The Ukrainian Institute opened its Representative Office in France on 9 November 2023. The representatives of the Art Support Fund had the honour of being invited to this event in Paris.
The event was attended by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, the Secretary of State for European Affairs Laurence Boone, Minister of Culture of France Rima Abdul Malak, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute Volodymyr Sheiko, President of the Institut français Eva Nguyen Binh, Deputy Mayor of Paris for Culture Carine Rolland, and President of the Association of the Ukrainian Institute in France Iryna Dmytryshyn.
The opening event took place at the La Gaîté Lyrique Cultural Centre and came to a close with a concert by Jamala, the Crimean Tatar singer.
The opening of the Ukrainian Institute's representative office in France is a continuation of the strengthening of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy in Europe and the world. The mission of the Ukrainian Institute in France is to promote Ukrainian culture abroad, foster curiosity in its exploration, and generate demand for Ukrainian cultural offerings.
This is achieved by presenting Ukrainian culture as an essential and integral part of European culture, as well as encouraging France’s active participation in supporting Ukrainian culture, including the restoration and renovation of cultural heritage sites.
On the opening day, the team of the Ukrainian Institute and Olena Zelenska visited the Sorbonne University, to sign a memorandum of cooperation. This is evidence that Ukrainian studies have once again gained a chance to return to one of the oldest universities in Europe.