Ukrainian Talent Takes Centre Stage At Creators Fair In NYC

by SHOWstudio on 8 March 2023

i am u are is the platform supporting Ukraine by highlighting their fierce creative industry.

It's been over a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while the nation has been headlining the news ever since, it's often difficult to grasp just how impactful the war has been on the nation. With millions of lives displaced, the war has caused a humanitarian, social and economic crisis. Globally, creative communities have rallied to kickstart initiatives to support the war-torn nation and its citizens, with the latest being the i am u are Ukraine Creators Fair founded by Anna Pagava and Kristina Skripka. As the CEO of GOGŌLA PR agency and a hospitality expert from Ukraine, respectively, the duo are utilising their expertise to spotlight Ukraine's varied creative industries.

Anna October, photographer Andrew Grey

Featuring the work of over 100 Ukranian creators across culture, tech and fashion, the inaugural event will take place at Skylight at Essex Crossing in New York City’s lower east side. There, visitors will be able to discover new talents and purchase one-of-a-kind creations. A second pop-up will also take place simultaneously at The Ukrainian Museum. The largest institution of its kind outside of Ukraine, the museum is dedicated to showcasing the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage. As part of i am u are, art historian and GOGŌLA's New York partner Lilia Kudelia, artist Masha Reva, visual director Ivan Grabko, and acting head of the ethnography department Nadiia Shapoval have curated an exhibition of contemporary and traditional work to reframe our understanding of the nation. As for the spaces that the fair will take place in, it was FORMA studios responsible for the development and realisation of both architectural concepts.

Guzema

‘To the surprise of many — Ukraine is not only a country with deep historical roots but also progressive and modern, with incredible brands in tech, fashion, and lifestyle,’ explains Anna Pagava. ‘My dream was to create an event which would correspond to this image of our country as well as its outstanding creative industry, and this is why I initiated the project. I hope our guests get to see this for themselves as well.’

To empower Ukraine’s creative community, the fair will promote some of the nation’s biggest names on an international stage. Some of the fashion designer’s featured include BEVZA who recently presented their A/W 23 collection as part of NYFW dedicated to Ukraine, BoF 500 member Anna October, and handmade jewellery brand Guzema thats become a favourite for First Lady Olena Zelenska.