A Journey Through Wartime Culture
In December 2025, the Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) successfully concluded the third iteration of its Music Ambassadors Tour. This initiative brought together ten prominent music industry professionals from nine different countries for an intensive four-day expedition across Ukraine. The tour spanned the capital city of Kyiv, the northern regions, and the de-occupied territories in the south, providing a sobering yet inspiring look at how the Ukrainian cultural sector continues to operate, adapt, and rebuild amidst the ongoing full-scale war.
The delegation, comprised of festival directors, booking agents, and cultural managers, gained firsthand insight into the daily realities of Ukrainian life. Their journey has now been immortalized in a new documentary, which serves as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the vital role of art in times of crisis. Watch the film.
The Reality of Life in Kyiv and the North
The tour commenced in Kyiv, where the visitors were confronted with the stark, often jarring contrasts of a nation at war. The city presents a unique duality: the festive glow of holiday lights and bustling public squares exist alongside somber memorials to fallen defenders and the wreckage of Russian military equipment. The constant threat of blackouts and the reliance on rumbling generators serve as a daily reminder of the fragility of infrastructure under fire.
Moving north to Chernihiv, the group visited Fabrychna 12, a cultural hub established by Nata Zhyzhchenko (ONUKA) and Yevhen Filatov (The Maneken). This space stands as a beacon of cultural continuity, demonstrating how artists are maintaining their creative output despite the surrounding devastation. At the Peremoha Centre, the delegation observed innovative approaches to preserving traditional music, including the use of 3D-printed sopilkas and ocarinas, bridging the gap between ancient heritage and modern digital preservation.
Frontline Resilience in the South
The most harrowing portion of the tour took place in the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv. Here, the guests witnessed the direct impact of the conflict on educational and cultural infrastructure. In Velyka Oleksandrivka, the delegation was moved by a performance from students whose arts school had been destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile. Despite the loss of their physical space, the students’ commitment to their craft remained unbroken.
The visits to Davydiv Brid and Snihurivka further underscored the severity of the situation. In areas where entire villages have been leveled, local arts schools continue to function in precarious, unsafe conditions. These experiences highlighted a critical truth: the destruction of cultural and educational facilities is not merely a byproduct of war, but a deliberate attempt to erase identity and dismantle the future of these communities.
Music as a Tool for Recovery
The tour concluded in Kyiv with a public forum that bridged the gap between international guests and the local music community. Discussions centered on the multifaceted role of music during wartime—not just as a form of entertainment, but as a powerful force for unity, a defense against populism, and a necessary tool for psychological recovery and social inclusion. The group explored initiatives like EnterDJ, which utilizes music production to support veterans and those affected by the trauma of war.
Reflecting on the experience, international delegates expressed a profound shift in perspective. Mikko Niemelä, CEO of Ruisrock Festival, characterized the systematic destruction of cultural centers as an act of terrorism. Meanwhile, Ivan Milivojev of EXIT Festival noted that the reality on the ground is far more intense than what is portrayed in international media, emphasizing the urgent need for these stories to reach a global audience.
A Call for Long-Term Advocacy
For the UAME, the Music Ambassadors Tour is designed to be more than a singular event; it is a catalyst for long-term advocacy. By hosting influential figures from the European music industry, the organization aims to cultivate a network of supporters who will carry the lessons of the tour back to their own festivals, institutions, and media platforms. The goal is to ensure that the Ukrainian cultural sector remains integrated into the global conversation, fostering solidarity and sustained support for the nation’s recovery.