Kultura 2026: Kultura Moderna | Full course

Course description:

This eight-week course explores the vibrant and diverse culture of Ukrainian modernism through art, design, literature, music, architecture, and dance. Focusing on the late nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries, it examines how Ukrainian artists and cultural practitioners engaged with modernity while drawing on local traditions and transnational influences. Against the backdrop of rapid social and political change—from the final decades of the Russian and Habsburg empires through revolution, independence, and the formation of Soviet Ukraine—the course considers the complex historical circumstances in which new forms of artistic and cultural expression emerged.

Course objectives:

- Introduce key developments in Ukrainian modernist culture and the historical context that engendered them.

- Explore the diverse, multi-ethnic, and transnational dimensions of Ukrainian modernism across multiple fields, while challenging imperial narratives and reductive understandings of Ukrainian culture.

- Examine how artists and cultural practitioners responded to questions of modernity, identity, tradition, and political transformation, and reflect on the enduring significance of these histories today.

Format and resources:

- A live online lecture.

- A moderated Q&A with the lecturer.

- All sessions recorded for on-demand access.

- Curated handbook of resources (book chapters, articles, podcasts, etc.) in English.

- Optional discussion forum available only for students who have enrolled in the full course.

- Digital certificate of completion.

Dates:

8 weeks: 28 October – 16 December 2026
18:30 – 20:00 (London Time)

The course will be held via Zoom and conducted in English.

Course structure:

Week 1 – Ukrainian Modernism. Context | Wed 28 October 18:30 - 20:00 GMT

The seminar reflects on socio-political transformations, cultural identity, empires and statehood.

Week 2 – Ukrainian Modernism in the Making. Olha Kobylianska and Lesia Ukrainka | Wed 4 November 18:30 - 20:00 GMT

The seminar examines modernist literature and feminism.

Week 3 – Ukrainian Artistic Modernism. Between the East and the West | Wed 11 November 18:30 - 20:00 GMT

This seminar explores visual arts, cubism, and futurism.

Week 4 – Architectural Modernism in Early Soviet Kharkiv | Wed 18 November 18:30 - 20:00 GMT

The seminar explores architecture and urban planning.

Week 5 – Modernist Theatre | Wed 25 November 18:30 - 20:00 GMT

The seminar focuses on theatre and scenography.


Week 6 – Printing Modernity. Graphic Design and Book Art | Wed 2 December 18:30 – 20:00 GMT

The seminar will explore publishing and graphic design.

Week 7 – Modernism and Ukrainian Dance | Wed 9 December 18:30 - 20:00 GMT

This seminar examines ballet, choreography and folk dance.

Week 8 – Musical Modernism in Ukraine. Between Inheritance and Innovation | Wed 16 December 18:30 - 20:00 GMT

The seminar examines music, folk song and modernist musical composition.

Course co-curators: Constance Uzwyshyn and Katia Denysova

Course coordinator: Olga Sydorushkina, Ukrainian Institute London, [email protected].

Fees

Early bird discount available until 19 October!

Full course: £260 general (£180 student) — includes a Certificate of Completion and full course materials.

Full course (early bird): £240 general (£170 student) — includes a Certificate of Completion and full course materials.

One seminar: £35 general (£25 student) — includes course materials and video recording for the seminar attended.

Friends and Benefactors of the Institute are also eligible for a discount. Please check your emails for the checkout code.
Full course: £236 general (£162 student).
One seminar: £31.50 general (£22.50 student).

How to enrol

You can join the Kultura Moderna course by booking your place for the full course or individual seminars via the links below.
Should you have any queries, please email us at [email protected]. We will aim to respond within five working days.

Individual seminars

28 October  Ukrainian Modernism. Context

4 November Ukrainian Modernism in the Making. Olha Kobylianska and Lesia Ukrainka

11 November Ukrainian Artistic Modernism. Between the East and the West

18 November Architectural Modernism in Early Soviet Kharkiv

25 November Modernist Theatre

2 December Printing Modernity. Graphic Design and Book Art

9 December Modernism and Ukrainian Dance

16 December Musical Modernism in Ukraine. Between Inheritance and Innovation