Event
ARC @ WOMEX 2023
Spain
Saturday, October 28
11am – 11:45am (CET)
Conference Room I @ Palexco
Join ARC’s event at WOMEX23, “Ukrainian Music as a Tool for Public Diplomacy and Democracy.” Chaired by Oleksandra Yakubenko (Ukraine/USA), Representative for Ukraine Protective Programs, ARC with Alona Dmukhovska (Ukraine), co-founder of Music Exports Ukraine NGO; Yuriy Gurzhy (Ukraine/Germany), musician, songwriter, DJ, and author will be discussing the crucial role of the music sector in cultural exchange, diplomacy, and the promotion of democracy.
The full-scale invasion in Ukraine in February 2022 galvanized the cultural sector like never before. Artists, musicians, and writers united to safeguard Ukrainian culture and identity against Russia’s attempts to erase it from history. Notably, musicians Taras Topolia (Antytila) and Andriy Khlyvnyuk (Boombox) joined the Territorial Defense Forces, while others like Jamala and Eurovision winner Kalush Orchestra became cultural diplomats, showcasing Ukraine and its culture on the international stage. In this session, the panelists will examine the pivotal role of music in international public diplomacy, advocacy, and its ability to foster intercultural exchange. They will share insights on how music serves as a vehicle to promote Ukrainian culture and enhance understanding of democratic values abroad, as well as its role in engaging Ukrainian and local communities beyond Ukraine’s borders.
WOMEX is the Worldwide Music Expo, an international music meeting and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films, and showcase concerts. This year, WOMEX is held in Coruña, Spain.
Speakers
Alona Dmukhovska is the co-founder of Music Exports Ukraine (MEU) NGO and has worked in the music industry for a decade. Starting as a volunteer for music festivals, Dmukhovska soon rose to the position of program director handling 100+ acts. With MEU she showcased local talents at professional events in 20+ countries, lobbied sector needs, completed dozens of international projects, and became an expert in European funding.
To learn more about Alona, follow her social media: Facebook, Instagram
Yuriy Gurzhy is an Ukrainian musician, songwriter, DJ, and author. Founder of RotFront, Shtetl Superstars, The Disorientalists and Kaminer & Die Antikörpers, Yuriy released 12 compilations on European record labels, created several theater productions, and has wrote songs for musicals. He is an active collaborator with Ukrainian writers such as Serhii Zhadan, Irena Karpa, Lyuba Yakimchuk, and Grigory Semenchuk.
To learn more about Yuriy, follow his social media: Facebook, Instagram
Oleksandra Yakubenko is the Representative for Ukraine Protective Programs at ARC. Previously, Yakubenko was the head of the international cooperation department of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF). She organized the first official representation of the UCF at the International Frankfurt Book Fair in 2019, and took part in strategic sessions and work groups on policy development for Cultural and Creative industries in Ukraine. She holds a Master’s degree in International Economy and has participated in student programs and events in Japan and the United States.
