Today, there is likely no country in the world that hasn’t welcomed Ukrainians following the start of the full-scale invasion. As a nation of action, we have actively promoted our culture and traditions abroad – creating cultural hubs in major cities and small communities alike, sharing our love for Ukraine with locals sincerely, generously, and selflessly.

In the Netherlands, such a hub is Kastanje, a Ukrainian-Dutch cultural center founded in 2023. Its official presentation took place at the Embassy of Ukraine in The Hague, attended by ministry representatives, ambassadors, and cultural attaches from various countries. Setting a high standard from the beginning, Kastanje positions itself as a center with a curatorial approach and cultural expertise, dedicated to integrating Ukrainian art and heritage into the European context.

All Ukrainians abroad are cultural diplomats. We cannot afford to lose time. We must build strong cultural connections between our countries now. After the victory, Ukraine will hold a special place in the European Union. The strong foundation for this is being laid today – it must be stable and enduring, emphasizes the center’s founder, Ukrainian art curator Marianna Dzhulay.

Why the name “Kastanje”? It is not coincidental. The chestnut tree symbolizes strength, beauty, and resilience. It is a recognized emblem of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which today, like all things Ukrainian, has become a symbol of steadfastness. The word “kashtan” sounds similar in both Ukrainian and Dutch, creating another phonetic bridge between the cultures. Chestnut trees are also valued in the Netherlands: they inspired Van Gogh to capture their blooms in various states, and Anne Frank, while hiding from the Nazis, observed a chestnut tree through a small window – it became a symbol of hope and life for her.

What values form the foundation of Kastanje’s activities? We deeply honor Ukrainian traditions, folklore, and our complex yet rich history. At the same time, we are an inseparable part of the modern world. Ukrainian artists, musicians, and actors create cultural works of the highest caliber, which, unfortunately, are not always adequately represented abroad. While most Ukrainian hubs primarily focus on traditional elements, Kastanje seeks to showcase contemporary practices, with artistic value as the sole criterion. Facilitating Ukrainian-Dutch collaborations and fostering intercultural dialogue also play vital roles. We believe that culture is the foundation for genuine connections and mutual understanding, paving the way for a more harmonious society for future generations.

A key focus of Kastanje’s work is the preservation of Ukrainian cultural heritage, notably the legacy of Polina Raiko. Her house in Oleshky, adorned with unique frescoes, was destroyed as a result of Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station. Two years after this tragedy, Kastanje and its partners organized five exhibitions dedicated to her life and art in Kyiv, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen.

In its first year and a half, Kastanje has implemented numerous projects: exhibitions of contemporary Ukrainian artists, public discussions, lectures, workshops for displaced individuals, children’s excursions, and art therapy sessions.

Beyond its work in the Netherlands, Kastanje develops international collaborations, curating exhibitions in Karlsruhe, Berlin, Brussels, and Denmark, where its project was showcased during the Copenhagen Light Festival. Additionally, it had the honor of being a special guest at Art The Hague, presenting contemporary Ukrainian art and hosting a discussion on art during wartime.

Throughout its activities, Kastanje has successfully collaborated with key institutions such as the Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands, the Dutch Ministry of Justice, the University of Amsterdam, Law Hub, the Ukrainian House in Denmark, the Ukrainian Civil Society Hub in Brussels, and galleries in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Kastanje is an officially registered non-profit organization in the European Union, supported by a team of professionals and dedicated enthusiasts. We are open to international collaboration and dialogue with those who share our values and vision of culture as a tool for unity, resilience, and hope.