On June 6, Vienna will become an important platform for cultural diplomacy, bringing together children from Ukraine and the diaspora to showcase Ukrainian culture through the International Children’s Art Competition “Following the Paths of Ivan Marchuk.”
The Ukrainian Saturday School in Vienna will host the official award ceremony, uniting young artists from various countries around the work of one of the most prominent contemporary Ukrainian artists.
The competition is dedicated to the art of Ivan Marchuk — a world-renowned Ukrainian painter and creator of the unique “plyontanism” style. Traditionally, the artist himself serves as the head of the jury and will present the awards. The jury also includes prominent Ukrainian and Austrian artists, academics, and cultural figures.
This year, participants were invited to create an artistic vision of the theme “Eternity Woven with Dreams.” More than 500 children from Ukraine and other countries submitted works inspired by Ivan Marchuk’s art, reimagining it through their own ideas.
The competition supports children’s creativity, promotes Ukrainian art, and strengthens the connection between the younger generation and Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
“In the context of the full-scale invasion, such initiatives take on special significance, helping children preserve their cultural identity and find a space for creative self-expression,” notes Viktoriia Kettner, head of the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center, the founder and organizer of the Ukrainian Saturday School.
This year, submissions were received from over 150 institutions across ten countries, testifying to the competition’s international recognition and the growing interest in Ukrainian culture. A striking example is last year’s victory of Polish participant Milena Sacevicz in the 9–11 age category.
The event will be a celebration of children’s creativity and a vital platform for promoting Ukrainian culture in Europe and supporting cultural ties between Ukraine and the global Ukrainian community.
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Author: Anna Puttermann
Photo: Canva