The War from the Rearward Side: How Ukrainian culture aids Ukraine’s defence in wartime
6 October 2024
Edmonton
Tuesday 15 October 2024
6:30–8:30 p.m.
University of Alberta, Telus Centre Room 150
87 Ave & 111 St
Calgary
Thursday 17 October 2024
6:30–8:30 p.m.
University of Alberta Calgary Centre Room 111
333 5 Ave SW
Amid the horrors of a full-scale invasion, within the country Ukrainian culture is increasingly perceived to have undergone a remarkable renaissance. New bookstores are opening, theatres are drawing crowds, and art exhibitions are breaking attendance records. In his presentation Andriy Lyubka will discuss how, after Russia’s escalated invasion, Ukrainian culture became a vital component of the country’s defense strategy. Beyond strengthening national identity and boosting morale, it also provides practical support, aiding the Armed Forces of Ukraine both financially and materially. The writer will present his nonfiction Ukrainian-language book Viina z tyl'noho boku (The war from the rearward side) and describe his volunteer efforts, which have raised over US$1.5 million and resulted in the purchase of more than three hundred automobiles for the front lines. He will also highlight a variety of other significant initiatives in the Ukrainian cultural and artistic arena that actively support the Ukrainian armed forces.
Andriy Lyubka is a Ukrainian poet, prose writer, and translator. He is actively involved as a volunteer supporter, donating over 300 automobiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Andriy has received recognition medals from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. In 2023 he was listed among the “100 Leaders of Ukraine” by Ukrainska Pravda and honoured by the Aspen Institute Kyiv for “Exemplary Value-Based Leadership.”
Lyubka is the director of the Institute for Central European Strategy (ICES) and serves on the Committee of the National Taras Shevchenko Prize of Ukraine.
He graduated from Uzhhorod University with a degree in Ukrainian philology and from the University of Warsaw with a degree in Balkan studies. He is the author of ten books of poetry as well as numerous literary works, including short fiction, essays, nonfiction, and novels. His writings have been translated into several languages and published in the UK, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Serbia, and Lithuania. Lyubka has received important literary awards for his work and has been granted scholarships and residencies for writers all over the world.
Andriy Lyubka is a member of the Ukrainian PEN Club. He resides in Uzhhorod.
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Join us in Edmonton on October 15, or in Calgary on October 17th for this in person conversation with Andriy Lyubka.
All are welcome! Attendees must register by clicking the relevant link below.