By Sofiia Tiapkina
The “i am u are” initiative, held in Los Angeles from December 1 to 3, 2023, brought the essence of Ukraine’s creativity to the world stage. This fair was not just an event for Ukrainian creators. It was a cultural phenomenon that blended Ukraine’s traditional crafts with a contemporary vision. The fair featured over 180 diverse Ukrainian businesses, ranging from high fashion designers to tech innovators, and all profits from ticket sales were directed to Nova Ukraine’s education projects.
A Shared Platform for Resilience and Creativity
At the heart of “i am u are” lies the spirit of modern Ukraine — a fusion of intelligence, youth, beauty, and innovation. Svitlana Bevza, Ukraine’s fashion legend, co-hosted the event and highlighted Ukraine’s resilience and vibrancy: “I want to show how powerful and creative Ukraine could be, that we are not a problem but a solution.” As the global perception of Ukraine is mostly centered on war, we must demonstrate the strength that transcends tragedy.
Nova Ukraine is dedicated to supporting Ukraine, and “i am u are” emerged as our natural partner. With a focus on cultural growth, social mobility, and building a strong nation, Nova Ukraine’s mission aligns perfectly with the goals of “i am u are.” This partnership was driven by a shared vision to promote Ukrainian culture on a global stage, aiming to deepen appreciation for Ukraine’s heritage and empower Ukrainian artists.
This collaboration between Nova Ukraine and “i am u are” aims to forge stronger connections among Ukrainian and American cultures and economies. It’s an avenue to advance cultural preservation, enhance diplomatic ties, and empower the Ukrainian creative economy. Ukrainian creators bring a unique blend of diversity, innovation, craftsmanship, and storytelling to the US and the global community.
Showcasing Ukrainian Talent
The “i am u are” initiative showcased a wide array of Ukrainian talent. We want to highlight some of the contributions, including Esper Bionics’ state-of-the-art robotic hand, Solo’s lab-grown diamonds, and signature ceramic interpretations of Molotov cocktails by Eye Sea Art. Svitlana Piskova’s mastery of straw weaving complemented Gunia Projects’ ethnographic pottery, Hutsul Authentica’s ornate candelabras, and Noom Home’s unique furniture. The event featured intricate crafts like old Carpathian aesthetics inspired rugs by Busny Rugs and Bevza’s minimalist accessories inspired by traditional Ukrainian motifs.
Through this showcase, Nova Ukraine and its partners have contributed to a new narrative around Ukraine — one of creativity, resilience, and hope. This initiative is a call to the world to recognize and support the vibrant spirit of Ukraine with its rich history, talent, and ambition.
Supporting Ukrainian Creativity through Nova Ukraine
We encourage you to join our mission of building a robust and flourishing nation with an empowered civil society. Your every action contributes to the growth and development of Ukraine’s creative economy.
How You Can Help
- Become a Donor or Sponsor: Provide financial support for a range of initiatives like humanitarian aid, delivering medical supplies, refugee support, and educational and cultural projects. Learn more.
- Participate in Fundraising Events: Attend or organize fundraising events and activities to raise awareness and funds for Nova Ukraine’s initiatives.
- Become our Partner: Join us in supporting Ukraine through specific projects like the donation of electronics for access to remote education, high-technical solutions for amputees in Ukraine, humanitarian demining, and many more.
- Spread the Word: Share Nova Ukraine’s mission and initiatives with your network. Raise awareness about their work and encourage others to get involved.
- Support Ukrainian Artists and Businesses: Purchase and promote products or services from Ukrainian artists and businesses, both in Ukraine and abroad. This provides direct support to the creative economy.
- Advocate for Ukrainian Culture: Advocate for the recognition and appreciation of Ukrainian culture in your local community and on a broader scale. As you share our culture, you tell a story of resilience, hope, and creativity.
Donate. Impact. Change.
We greatly value your support, and it is indeed crucial. Please consider donating monthly. Your consistent contributions are vital to sustaining our efforts and driving meaningful change over time. Your commitment will make a lasting difference, and we sincerely appreciate your consideration.
