CIUS's Holodomor Research and Education Consortium - HREC announces the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀.

The Conquest Prize for Contribution to Holodomor Studies is awarded on a biennial basis to the author of an outstanding article that contributes to a fuller understanding of the Holodomor. A jury of eminent specialists is assembled to determine the winner of the $2500 CAD prize. The Conquest Prize honours historian Robert Conquest, author of the groundbreaking work The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivization and the Terror-Famine, which marked a watershed in the study of the Holodomor at the time of its publication in 1986.

ABOUT ROBERT CONQUEST

The Robert Conquest Prize honours historian Robert Conquest, author of the groundbreaking work The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivization and the Terror-Famine. Published in 1986, Harvest of Sorrow marked a watershed in the study of the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-33. Dr. Conquest’s comprehensive treatment addressed the role of Communist ideology and its relationship to the peasantry, collectivization policy and implementation, the deportation of kulaks, issues of nationality and religion in the Soviet Union, and the role of Stalin in the Famine. Dr. Conquest described the failure of the West to respond to reports of the Famine and assigned culpability to Stalin and his regime for setting impossibly high grain requisitions, seizing foodstuffs, preventing the starving from seeking food elsewhere, and covering up the crime. Based on eyewitness testimonies, his analysis and conclusions were corroborated by Soviet archival materials that became accessible with the collapse of the USSR.

Harvest of Sorrow sparked debates in academic and political circles and ensured widespread awareness of the Holodomor. In a legacy marked by achievement, Harvest of Sorrow is certainly one of Robert Conquest’s greatest accompl

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 CONQUEST  PRIZE 

Eligibility:

Nominated articles must have been published in English, in print or in an online publication, between September 30, 2022, and the submission deadline, which is January 20, 2025.

Articles published in English translation are eligible.

Nominations may be submitted by the author, editor, publisher, or colleagues.

Please send the following items as attachments to hrec@ualberta.ca using the subject line Conquest Prize submission:

1) Completed APPLICATION FORM 

2) PDF of the article

3) CV of the author

4) Abstract of the article (in English, max. one page)

Holiday Closure Notice

St. Volodymyr Institute will be closed Christmas Day (Julian Calendar) + Epiphany.

We hope you have a festive and enjoyable holiday!

Friday, December 13 • 2:30 PM | 9:45 PM
Saturday, December 14 • 3:45 PM
Sunday, December 15 • 7:40 PM
Tuesday, December 17 • 5:20 PM

The Annual General Meeting of the membership of St. Volodymyr Institute is Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

This meeting is online only.

Details will be sent out to members.

Click here to renew your membership.

Have you started a Ukrainian textile project, like a sorochka or a rushnyk, but need more guidance to bring it to life? Or are you already familiar with textile work and eager to start something new? Join the Ukrainian Textile Club, presented by Myroslava Boikiv, St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI), and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch. This club offers a hands-on, supportive environment where you can work on your traditional textile projects using authentic techniques. With Myroslava’s mentorship, you'll deepen your skills in sewing, embroidery, and weaving while connecting with others who share a passion for Ukrainian textile arts. Future workshops may also be introduced to welcome more members into our club.

Please note that the club's language will primarily be Ukrainian.

The club will continue to meet every second Wednesday, providing ongoing support for your textile projects.

To attend, please RSVP by emailing Myroslava at myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com

Myroslava Boikiv, a Ukrainian textile and watercolour artist based in Toronto, draws deeply from her upbringing in Kovalivka, a village nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Inspired by the rich rural and traditional Ukrainian culture of her youth, she now navigates the urban landscape of Toronto while maintaining a profound connection to her roots. Despite challenges imposed by the Soviet system's suppression of language, history, and culture, Myroslava's art serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of Ukrainian identity.

With a background as an art restorer at the National Museum of Hutsulshchyna & Pokuttia Folk Art and as the curator of the Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia, she brings a wealth of experience in preserving and promoting Ukrainian folk art. Her artworks have been displayed in galleries and museums across Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and Canada, with pieces in private collections worldwide.

Suggested payment: $30 per session
Register by emailing:myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com
E-transfers to myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com or cash when you arrive

EXHIBIT OF PAINTINGS BY ALEXANDER MOTYL

December 9, 2024 - February 28, 2025
Open 10:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday

Alexander Motyl is a painter, writer, and professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark and author of 11 novels, two collections of poetry, and eight academic books.

