In Paris, the Ukraine Season in France is running until the end of March 2026 under the title Journey to Ukraine. This initiative, led by the French Institute and the Ukrainian Institute, is supported by the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs of both countries. Exhibitions, performances, cinema screenings, literature, and digital art make up the program dedicated to showcasing contemporary Ukrainian culture.
Amidst the chaos of war, as Europe searches for stability, this programming emerges as a cultural response to the fractures of the present. Exhibitions, concerts, screenings, debates and artist residencies will take over iconic Parisian venues, embodying a clear intention to make culture a tool for understanding, resilience, and dialogue. "Providing a bright testimony to the indomitable spirit of Ukraine and the strength of its culture," summarizes Volodymyr Sheiko, director of the Ukrainian Institute. It’s a compelling starting point — setting the tone for a journey that is as emotionally charged as it is politically meaningful.
Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions intensified by the war in Ukraine, culture emerges as both a space of resistance and a means of mutual understanding. The Season of Ukraine in France builds on a history of Franco-Ukrainian collaborations, such as the French Spring in Ukraine festival and participation in various European film festivals. In Paris, this season showcases a vibrant and diverse Ukrainian artistic scene, blending heritage with contemporary creation through events hosted across key cultural venues. Its aim is to offer a heartfelt perspective on the ongoing cultural shifts, while raising fundamental questions: What can art offer in turbulent times? What voices can culture help amplify?
Several major events mark this season in the capital. Theatre, cinema, literature, music, digital arts, and think tank debates weave together a vibrant cultural itinerary accessible to everyone: the curious, contemporary art enthusiasts, loyal spectators, or casual strollers eager for discoveries. Venues like the Théâtre de la Ville – Sarah Bernhardt, the French Cinematheque, the Palais de Tokyo, the Forum des Images, and the Gaîté Lyrique host part of this programming. All of it is driven by a guiding motto: "Culture strikes back!", a slogan that energizes creative efforts over the course of these four months.
By juxtaposing Ukrainian artistic narratives with current European issues, the Season fosters a space for collective reflection. It also invites audiences to explore a different perspective of Ukraine — beyond the war and media portrayals. Subtly, there’s a broader aim: encouraging dialogue, building lasting connections, and reimagining the role of culture in societies facing tensions.
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