A 10-day Ukrainian festival, KobzART-2025, organized by the AFUCA (Franco-Ukrainian Association of the Côte d’Azur), has begun in Nice. Since 2017, it has been introducing the French public to the rich culture of Ukraine.
This year, the festival will be held under the slogan: “Light Always Wins!”, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
KobzART-2025 Ukrainian Art Festival Begins in Nice, France / Photo: Lyudmila Shevchenko
“Thanks to such regular art events, we strive to strengthen Ukraine’s voice around the world. We hold many events here, in the association. We want everyone – both Ukrainians and French – to remember that there is a large Ukrainian Center in Nice, and every spring a festival is held here, which serves as a bridge between Ukraine and France,” emphasized the AFUCA President, Iryna Bourdelles.
The opening was attended by the Secretary General of the Alpes-Maritimes department, Patrick Amoussou-Adèble, who emphasized that it is art that helps Ukrainians and French people get to know each other better. Municipal Councilor of Nice, Patrick Mottard, emphasized that amid war, the two peoples became much closer to each other.
“In such difficult times, there are still positive moments, namely, that the friendship between France and Ukraine has become stronger. An example of this friendship is this wonderful festival, the slogan of which is ‘Light Always Wins.’ I’d like to assure you that the light will prevail, dear Ukrainian friends,” he addressed the audience.
The festival opened with the exhibition ‘Origins’ by Daria Alioshka. The artist combines folk traditions with modern aesthetics, creating unique gigantic carvings. The exhibit includes 16 panels ranging in size from 250 to 350 cm, carved with a special knife using the traditional technique of folding paper in half.
“In times of crisis, it is important to preserve national identity, and my work helps to create a bridge across generations and cultures. At a time when Ukraine is fighting for its independence, culture is becoming one of the forms of resistance, and my art contributes to this struggle, showing the world the beauty and depth of Ukrainian culture,” Alioshka said.
In Nice, she will hold carving master classes for both children and adults.
At the opening, musician Hordiy Starukh performed traditional lyre songs, psalms, and folk melodies collected from different regions of Ukraine. Along with his brother, he makes wheel lyres— an ancient stringed bowed musical instrument where the wheel is used as a bow.
“Historically, it is believed that the wheel lyre reached its greatest popularity in France, from where, according to one version, the Cossacks brought it to Ukraine sometime in the 17th century. Since it became a companion of Ukraine’s folk musicians, kobzars, it slightly changed its sound compared to the French lyre. Although the French can’t understand what I’m singing about, they deeply feel my music,” says the musician. He is convinced it is important for artists to rely on the huge cultural layer that was passed down as a legacy from their ancestors.
In parallel, the “Living Rust” exhibition by Ukrainian artist Oleh Lytovchenko (Oleg LYT) opened in the association’s premises. For his works, the artist uses a special technique. For three weeks, he “marinades” various metal objects in water, thus exploring the transformation of rust: a symbol of destruction becomes a vivid artistic expression, illustrating resilience and the ability to be reborn.
Throughout May 15, the KobzART-2025 agenda includes several master classes, an immersive exhibition on Ukrainian mythology, film screenings, excursions, Ukrainian treats, and concerts. The festival will also host a conference “Ukrainian Schools in France.” It will wrap up with the traditional Vyshyvanka Day – a festive procession on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, a charity Easter Fair was held at Ukraine’s Cultural Center in France, with participation of Ukrainian-French associations and musicians. Various master classes were also held during the event.