His artwork has been shown in several large cities in the U.S.A. and Canada and is part of the permanent collection of the Ukrainian Museum, New York, U.S.A. and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Winnipeg.

Find out more at www.ucrdc.org

This winter, we are excited to showcase Koliada: Ukrainian Winter Festive Art from the SVI Collection, a celebration of Ukrainian culture through art. The SVI art collection has grown over six decades, collected as gifts from the artists, donations, and purchases, and now features a range of paintings, prints, and sculptures that reflect Ukrainian life, traditions, and the natural world.

This special exhibit highlights the festive spirit of Ukrainian winter traditions, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Yaroslawa Surmach and Vladimir Strelnikov, alongside traditional crafts that embody the warmth, beauty, and joy of the season.

Koliada invites you to experience the enduring legacy of Ukrainian festive traditions through the lens of visual art.

SAVE THE DATE

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, a time to support causes that make a difference in our communities. On Tuesday, December 3, SVI invites you to an initiative celebrating the richness of Ukrainian culture and heritage.

Join Our Ukrainian Literature Book Club!

Date & Time: November 29th, 2024 @ 6:30pm
Book: “The Night Before Christmas” by Mykola Gogol

Language: English (if you are interested in a Ukrainian-language meeting - it will take place on November 8, 2024)

Email SVIbookclub@gmail.com to register

Welcome to the Ukrainian Literature Book Club, co-presented by the St. Volodymyr Institute and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch! Whether you're a literature enthusiast, or simply curious about Ukrainian culture, this club offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich literary heritage of Ukraine.

During our meetings, we will engage in stimulating discussions, deepen our understanding of Ukrainian culture and history, and connect with fellow literature lovers. The meetings will also include a mini-lecture on the historical context of the book and will be surrounded by artifacts from the Ukrainian Museum of Canada Ontario Branch which will bring these stories to life and make for a truly enriching experience.

The theme for this meeting will be Ukrainian culture and more specifically the intertwined pagan and Christian traditions of Christmas. In Mykola Gogol’s “The Night Before Christmas”, Gogol intricately describes Ukrainian customs of Christmas which survived even during the repression of such traditions from the Russian Empire. Our Ukrainian language meeting will be held on Friday, November 8th at 6:30 pm at the St. Volodymyr Institute. The first English language meeting will be on Friday, November 29th at 6:30 pm.

If you're interested in attending, please respond to SVIbookclub@gmail.com. Be sure to indicate your preferred language for the discussion (English or Ukrainian) and the date/dates you will be attending. Due to space limitations, attendance is capped, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis for each meeting. So, don’t delay in securing your place! Meetings in each language will be bi-monthly. Please come to the meeting having read the books!

We hope you'll join us for this exciting new venture into the world of Ukrainian literature.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Holodomor Memorial Day or Holodomor Remembrance Day (Ukrainian: День пам'яті жертв голодоморів, romanized: Den pamiati zhertv holodomoriv, lit. 'Day of memory for victims of the holodomors') is an annual commemoration of the victims of the Holodomor, the 1932–33 man-made famine that killed millions in Ukraine, falling on the fourth Saturday of November. The day is also an official annual commemoration in Canada.

Last Day of the exhibit: Blue-Yellow Series Gutsulyak.Studio

The Blue-Yellow Series of posters explores Ukrainian identity through individual interpretations of state symbols, particularly the flag. Since the beginning of the war, many Ukrainians worldwide have subconsciously started noticing any possible combinations of blue and yellow in everyday life. The colors are perceived as a sign of support, togetherness, and hope. They are gaining new meanings and giving people strength to resist. The poster series delves into the search for a new Ukraine and the Ukrainians' place in the modern world. "When no colors are left, the Ukrainian flag is still waving" is the project's central message. The posters represent the flag colors in various ways: as wavelengths of blue and yellow light, as chemical formulas of the most common pigments like Prussian blue and Cadmium yellow, as wildflowers like periwinkle and dandelion, as gestures of sign language, as icons for colorblind people, and as formulas for process printing or digital devices.

