A cultural and artistic project entitled “Colours and Melodies of Freedom” has been implemented in the Lviv region, within which Ukrainian culture was widely showcased in Croatia. The initiative was funded with the support of the Department for Culture, Nationalities and Religions of the Lviv Regional State Administration, the public organisation “Bila Horvatia” and the Volodymyr Patyk Foundation.
The key event was the tour of the Lviv National Academic Male Choir “Dudaryk”. The ensemble performed sacred and folk music at concerts in the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia in the city of Zadar and in the atrium of the Zagreb City Museum, presenting Ukraine’s musical heritage to a European audience.
Another important element of the project was an exhibition of paintings by renowned Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Patyk, which opened in the City Loggia of Zadar. The event took on symbolic significance, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the artist’s birth and the 55th anniversary of the “Dudaryk” choir.
As part of the trip, the Ukrainian delegation held several working meetings with representatives of the Croatian authorities. During these discussions, they considered opportunities for further joint cultural initiatives and for deepening cooperation between the regions.
“Culture is our weapon and our language in the world. It can build strong, reliable bridges, reinforcing the efforts of statesmen, diplomats and politicians. The ‘Colours and Melodies of Freedom’ project in Croatia has shown that the Ukrainian voice sounds persuasive and dignified on the international stage, and that contemporary Ukrainian painting is an engaging discovery for Europeans. The concerts by the ‘Dudaryk’ choir and the exhibition of works by Volodymyr Patyk became not only artistic events, but also a testament to our national identity and resilience. I am grateful to all the organisers, artists and partners for once again allowing the Lviv region to reaffirm its role as the cultural heart of Ukraine,” said Head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration Maksym Kozytskyi.
The participants in the project emphasise that such initiatives strengthen Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy in Europe and help establish new international contacts for artists from the Lviv region.