On the eve of the festival organizers conducted an extensive informational campaign on Ukraine among residents the south-western region of France Poitou-Charentes (nearly 2 million people).
Exhibition devoted to Ukraine and Ukrainian literature were opened in 60 libraries.
There was a series of meetings with our creative writers in Paris and Strasbourg: Meeting of Andriy Kurkov and Maria Matios with students and teachers of INALCO (Institute of Foreign Languages and Oriental Civilizations), Ukrainian Literary Club with Lyubko Deresh, Anton Kushnir and Andriy Kurkov, at the Council of Europe (Strasbourg) was held the meeting with Ukrainian writers on “Contemporary Ukrainian Literature on the European Way.”
Traditionally, this year was determined the winner of readers' sympathies award. An expert panel of 600 readers was established who selected the best work among six works of Yuriy Andrukhovych, Lyubko Deresh, Andriy Kurkov, Maria and Serhiy Dyachenkiv, British writers of Ukrainian descent M. Levytska and A. Shevchenko translated into French. Palm of victory was given to Andriy Kurkov and his work “Gardener of Ochakov.”
The President of Ukrainian Association of Publishers and Booksellers Oleksandr Afonin expressed hope that government agencies will finally pay attention to what NGOs do in promoting Ukrainian literature in international expanses and will get involved in this.
“No budget, state funds (for the preparation of Ukraine's participation in the festival) has been involved. This event could not have happened if it had not been for the assistance by non-governmental foundations,” said O. Afonin.
It should be noted that Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” - the only foundation in Ukraine, which provides grants for translation of modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages. As part of the program “Cultural Horizons,” the Foundation provides travel grants to Ukrainian artists to participate in foreign festivals, exhibitions, competitions and thus represent the cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.
With support of the Foundation “Open Ukraine” famous Ukrainian writers took part in the 24th Festival of European Literature
11 December 2012, 15:00
Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” provided travel grants to Andriy Kurkov and Lyubko Deresh for participation in the 24th Festival of European Literature, held in November 2012 in Cognac (France). This year Ukraine, despite the fact that it’s not a member of the European Union, was present as the festival’s guest of honor.
