
This event is more than a celebration—it is a statement of cultural endurance, artistic innovation, and international dialogue. It invites guests to witness the living heritage of Ukraine, where history and modern creativity come together in a dynamic and inspiring experience. By sharing these traditions with an international audience, this event reinforces the role of art as a powerful tool for diplomacy, connection, and mutual respect.
Time: 28.01.2025, 11.02.2025
Location: OSCE headquarters, Hofburg, Vienna; the United Nations Office, Vienna
Organized by: Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna, Art Contact Ukraine, Bogdan Shutka, VIC Ukrainian Club (at the UN)
Curated by: Yana Gryniv
Photographer: Erol Serbest
Videographer: Anastasiia Brener
Support team: Nadiia Yanieva, Olha Sikora
Photo credit: Erol Serbest
Location (28.01)
OSCE HQ
HOFBURG, Vienna, Austria
The Hofburg is the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria. Located in the center of Vienna, it was built in the 13th century. Since 1946, it has been the official residence and workplace of the president of Austria. Hofburg also hosts the OSCE head office. The OSCE comprises 57 participating States from Europe, North America, and Central Asia.
OSCE
Instrumental&vocal:
Katerina Kalivodova (CZ), Josef Prokop (CZ), Oksana Dopilko (UA), Anastsiia Kuzmyna (UA), Katerina Kalivodova (CZ), Bogdan Shutka (USA)
Instruments: old-world bandura, Christmas horn, flute, violin, bells
Photo exhibition: Roman Gorbun
Video by Anastasiia Brener
Location (11.02)
UN, VIC, Vienna, Austria
The United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) was established on 1 January 1980 as the third United Nations Headquarters after New York and Geneva (and before Nairobi). It performs representation and liaison functions with permanent missions to the United Nations (Vienna), the host Government and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in Vienna.
The UN comprises 193 UN Member States.
Source: UN Vienna
UN
Instrumental&vocal:
Bogdan Shutka, Anastasiia Kuzmyna, Olena Vyshnevska, Vyshnevski Sisters (Hanna Vyshnevska, Olha Vyshnevska)
Instruments: old-world bandura, Hutsul cymbals, Christmas horn, flute, violin, drymba, bells
Photo exhibition: Roman Gorbun
Contemporary art exhibition: Danylo Kovach
Programme:
Greeting speeches:
Ambassador Yuriy Vitrenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to International Organizations in Vienna
Solomiya Omelyan, Chief of the Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); president at the VIC Ukrainian Club
Yana Gryniv, art curator and founder of the Art Contact Ukraine platform
Danylo Kovach, artist (exhibition opening)
Bogdan Shutka, musician, teacher, Ukrainian folk-art collector
Concert
Contemporary art exhibition "DNA" by Danylo Kovach
Danylo Kovach was born in artist family at 1992 in the city of Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine. From 2022 he lives and works in Vienna. His work focuses on graphics, painting, installation and performance.
Danylo Kovach, in his "DNA" art project, which arose as an intuitive impulse at the moment of the birth of his son Adam, addresses the fundamental structure of folk art, sacred and unifying. This series of paintings, built on the principles of carvings, embroidery and textile works of his grandmother Maria, rethinks folklore and interprets the attributes of national existence. The artist actualizes the deep layers of collective consciousness, which lie much deeper than the concept of "national". Art here acts as one of the most important tools in the search for one's own identity, the position of the individual and the community in the global context.
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Photography exhibition by Roman Gorbun and Bogdan Shutka
This captivating photographic exhibition that transports viewers through the vibrant tapestry of Ukrainian cultural identity, showcasing authentic festive attire, traditional musical instruments, and everyday items from the past two centuries. This unique series of 12 meticulously composed photographs draws from the exceptional private collections of Bogdan Shutka (Vienna/Ivano-Frankivsk) and Kateřina Dvoržaková Kalivodová (Brno/Melitopol), offering an intimate glimpse into Ukraine's rich folk traditions and timeless artistry.
The evocative imagery, captured by the talented photographer Roman Gorbun (Paris/Bakhmut), breathes life into historical garments and artifacts, revealing intricate details of craftsmanship and cultural symbolism. Each photograph is more than a visual document; it is a narrative woven with threads of history, resilience, and pride.
Elevating the aesthetic experience, the series has been thoughtfully integrated into a 2025 calendar, designed with elegance and modern flair by Liubov Plavska (Prague/Kyiv). The calendar itself stands as a functional work of art, bridging the past with the present, and making Ukrainian heritage an integral part of everyday life.
This project was brought to life with the generous support of the Ukrainian Initiative of South Moravia, the city of Brno, and the South Moravian Regional Administration. Their collaboration underscores the enduring power of cultural exchange and the importance of preserving Ukraine's vibrant legacy for future generations.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this celebration of Ukrainian identity, to reflect on the stories woven into each garment, and to experience the enduring beauty of traditions that continue to inspire and unite.
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