Highlights from the Third Forum of the Ukrainian Community in the Netherlands
On November 24, 2024, three core VATAHA volunteers – Daria Lysenko, Tetiana Rumilets, and Dasha Lohvynova – facilitated a Culture Workshop at the Third Forum of the Ukrainian Community in the Netherlands, held in Maastricht. This year’s forum centered on the theme of intercultural dialogue, exploring its significance and power.
Reflecting this theme, VATAHA posed a vital overarching discussion question: How can we effectively communicate Ukrainian identity in the Netherlands through culture? The workshop brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, sparking lively discussions and inspiring participants to think creatively about bridging cultural and mindsets.
With a mission to foster better understanding and collaboration, the forum served as a meeting point for long-time Ukrainian residents, newcomers, and Dutch locals to share their experiences, ideas, and initiatives. At its heart, the forum became a genuine exchange between cultures: Dutch attendees explored the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture, traditions, and mindset, while Ukrainians reflected on their integration journeys and contributions to Dutch society.
Culture Workshop
After the forum, VATAHA’s workshop attracted over 60 participants (only 20 were expected) with a simple conversation that started with a simple yet profound question: What does Ukrainian identity mean to you in one word?
This question set the context for the further exchange in groups, as participants shared words that outlined the mosaic of Ukrainian identity, spanning such notions as humor, innovation, resilience, diversity, unity, and more.
The brief exercise also showed not only how Ukrainians see themselves but also how they wish to be seen, outlining three recurring keywords that became focal points for deeper discussion – tradition, language, and creativity. More than just a reflection, the exercise also gave a fresh perspective on Ukrainian identity and culture, a powerful reminder that Ukraine’s story is not just one of survival but of vibrant expressions, resilience, and innovation.
Bridging Cultures
Diverse groups representing fields such as culture, education, law, and policymaking exchanged experiences and strategies for engaging Dutch audiences. A key insight was the value of participatory activities, such as workshops on traditional Ukrainian embroidery, cooking classes, or language lessons – formats that resonate deeply with Dutch participants. Food, in particular, stood out as a compelling medium for storytelling, offering not only a taste of Ukraine’s cuisine but also an invitation to explore its rich history and cultural diversity.
Another impactful approach was finding cultural connection points between Ukraine and the Netherlands, such as shared symbols (sunflowers and tulips) or linguistic similarities (similarities between Dutch and Ukrainian words, such as kraan – кран, sjaal – шаль, gang – ґанок or the same proverbs, for instance: Робити з мухи слона – Van een mug een olifant maken) that spark curiosity and mutual understanding.
“It is important to build bridges between Ukraine and the Netherlands based on our similarities, on the things that our nations have in common,” said Anastasia, the director of the charity organization “Mama + I,” a participant in the workshop.
Participants also emphasized the importance of promoting Ukrainian literature through collaboration with public libraries or setting up reading clubs. These initiatives counteract the historical overshadowing of Ukrainian literature by russian studies, a trend prevalent in the Netherlands. Similarly, music, both classical and contemporary, was highlighted as another vital bridge for fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.
Outcomes and Next Steps
The workshop concluded with a collective sharing of insights, identifying common ideas and challenges. These outcomes will be refined into a comprehensive strategy document by VATAHA volunteers, outlining actionable steps to effectively present Ukrainian culture, heritage, and identity to international audiences. This collaborative effort not only sparked creative solutions but also reaffirmed the importance of amplifying Ukraine’s vibrant story – a story not just of survival but of resilience, innovation, and cultural uniqueness – on the global stage.
Katalina, who oversees cultural and humanitarian work at the Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands, reflected on the workshop: “This workshop was very interesting and extremely useful because I discovered many new ideas and insights for myself. I think after all the results are shared, I would be able to use it in my work with the community.”
Recital by Iryna Tsilyk & Andriy Lyubka
The forum concluded with a recital by Ukrainian poet and filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk and writer and volunteer Andriy Lyubka. Through personal stories and writings, they shared their experiences of living and working during the full-scale invasion.
Tsilyk read from her newly published poetry collection, Thin Ice (Тонкий лід), offering intimate, collectively resonant reflections. Lyubka presented excerpts from his book War from the Rear (Війна з тильного боку), documenting the war through his perspective as well as those of his friends – soldiers and volunteers.
The recital provided a poignant and deeply personal end to a day dedicated to fostering intercultural dialogue, bridging cultures, and amplifying Ukraine’s vibrant and resilient narrative on the global stage.
As VATAHA continues its work, the insights gained at the forum will serve as a foundation for future initiatives that amplify Ukraine’s vibrant cultural voice on the global stage.
This event would not have been possible without the main organizers, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Ukrainian house in Maastricht, as well as without the support of Gemeente Maastricht, Meet Maastricht, Bonnefanten, and the PTAHA Ukrainian musical folk group.
If you would like to support VATAHA in organizing events like these, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.