14 December 2005 16:56

Folk Traditions Support Program

Folk traditions, rites, arts, crafts, and trades are among factors helping one realize oneself as a part of certain cultural environment and mentality. Ukrainian nation’s perpetual progress rests upon preserving its inimitable traits, distinguishing it from the European cultural space. Thus, it is extremely important to preserve and continue the unique folk arts and crafts, nourishing the nation’s soul from time immemorial.

To this end, the Ukraine 3000 Foundation launched a number of projects to support folk traditions.

In part, the Kyiv-based National Arts Museum of Ukraine hosted the Kolo: Ukraine in Fashion exhibition of traditional folk costume and modern fashion collections created on its basis, first event of such kind organized by our foundation. This idea proved well-timed: later similar actions were conducted by other art organizations and museums.

In 2004 the Foundation became co-organizer of the Dreamland International Ethnic Festival, the idea of which belongs to leader of the Vopli Vidopliasova rock group Oleh Skrypka.

The festival is held in the form of a musical folk performance, combining a fair and a festival. Its main events are night concerts at the Spivoche Pole (Kyiv) featuring specially invited groups. The day program presents authentic and folk ensembles. Children’s program is interactive and proposes various kinds of creative work: clay modeling, painting, appliqué, folk dances, singing children’s songs, playing musical instruments, etc.

In the framework of the fair-workshop masters with their own instruments (blacksmiths, woodcarvers, willow basket makers, embroiderers, weavers, old music instruments makers, etc.) work in the spectators’ presence, giving them an idea of how a unique work of human mind and fantasy is being born. Nearby the handicraft ware made by these masters is being sold.

The Dreamland Festival, in experts’ opinion, is one of the most brilliant cultural events of the year in Ukraine.