President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will hold the national Tysiachovesna creative initiative every year and increase its funding, as he joined the final selection stage in Ivano-Frankivsk on Aug. 13. The program aims to support the development of new Ukrainian cultural products. More than 3,000 creative applications were submitted, with 1,227 projects advancing to the final round. Participants are presenting their work to an independent jury that includes international experts across categories including performing arts, feature and documentary films, animation, series and contemporary music. Zelenskyy said the initiative is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s creative industries, support jobs and improve arts education while reducing bureaucracy and protecting creators’ independence. More than 20% of this year’s participants are first-time creators, according to the presidential office. The program is expected to add video games and books as categories next year. Discussions also covered attracting Ukrainian artists back from abroad, expanding the presence of Ukrainian projects on international platforms and developing legislation to encourage private patronage of the initiative. Post navigation Ukraine Launches Major Culture Initiative Ukraine Sets Education Priorities for 2026