I, CULTURE Crafts in Kiev. Photo by Studio Panato
On Sunday evening, the 4th of September, 2011, Kiev hosted the I, CULTURE Contemporary Craft Workshop in the city's historic Sophia Square
The day-long event was open to the public, beginning at noon and culminating with the creation of the letter "I" of the I, CULTURE quilt, using traditional Ukrainian textiles. Volunteers and guests worked together to create custom clothing, accessories, jewelry and toys to music spun by DJ Strukturator.
I, CULTURE is a project that ties together all the tenets of the cultural programme of the Polish Presidency. Over the 6-month term of the Polish Presidency, participants in 12 cities come together, creating each individual piece of a global patchwork puzzle. The project is guided by Polish artist and designer Monika Jakubiak, and carried out by volunteer participants from the city. The result of this extensive project will be an eclectic arrangement of 12 squares spelling out the "I, CULTURE" logo . The project was launched in Warsaw in May, and has travelled to London, Paris, and Madrid. Apart from Kiev, lined-up to host I, CULTURE crafts admirers are Brussels, Berlin, Moscow, Minsk, Beijing and Tokyo.
In Kiev, sewing was accompanied by an extensive programme of additional workshops. In addition to teaching sewing, residents of Kiev were invited to take part in discussions about the condition and role of craft in the contemporary world. I, CULTURE project leader Monika Jakubiak also invited local artisans - bookbinders, potters, tailors, and carpenters to present participants with a glimpse at the valuable legacy of craftsmanship. With practical knowledge of crafts and theoretical reflection on it, the I, CULTURE initiative has become a platform for exchange of knowledge and space to set up a community of people who adhere to the values underlying ethos of craftsmanship: knowledge acquired as a result of a generational transfer of a skill, together with passion, a respect for materials and labour, experience and attention to quality.
That weekend, Sophia Square also hosted two performances of Teatr Biuro Podróży's "Planet Lem" - a fascinating, multimedia production inspired by the futuristic writings of Stanisław Lem. See more on Planet Lem in Kiev.
Kiev's Sophia Square is located in front of St. Sophia's Orthodox cathedral, often referred to as the "mother of Orthodox churches". Two monuments - a statue decidated to Bohdan Khmielnicky and the tomb of the Patriarch of Ukraine and Russia, Volodimyr - are situated in the square.
Sophia Square hosts both political and cultural events. In the beginning of the 20th century, the Central Council of Ukraine (the national parliament at the time) announced its Universals here, and in 1991 it was also the place where the state of Ukraine officially proclaimed its independence.
Date: 4th of September, 2011
Venue: Sophia Square, Kiev
Organised by: Adam Mickiewicz Institute
I, CULTURE is a Flagship Project of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. For more information, see: I, CULTURE.
Source: Adam Mickiewicz Institute