Ukrainian Studies is a civic initiative established in 2023 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The mission of the organization—and its key priorities—are the identification, preservation, study, and promotion of authentic Ukrainian cultural traditions, including artistic characteristics and ethnographic features closely connected with the homeland and manifested in countries of the Ukrainian diaspora. One of the fundamental principles of Ukrainian Studies is scholarly and research activity, which includes a number of projects related to cultural diplomacy and relations between Ukrainians and representatives of other ethnic groups. Among the institution’s objectives is also an informed and critical response to the spread of pseudoculture and informational distortions that contribute to the dissemination of disinformation. The civic initiative Ukrainian Studies serves as a platform for building cultural dialogue in a multicultural environment through the preservation of cultural memory and artistic expression.
Throughout its activities, the institution closely cooperates with the Ukrainian Youth Association (SUM) in Calgary, particularly by organizing classes in fine and decorative arts. A series of acting workshops has also been held at the cultural center of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a theatrical performance was created in collaboration with the Ukrainian Youth Association in Calgary at St. Volodymyr Cathedral. Within the framework of the project “Culture of Memory,” researchers of the organization conducted a series of interviews with members of the Ukrainian diaspora who were involved in significant historical and cultural events.