Conference

About the conference:

What does it mean to create when home is no longer a fixed place, but a space in between departure and arrival? Echoes of Unity began with this question – and with a clear mission: to support displaced Ukrainian artists in rebuilding their artistic paths, strengthening their professional skills, and sharing their work with European audiences.

The project is more than an art initiative. It is a platform for resilience, creativity, and cultural exchange – combining physical exhibitions, digital innovation, professional training, and international collaboration to amplify stories that might otherwise remain unheard. Its travelling exhibition, curated by Jan Van Woensel, explores liminality: the experience of being in transition, between places, identities, memories, and futures.

This closing conference brings together the people, processes, and outcomes behind Echoes of Unity. We will look back at the project’s objectives, activities, lessons learned, and achievements, but also open a deeper conversation about what art can do in times of displacement, uncertainty, and transformation.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet the curator and artists, hear directly about the creative process, join thematic conversations, connect with cultural professionals, and experience the exhibition through guided tours. The programme also introduces the work of the the institiutions behind the project and creates space for networking, exchange, and possible future collaborations.

Registration:

Partners:

Conference agenda:

4:00 PM – 4:10 PM
Opening
Welcoming guests and introduction to Echoes of Unity project.–

4:10 PM – 5:00 PM
Echoes of Unity: Process, Outcomes, and Lessons Learned
Presentation of the project’s objectives, context, and activities, followed by a conversation with exhibition curator Jan Van Woensel and participating artists on the creative process, project outcomes, and key achievements.

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Presentation of the Varsztatovnia Foundation
An introduction to the Foundation’s mission, activities, and selected projects.

5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Networking Session
A facilitated space for conversations, exchange of ideas, and networking around thematic discussion tables.

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Curator-Led Exhibition Tour I
Guided tour of the exhibition led by the curator in English.

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Discussion Panel with Artist 1
Topic 1

7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Curator-Led Exhibition Tour II
Guided tour of the exhibition led by the curator in English.

7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Discussion Panel with Artist 2
Topic 2

8:15 PM – 8:30 PM
Closing Session – Final Reflections

See you at the conference!