Amid the devastation of war, the survival of Ukraine’s cultural heritage has become an urgent matter. A new initiative, Resonate UA, aims to provide crucial support to Ukrainian musicians navigating unprecedented challenges. This two-year project, led by Ukraine’s Ukrainian Institute in partnership with Sweden’s Musikcentrum Öst, is funded by the Swedish Institute through the SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme.

With Ukraine’s vibrant music scene under threat – musicians conscripted to the front lines, performances interrupted by air raid sirens, and limited opportunities for global engagement – Resonate UA is a lifeline. The programme will equip jazz and folk musicians with the tools and connections needed to sustain their work and careers, both locally and internationally.

The project will offer 60 Ukrainian musicians a six-month long online training programme featuring lectures, workshops, and coaching from international music industry experts. Some participants will also attend major global music events such as jazzahead! and WOMEX to forge critical professional connections.

Furthermore, the programme will encourage a higher degree of grass-root organising among Ukraine musicians, empowering them to advocate for fair industry practices and better working conditions.

Cultural resilience in the face of destruction

Ukraine’s music scene has long been a source of national pride, producing globally celebrated acts like folk ensemble DakhaBrakha and rock band Stoned Jesus. Yet, the war has profoundly disrupted this vital industry. Export activities have plummeted as male musicians face travel restrictions, where niche genres such as jazz and folk, which rely on international audiences, are under particular threat.

“This capacity-building program ensures that the music industry not only survives but thrives despite the war time. By providing opportunities for young talents to learn, collaborate, and represent Ukraine at global platforms like jazzahead! and WOMEX, we are not just preserving a cultural legacy but actively shaping a vibrant future for the Ukrainian music scene. It’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of music that transcends borders, even in the most challenging times” says Mariana Bondarenko, Head of Music at Ukrainian Institute.

Building bridges through collaboration

Resonate UA extends a long-standing relationship between Musikcentrum Öst and Ukrainian Institute, who have previously collaborated through artist residencies and joint tours. With this new initiative, the partnership broadens to include Ukraine’s leading conservatories – R. Glier Kyiv Municipal Academy of Music and I.P. Kotlyarevsky Kharkiv National University of Arts. Together, they aim to preserve the country’s music sector during wartime and lay the groundwork for its post-war recovery.

“Supporting Ukraine’s musicians today is an investment in the future and constitutes a huge opportunity for long-term musical collaboration between Sweden and the highly interesting Ukrainian jazz and folk music scene”, says Ragnar Berthling, Managing Director at Musikcentrum Öst and International Coordinator at Musikcentrum.

A call to action for cultural support

As Ukraine rebuilds its society amidst destruction, Resonate UA underscores the importance of culture as both a source of hope and a foundation for the future. By empowering its musicians, this project aims to keep Ukraine’s voice alive on the global stage.