As part of the implementation of the Strategy for Cultural Development in Ukraine for the period up to 2030, a nationwide webinar entitled ‘Cultural Dialogues: Resilience during War’ was held, organised by the State Agency of Ukraine for Arts and Art Education in collaboration with the Ukrainian Centre for Cultural Studies. The event brought together speakers from the Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv regions, who presented successful practices for adapting and developing the cultural sector in wartime conditions. The Donetsk region was represented at the webinar by the Donetsk Regional Children’s Library and the Pokrovsk City Territorial Community.
The Donetsk Regional Children’s Library presented a case study entitled ‘Donetsk Regional Children’s Library: Losses, Achievements. A Vision for the Future’, which outlined the institution’s experience of operating under conditions of relocation and the transformation of its activities. Today, the library not only continues to serve its readers but also acts as a regional methodological and coordination centre for libraries in the Donetsk region, implementing cultural, educational and social initiatives for children, families and communities across the region. Particular attention was paid to the professional development of library staff. In particular, the library organised a series of training courses and workshops aimed at mastering digital technologies, developing communication skills on social media, utilising artificial intelligence tools and implementing mental health support practices.
The Department of Culture, Tourism and Cultural Heritage Protection of the Pokrovsk City Territorial Community presented a successful case study entitled ‘Participation in national events and projects within the framework of cultural diplomacy’, dedicated to fostering a positive image of the Donetsk region and maintaining the community’s presence in the all-Ukrainian information space. Webinar participants learnt about the experience of implementing cultural initiatives aimed at promoting the region, strengthening inter-regional ties and supporting cultural identity in wartime conditions.
Participation in the webinar provided an important opportunity to showcase the Donetsk region’s experience at a national level and to demonstrate that, even in the context of war, the region’s cultural institutions continue to operate, develop, support communities and create new opportunities for people.