STRATEGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN CULTURE: TRANSFORMATION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL FIELD AMIDST WAR

Abstract

This article analyzes the transformation of the institutional field of Ukrainian culture through the lens of two key strategic documents: the “Long-Term Strategy for the Development of Culture in Ukraine until 2025” and the “Strategy for the Development of Culture in Ukraine for 2025–2030” The relevance of the research stems from the unprecedented challenges faced by the Ukrainian cultural sector amidst Russia’s full-scale aggression aimed at destroying Ukrainian identity. It is emphasized that since 2022, Ukrainian cultural institutions have demonstrated exceptional resilience and agency, effectively resisting pressure and acting as a crucial factor in societal resilience, largely due to the development of the institutional field in previous years. The core problem addressed is the comparative analysis of these strategies’ impact on the institutional field, juxtaposing declared mechanisms with real societal processes and changes, which is critical for enhancing the effectiveness of cultural policy implementation and adjustment during a protracted war. The purpose of the study is to investigate the specifics of the transformation of Ukraine’s institutional field since 2015, to trace the influence of the “Long-Term Strategy for the Development of Culture in Ukraine until 2025” on shaping the architecture of Ukraine’s cultural institutional system, and to evaluate the potential effects of the “Strategy for the Development of Culture in Ukraine for 2025–2030” on future changes. To achieve this goal, a comparative method was employed, alongside historical, sociocultural, and contextual analysis methods. Additionally, axiological, historical-cultural, communicative, teleological, and systemic approaches were applied for a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the strategic documents. The research findings indicate that the “Long- Term Strategy for the Development of Culture in Ukraine until 2025” despite its unofficial status and altered approval format, significantly defined the architecture of Ukraine’s institutional cultural field. It stimulated the introduction of competitive procedures, the state grant system, the establishment of influential state institutions (Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, Ukrainian Book Institute, Ukrainian Institute), and fostered the structuring and strengthening of civil society’s capacities. These changes ensured the resilience of the cultural system at the onset of the full-scale invasion and facilitated effective coordination and cooperation between state and non-state institutions. The new “Strategy for the Development of Culture in Ukraine for 2025–2030”, adopted in 2025, accounts for wartime challenges, viewing culture as the foundation of national security. It continues the logic of institutional development within the state sector and provides resource support for non-state institutions through grant reforms and the establishment of new structures (Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund, network museum of contemporary art). It is concluded that the development process of both documents attested to democratic traditions, civil society strength, the vital role of institutions of various forms of ownership, and the constructive impact of Ukraine’s Euro-integration aspirations. The continued implementation of elements of participatory governance and horizontal cooperation between state and non-state sectors is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of culture in Ukraine, confirming that institutions serve as the primary agents of development, societal resilience, and adherence to democratic principles and values.