Find out more

Запрошуємо вас на вкрай важливу та актуальну подію – «1000 днів війни: обговорення боротьби України за свободу та справедливість». Це значуща нагода почути думки провідних експертів в галузях політології, культурології, журналістики та історії. Братимуть участь у розмові Лукан Вей, Тарас Кознарський, Марта Дичок та Марсі Шор. Модератором буде професор Роберт Роберт Остін.

Хочете краще зрозуміти виклики, з якими стикається Україна та дізнатися, як ми можемо підтримати її в щоденній та дуже важкій боротьбі? Тоді приєднуйтесь! Не забудьте підготувати запитання, які вас цікавлять, та приготуйтеся бути активними в обговоренні цих важливих питань.

Захід організовано Українським студентським клубом Університету Торонто за підтримкою центру європейських та євроазійських студій (CEES) і програмою для вивчення України ім. Петра Яцика (PJP).

P.S. Буде кава і солодке!

Highlights include:

• Ukrainian crafts, gifts, and wearables

• Books from the St. Volodymyr Institute Library

• Ukrainian Vybiyka clothing, bags, and more

• Children's gifts

• Ukrainian cookbooks

• Kitchen Corner with specialty items

• Beautiful Christmas ornaments

• Jewellery designed by Ukrainian Canadian artists

• Christmas cards and CDs

• Baba's Treasures featuring traditional ceramics, wood carvings, and embroidery

• Vintage books and artwork

• Museum and art exhibitions

• Craft workshops and activities

• Pavuk installation

You can also enjoy refreshments and activities at the SVI Vinyl Cafe!

Pavuky drop-in workshops from 12 PM–3PM

Saturday, November 16
10AM to 5 PM
Sunday, November 17
12 PM to 5 PM

620 Spadina Avenue
(Harbord and Spadina)

Join us at the Holiday Market, presented by The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, and St. Volodymyr Institute, for a festive day filled with unique Ukrainian crafts, gifts, and cultural experiences. Celebrate the season with art, community, and so much more!

Highlights include:

• Ukrainian crafts, gifts, and wearables

• Books from the St. Volodymyr Institute Library

• Ukrainian Vybiyka clothing, bags, and more

• Children's gifts

• Ukrainian cookbooks

• Kitchen Corner with specialty items

• Beautiful Christmas ornaments

• Jewellery designed by Ukrainian Canadian artists

• Christmas cards and CDs

• Baba's Treasures featuring traditional ceramics, wood carvings, and embroidery

• Vintage books and artwork

• Museum and art exhibitions

• Craft workshops and activities

• Pavuk installation

You can also enjoy refreshments and activities at the SVI Vinyl Cafe!

Pavuky drop-in workshops from 12 PM–3PM

Have you started a Ukrainian textile project, like a sorochka or a rushnyk, but need more guidance to bring it to life? Or are you already familiar with textile work and eager to start something new? Join the Ukrainian Textile Club, presented by Myroslava Boikiv, St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI), and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch. This club offers a hands-on, supportive environment where you can work on your traditional textile projects using authentic techniques. With Myroslava’s mentorship, you'll deepen your skills in sewing, embroidery, and weaving while connecting with others who share a passion for Ukrainian textile arts. Future workshops may also be introduced to welcome more members into our club.

Please note that the club's language will primarily be Ukrainian.

Our first meeting will take place on Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 PM at SVI - 620 Spadina Avenue. Myroslava Boikiv will present some of her work and share her background in Ukrainian textiles. This informal gathering will introduce the Ukrainian Textile Club and allow us to discuss each member's experience with textile work. The club aims to help participants gain confidence in traditional Ukrainian textile crafting while understanding the intentional techniques used by our ancestors. We’ll assess the needs of the group to tailor future sessions to your projects and interests.

The club will continue to meet every second Wednesday, providing ongoing support for your textile projects.

To attend, please RSVP by emailing Myroslava at myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com

Myroslava Boikiv, a Ukrainian textile and watercolour artist based in Toronto, draws deeply from her upbringing in Kovalivka, a village nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Inspired by the rich rural and traditional Ukrainian culture of her youth, she now navigates the urban landscape of Toronto while maintaining a profound connection to her roots. Despite challenges imposed by the Soviet system's suppression of language, history, and culture, Myroslava's art serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of Ukrainian identity.

