Purpose: Fostering intercultural exchange and sharing traditions
Process:
The Council of National Communities of Melitopol usually holds a one or two-day Reporting Event annually as part of the city Intercultural Integration Plan. However, in 2018, the Crimean Tatar community “Azat”, the Jewish community and the Ukrainian-Belorussian cultural-educational society "Suzir’ia" (meaning “constellation”) proposed to initiate the "Weeks of Cultures" series instead, in order to increase the scope and the number of initiatives across the city aimed at a better understanding and appreciation of the benefits of cultural diversity. This also creates more opportunities for exchange (narratives and/or experiences), enhancing a sense of social solidarity and intercultural integration in a multi-cultural Melitopol.
There were seven “Weeks of Culture” in total that included both scientific and practical seminars and roundtables that focused on the issues of cultural identity, the integration of internally displaced persons, and newcomers’ welcoming in the city community. Book exhibitions and living libraries were held, as well as cartoon screenings (in different ethnic communities’ languages), interactive trainings, master classes, youth dance, culinary ‘battles’ between different culture representatives, and of course, artistic performances.
The “Weeks of Culture” have proven to be successful in reaching out to a larger city audience and variety of cultural communities. The Council of National Minorities of Melitopol received very positive feedback from different city stakeholders and actors. As a result, eight national minorities and cultural associations of the city proposed to take an active part in the "Weeks of Cultures” in future.
