In the Polish city of Bielsko-Biała, the 15th Culture Next Conference — one of the key events for urban cultural initiatives in Europe — has come to an end.
This year, the Ukrainian delegation from Odesa included Olena Iliasova, Acting Director of the Municipal Museum of Personal Collections named after O. V. Bleschunov (Odesa), and Iana Boitsova, Head of the Pixelated Realities PO and coordinator of European cultural projects.

The event took place from 15 to 17 October 2025, bringing together representatives from 44 cities working to promote culture and well-being in their communities.
On 16 October, an open day was held dedicated to the theme “Culture and Well-being.” Participants attended inspiring talks by international experts, including a presentation by an Australian researcher on the direct positive impact of art on health and well-being, as well as on cross-sectoral collaborations between the fields of health and culture.

Discussions focused on audience engagement practices and methods of supporting mental health through art. For example, Darren Abrahams — performer, trauma therapist, coach, and workshop leader — spoke about his orchestra, which helps integrate people living in migration centers through music. He also works in Ukraine as an art therapy consultant for veterans and wounded soldiers at a rehabilitation center in Lviv.

The day’s highlights included panel discussions, artistic performances, networking sessions, relaxation concerts, autumn forest walks, and movement therapy workshops.
During the pitching session, Odesa presented its work on the Cultural Development Strategy 2030 and invited cities working on transforming their cultural and historical narratives to potential collaboration. The Municipal Museum of Personal Collections named after O. V. Bleschunov introduced its new comic book “Odesa. A Museum War Diary”, which uses cat-like characters to tell stories about the first three years of the full-scale invasion, aimed at audiences aged 12 and up.

“Odesa is a city that is only beginning to explore the possibility of applying for the title of European Capital of Culture. We are working on building new partnerships and support, as well as introducing city institutions and cultural organizations to the principles and benefits of this initiative,” — said Iana Boitsova. “We hope that next year a new call will be announced for countries outside the EU, and Odesa will have the opportunity to apply for the title of European Capital of Culture.”

On 17 October, the conference focused on networking and experience exchange among Culture Next member cities, sharing best practices in implementing European cultural programs. A special session was organized for the delegation from Odesa and representatives of other cities, including mobility marketing, “therapeutic sessions” for cities at different stages of the European Capital of Culture process, and thematic excursions — street art, architectural heritage, the Foto Art Festival, and a library for children with special needs.

As part of the visit, a meeting was held with the Museum of the Dukes Sułkowski Castle, where future cooperation in exhibitions and joint research was discussed. The Municipal Museum of Personal Collections named after O. V. Bleschunov holds in its collection a unique item from the Sułkowski dinner set — one of the first in Europe created for use rather than decoration. Researchers from Bielsko-Biała were able to identify it thanks to its digitization for an online catalog.

It is worth noting that the official Culture Next website already features a dedicated page about Odesa as an active member city of the network. You can find more information at: https://culturenext.eu/city/odesa-4/

Сообщение Culture Next on Odesa’s opportunities to apply for the title of European Capital of Culture появились сначала на Pixelated Realities.

The NGO Pixelated Realities acts as a coordinator of Odesa’s participation in Culture Next and has implemented the project ‘Support for the Implementation of the Odesa Cultural Development Strategy’ in partnership with the Department of International Cooperation, Culture and Marketing of the Odesa City Council.

Culture Next is a network founded in 2017 that brings together candidate cities for the title of European Capital of Culture, regardless of whether they have been awarded the title. Its mission is to facilitate the implementation of more European Capital of Culture programmes in European cities and regions, as well as to define a long-term vision for local development through culture and creativity. 

The participation in Culture Next allows Odesa to exchange experience with leading European cities; engage international experts in the development of local culture; receive support for the implementation of cultural initiatives; and strengthen Odesa’s position as an important cultural centre of Ukraine and Europe. With this step, Odesa has officially declared its intention to apply for the status of European Capital of Culture. Over the next 10 years, participation in this initiative will open up new opportunities and prospects for Odesa’s cultural sector.

The candidate cities that are part of the network will have access to expanded resources and programmes, including the search for and involvement of artists, theatre experts and other professionals to participate in cultural events in European capitals.

Already this year, Odesa will be able to participate in two large-scale conferences and a range of workshops aimed at sharing experience and presenting the city on the international stage, and Odesa artists, curators and cultural managers will be able to join specialised workshops. 

This will allow Odesa not only to present its cultural potential, but also to adopt the best European practices in cultural project management.  All of these events are organised by Culture Next, one of the most well-known and respected platforms in the European cultural sector.

“This is an important step towards European integration, as the Culture Next initiative unites the candidate cities for the title of European Capital of Culture, opening up new opportunities for the development of urban culture, international cooperation and exchange of experience”, – commented Iana Boitsova, Chief Operating Officer of Pixelated Realities.

Iana Boytsova said that Culture Next has been an important platform for cooperation for many years, and at international conferences this network is constantly mentioned as a key platform for cultural development, and it is through it that participating cities gain valuable experience and new opportunities.

Participation in the Culture Next network is in line with the stated “Odesa Cultural Development Strategy 2025-2035”. In particular, it corresponds to the strategic directions of the city’s cultural policy, including:

– participation, socialisation and cohesion of the cultural community;

– human capital development, acceleration of cultural initiatives, education, and promotion of culture;

– cultural diplomacy and promotion of cultural exports.

Сообщение Odesa joined the European cultural network Culture Next появились сначала на Pixelated Realities.