With a background as an art restorer at the National Museum of Hutsulshchyna & Pokuttia Folk Art and as the curator of the Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia, she brings a wealth of experience in preserving and promoting Ukrainian folk art. Her artworks have been displayed in galleries and museums across Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and Canada, with pieces in private collections worldwide.

Suggested payment: $30 per session
Register by emailing:myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com
E-transfers to myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com or cash when you arrive

This is a TWO DAY workshop.
Participants must attend both days.

This workshop is an introduction to the very ancient, simple yet endlessly variable art of tapestry weaving on a frame loom. You will learn to wind a simple warp on a frame and do pick up weaving with wool to create a small tapestry sample incorporating traditional Ukrainian designs. You will be introduced to the foundational concepts and terms used in weaving, as well as common patterns.

Weaving and textile making is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Come learn this timeless beautiful practice, and connect with Ukrainian heritage and humankind’s shared heritage. Feel the mystery and joy through the work of your hands.

All materials included for the session. No experience necessary. Participants must attend both days. (Nov. 9 - 10:00am - 4:00pm and Nov. 10 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm) Limit 8 participants.

Instructor Bozena Hrycyna loves to be with textiles! She loves embroidery, loom weaving, traditional clothing making & experimentation, growing and weaving straw, and making folk art with others!

This workshop is part of the Repurposed exhibition ancillary programming generously supported by SUS Foundation of Canada, Shevchenko Foundation, Kalimin Foundation, Wally Wyshniowsky and St. Volodymyr Institute

This is a TWO DAY workshop.
Participants must attend both days.

This workshop is an introduction to the very ancient, simple yet endlessly variable art of tapestry weaving on a frame loom. You will learn to wind a simple warp on a frame and do pick up weaving with wool to create a small tapestry sample incorporating traditional Ukrainian designs. You will be introduced to the foundational concepts and terms used in weaving, as well as common patterns.

Weaving and textile making is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Come learn this timeless beautiful practice, and connect with Ukrainian heritage and humankind’s shared heritage. Feel the mystery and joy through the work of your hands.

All materials included for the session. No experience necessary. Participants must attend both days. (Nov. 9 - 10:00am - 4:00pm and Nov. 10 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm) Limit 8 participants.

Instructor Bozena Hrycyna loves to be with textiles! She loves embroidery, loom weaving, traditional clothing making & experimentation, growing and weaving straw, and making folk art with others!

This workshop is part of the Repurposed exhibition ancillary programming generously supported by SUS Foundation of Canada, Shevchenko Foundation, Kalimin Foundation, Wally Wyshniowsky and St. Volodymyr Institute

Приєднуйтесь до нашого Клубу української літератури!

День та час: 8 листопада, 2024 о 18:30
Книга: “Ніч Перед Різдвом” Миколи Гоголя

Мова: українська (якщо вас цікавить англомовна зустріч - вона відбудеться 29 листопада, 2024)

Напишіть на SVIbookclub@gmail.com, щоб зареєструватися.

Ласкаво просимо до Клубу української літератури, організованого спільно Інститутом святого Володимира та Музеєм України в Канаді, відділення Онтаріо. Незалежно від того, чи ви поціновувач літератури, чи просто цікавитесь українською культурою, цей клуб пропонує унікальну можливість дослідити багату літературну спадщину України.

Під час наших зустрічей ми будемо брати участь у захопливих обговореннях, глибше розуміти українську культуру та історію, а також спілкуватися з іншими любителями літератури. Зустрічі включатимуть міні-лекцію про історичний контекст книги, а також будуть доповнені артефактами з Музею України в Канаді, відділення Онтаріо, які спробують оживити ці історії.

Темою цієї зустрічі буде українська культура, а точніше переплетення язичницьких і християнських традицій Різдва. У творі Миколи Гоголя «Ніч перед Різдвом» Гоголь складно описує українські звичаї Різдва, які збереглися навіть під час репресій подібних традицій Російською імперією. Наша перша зустріч українською мовою відбудеться в пʼятницю, 8-ого листопада о 18:30 в Інституті Святого Володимира. Перша англомовна зустріч відбудеться у пʼятницю, 29 листопада о 18:30.

