The Franco-Ukrainian Association Côte d’Azur (AFUCA) is organizing its spring festival from April 8 to 22. The city of Nice and the Ukrainian embassy are supporting this event.
“Resistance, Renaissance” are the keywords for the 2023 edition. Resisting and rebirthing through the weapon of culture, that’s the idea. While on the warfront, Ukraine seems to be preparing for a major offensive and sensing this threat, the Russians are preparing to attack Crimea. The essence of this event for AFUCA is to share their traditions: “We have wealth to share, you will have a culture to discover.” A culture to discover through the prism of visual, musical, and artistic performances.
The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, April 8 at 6:30 PM, in Old Nice at the La Providence Cultural Center. A festive opening in classical music with the presence of virtuoso pianist Nicolas Bringuier, notably a laureate of the prestigious Robert Schumann International Competition. He is accompanied on the piano by Olga Monack, soprano Olena Kharachko, and baritone Volodymyr Kapsuk. To reserve, it’s here. The concert is followed by a Ukrainian cocktail.
A multi-artistic festival
The evening holds other highlights. Premier projects are presented, including the photographic exhibition by Jacques Renoir, the great-grandson of painter Auguste. Entitled “Tears”, it portrays Ukrainian refugees in Nice. It is part of a larger art installation visible throughout the festival at the association’s headquarters. Artworks from a rehabilitation center in Lviv for severely injured soldiers are exhibited here. Sculpture can also be found on-site.
Cinema will also be highlighted, with Ukrainian films screened at AFUCA’s headquarters and at the Maison des Associations, Place Garibaldi, on April 13 at 6:30 PM and April 14 at 4 PM. Theater, poetry, as well as workshops in visual arts or museum visits can be found in the program.
On Saturday, April 15, a charitable fair of Ukrainian souvenirs will be held at 45 Route de Grenoble. This craft market is an opportunity to dive into local culinary traditions by trying Ukrainian flavors. A delicious way to discover the culture. A wide range of traditional Easter cakes will be available for sale.
All events are free but can require registration. Visit their Facebook page for more information on this. AFUCA invites everyone to the closing evening on April 22 at 6 PM with music and traditional dishes, an evening by reservation.
