Another symbolic Ukrainian landmark has appeared on the map of France: a Lesya Ukrainka Square has been officially inaugurated in Grenoble. The square will become a meeting place for the Ukrainian community and a venue for cultural events, as well as a reminder of France’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and of shared values of freedom, dignity and resilience. The Embassy of Ukraine in France reported this on its Facebook page.
The event took place as part of broader cooperation between Ukraine and France. In particular, the two sides signed declarations of cooperation between the cities of Grenoble and Chernivtsi. The document confirms the parties’ intention to develop a partnership and implement joint initiatives. The declaration was signed by Grenoble Mayor Éric Piolle, Deputy Mayor of Chernivtsi Yevhen Makhovnik, and Counsellor-Envoy of the Embassy of Ukraine in France Kostyantyn Ablazov. Participants emphasised that this partnership should be filled with concrete projects within the framework of the #MistoMatch initiative.
Another major highlight was the launch of the Ukrainian Culture Season Éclosions d’Ukraine (Blooming of Ukraine) in the city. Organised by the Ukraine–Grenoble–Isère association in partnership with the City of Grenoble, the programme will run until the end of March at the Grenoble International House and other venues, featuring exhibitions, film screenings, artistic events and discussions. Participants and highlights include a photography exhibition by Yuriy Bilyak, traditional vytynanky paper cuttings by Daria Alioshkina, public talks with writer Andriy Kurkov, as well as works by students of the Argouges lycée—posters and drawings created using the Samchykivka painting technique.
The Ukrainian Culture Season in Grenoble is being held as part of the nationwide French initiative Voyage en Ukraine.