Cultural Awards in Odesa: Honoring Creative Figures

During the City Day celebrations, Odesa's mayor Gennady Trukhanov presented awards to notable figures in culture and art based on the year's results.

"In times of war, culture not only serves as a source of inspiration but also as an unbreakable force that unites us. The ideas and emotions you convey through your creativity support our citizens, heal wounds, and provide hope for a better tomorrow. You are laying the foundation for the restoration and future development of our country," said Gennady Trukhanov.

Supporting artists during this time is incredibly important. Their talent and creativity not only aid in restoring national pride but also help the economy.

Every project, exhibition, or concert is an opportunity for all of us to feel unity, to affirm that we are together in the fight for peace and prosperity.

The "Cultural Capital" award recipients include:

- Iryna Biriukova, General Director of the Odesa National Scientific Library;

- Dmytro Velychko, Dean of the Faculty at the South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University;

- Volodymyr Vrublevskyi, conductor of the "VLASNE. Ukrainian Project";

- Stas Zhalobniuk, one of Odesa's most prominent artists, and Oleksandr Samusenko, the chief director of the Odesa Academic Ukrainian Musical Drama Theater;

- Tetyana Ivanova, actress and volunteer;

- Semen Kantor, art critic;

- Pavlo Kozlenko, a distinguished cultural worker and public figure;

- Mykhailo Reva, esteemed artist and sculptor;

- Esfir Serpionova, artist and expert in Ukrainian decorative arts.