Kastanje team
The mission of Stichting Kastanje is to introduce, connect and constantly develop collaboration between Ukrainian and Dutch cultures.
Our Board
Mariana Dzhulai
Mariana Dzhulai, the founder and general manager of Kastanje, is a Ukrainian curator and art manager with nearly 30 years of experience in the cultural sector. She has organized over 100 exhibitions, international festivals, and art fairs, and collaborated with UNESCO, embassies, and government ministries. Based in the Netherlands, she continues to curate projects across Europe, promoting contemporary Ukrainian art.
Tetiana Poletaeva
Organisational consultant and psychologist with over 20 years of international experience, specialising in leadership development, motivation, relationships, and well-being. Tetiana finds inspiration in the arts, design, and mindfulness.
Vira Kartseva
Vira brings two decades of experience living in the Netherlands, along with a PhD in Information Management and a distinguished career in international finance. Vira has developed multi-year expertise in managing complex financial and business processes, combined with a global perspective on strategy and operational excellence.
Victoria Gryshko
Marketing communications and content management specialist with more than eight years of international corporate experience at Philips. Victoria holds an MBA from London Business School and brings a strategic approach to brand development and digital storytelling.
Our Team
Natalia Fotchenko
International Business Manager with 15 years of experience building cross-cultural bridges across Ukraine, the USA, Europe, and Asia. Natalia has developed expertise in managing international projects and fostering global partnerships, with a proven ability to navigate diverse business environments.
Tetyana Buts
Art curator and Master of Arts and Cultural Heritage, with a strong background in project management and fashion design. Tetyana brings multifaceted experience in developing and leading arts initiatives, combining creativity with organisational skills to deliver impactful cultural projects.
Katerina Pishikova
Multidisciplinary creative producer and communication expert specialising in brand storytelling, video production, and event management. With over 270 completed video projects and several Cannes-recognised films, Katerina empowers organisations to shape their voice, craft standout content, and foster meaningful connections with audiences.
Olena Voronko
Former Chief of the Theatrical Department (2005–2019) at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, Olena brings deep expertise in managing and curating theatrical arts, with extensive experience overseeing national cultural initiatives.
Maksym Voronko
Software developer with five decades of professional experience, lecturer at the National Technical University of Ukraine, and former head of IT and project management departments at Kyiv National Karpenko-Karogo University and JVC Ukrtelecom.
Vitalii Levchenko
Vitalii brings a unique combination of team spirit, dedication, and problem-solving expertise to Kastanje, shaped by his background as a professional volleyball player and continued through his career in software engineering. His drive for excellence, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset make him an invaluable contributor to IT support and digital development across the organisation.