Якщо ви хочете взяти участь, будь ласка, відповідайте на SVIbookclub@gmail.com. Обов'язково вкажіть якою мовою ви бажаєте оговорювати твори, англійською чи українською, і дату/дати, які ви відвідаєте. Через обмежену кількість місць, місця будуть заповнені за принципом "перший прийшов - перший отримав" для кожної зустрічі. Тож не відкладайте, щоб забезпечити собі місце! Зустрічі кожною мовою проводитимуться через місяць. Будь ласка, приходьте на зустріч прочитавши книжки!

Ми сподіваємося, що ви приєднаєтесь до нас у цій захоплюючій подорожі в світ української літератури.

Ми з нетерпінням чекаємо на вас!

This is a TWO DAY workshop.
Participants must attend both days.

TThis workshop is an introduction to the art of warp-faced weaving using a rigid heddle back-strapped loom. We will be making traditional wool belts (known as “kraiky” in Ukrainian). You will learn to wind a simple warp and thread it through a wooden heddle, and to weave with it tied to your back. You will be introduced to the foundational concepts and terms used in weaving, as well as basic patterns. Hopefully you will leave with a brand new belt woven by you around your waist!

Weaving and textile making is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Come learn this timeless beautiful practice, and connect with Ukrainian and humankind’s shared heritage. Feel the mystery and joy through the work of your hands.

This is a TWO-DAY Workshop. (Nov. 6 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Nov. 7 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm) Participants must attend both days.
All materials included for the session. No experience necessary. Limit 6 participants.

Instructor Bozena Hrycyna loves to be with textiles! She loves embroidery, loom weaving, clothing making & experimentation, growing and weaving straw & most handwork!

This workshop is part of the Repurposed exhibition ancillary programming generously supported by SUS Foundation of Canada, Shevchenko Foundation, Kalimin Foundation, Wally Wyshniowsky and St. Volodymyr Institute

This is a TWO DAY workshop.
Participants must attend both days.

TThis workshop is an introduction to the art of warp-faced weaving using a rigid heddle back-strapped loom. We will be making traditional wool belts (known as “kraiky” in Ukrainian). You will learn to wind a simple warp and thread it through a wooden heddle, and to weave with it tied to your back. You will be introduced to the foundational concepts and terms used in weaving, as well as basic patterns. Hopefully you will leave with a brand new belt woven by you around your waist!

Weaving and textile making is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Come learn this timeless beautiful practice, and connect with Ukrainian and humankind’s shared heritage. Feel the mystery and joy through the work of your hands.

This is a TWO-DAY Workshop. (Nov. 6 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Nov. 7 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm) Participants must attend both days.
All materials included for the session. No experience necessary. Limit 6 participants.

Instructor Bozena Hrycyna loves to be with textiles! She loves embroidery, loom weaving, clothing making & experimentation, growing and weaving straw & most handwork!

This workshop is part of the Repurposed exhibition ancillary programming generously supported by SUS Foundation of Canada, Shevchenko Foundation, Kalimin Foundation, Wally Wyshniowsky and St. Volodymyr Institute

HREC is pleased to announce that Alex de Waal will deliver this year's Toronto Annual Ukrainian Famine Lecture. The event will take place Monday, November 4 at the Campbell Conference Facility, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.

Professor de Waal is an internationally renowned expert on famine and author of Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine. His lecture is titled "'A million deaths is a statistic': A history of famine denialism."

The lecture will be in person and online.

This captivating crime drama recently received 13 nominations and five awards, including Best Feature Film at the Torino Film Festival. The film centres around two friends, a police detective and a forensic psychiatrist, as they investigate a colleague’s murder in 1996 Ukraine. Not only a gripping story, it is a commentary on Ukraine’s first years of independence, the post-Soviet continuum, and its transition into the present. *Notes: English subtitles, Russian and Ukrainian languages spoken, some raw and violent scenes.

In light of the upheaval that surrounded “Russians at War” being screened at tiff, we have decided to host a re-screening of La Palisiada, an award-winning Ukrainian film that was shown at this year’s Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival.

La Palisada is a very powerful, dark and beautifully made film that is headed to this year’s Oscars! It touches on the topic of propaganda and how it veils itself.

Moderator: Natalie Semotiuk

Natalie Semotiuk is a seasoned Ukrainian-Canadian filmmaker from Toronto with over 15 years in film and theatre. She studied at the New York Film Academy, University of Southern California (BA, 20th Century History), and York University (MFA in Theatre). As a producer for TIFF's Rising Stars Programme (2017-2019), she helped spotlight talent like Devery Jacobs, Shamier Anderson, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley. Natalie’s diverse roles include jurying for the JUNO Awards (2019) Comedy Album of the Year, co-writing and starring in Heartbeat and Other Ways to Say I Love You which premiered at the 2015 Toronto Fringe Festival, and casting and production roles on acclaimed shorts, feature films, and TV. She founded her production company Courageous Heart Productions in 2018. Her projects range from directing The Profiles Project with CreativesDB and directing and starring in the comedy short film Over the Mün in 2024. Currently, Natalie is directing her first feature, a documentary on Solomea Krushelnytska, and creating content for the independent production company and streaming platform HighballTV, all while continuing to push creative boundaries in the arts.

Panelist: Anatoliy Gruzd

Anatoliy Gruzd is a Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management and the Director of Research at the Social Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. As a computational social science researcher, he investigates how social media transforms how people and organizations communicate, collaborate, and share information and misinformation. His expertise lies in studying online communities and social networks and in developing new computational methods and tools to analyze public discourse across various domains. Most recently, he has been examining the spread of pro-Kremlin narratives, propaganda and disinformation related to the Russia-Ukraine war. Anatoliy's innovative approach to studying social media has led him to be named a Canada Research Chair in 2015 and inducted into the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists in 2017.

Panelist: Sana Shahmuradova

Born in 1996 in Odesa, Ukraine, Sana Shakhmuradova spent her formative years in the village in Podillia. Following her family's immigration to Toronto, Canada in 2013, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University in 2020.

Drawn back to her roots, Sana returned to Kyiv to pursue her artistic practice, where her work explores intergenerational trauma through the lens of dreams and memory, particularly in response to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Her distinctive multimedia approach brings raw emotional depth to portrayals of resilience and cultural identity.

In 2023, she expanded her creative repertoire with her acting debut as Aisel Sabitova in Philip Sotnichenko's acclaimed post-Soviet noir film "La Palisiada." Sana currently lives and works in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Join Our Ukrainian Literature Book Club!

Date & Time: October 30th, 2024 @ 6:30pm

Books: a poem "The Princess" by Taras Shevchenko and a short story "The Kozak Girl" by Marko Vovchok (Maria Vilins’ka).

Language: English

Email SVIbookclub@gmail.com to register

We are excited to announce the launch of the Ukrainian Literature Book Club, co-presented by the St. Volodymyr Institute and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch. Whether you're a literature enthusiast, or simply curious about Ukrainian culture, this club offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich literary heritage of Ukraine.

During our meetings, we will engage in stimulating discussions, deepen our understanding of Ukrainian culture and history, and connect with fellow literature lovers. The meetings will also include a mini-lecture on the historical context of the book and will be surrounded by artifacts from the Ukrainian Museum of Canada Ontario Branch which will bring these stories to life and make for a truly enriching experience.

The theme for our first meeting will be freedom and, in particular, through female characters. We will discuss two classic works of Ukrainian literature: a poem "The Princess" by Taras Shevchenko and a short story "The Kozak Girl" by Marko Vovchok (Maria Vilins’ka). Written just 10 years apart by two people that were friends, these works showcase different interpretations and understanding of what is freedom and why it is important, acknowledging its undeniable significance. Our first meeting Ukrainian language meeting will be held on Friday, September 27th at 6:30 pm at the St. Volodymyr Institute. The first English language meeting will be on Wednesday, October 30th at 6:30 pm.

If you're interested in attending, please respond to SVIbookclub@gmail.com. Be sure to indicate your preferred language for the discussion (English or Ukrainian) and the date/dates you will be attending. Due to space limitations, attendance is capped, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis for each meeting. So, don’t delay in securing your place! Meetings in each language will be bi-monthly (i.e. Book 1 - September in Ukrainian, October in English). Please come to the meeting having read the books!

We hope you'll join us for this exciting new venture into the world of Ukrainian literature. We look forward to seeing you there!