Ukrainian Culture Week

 News 

BSU and partners amplify the voices of Ukraine with events for Ukrainian Culture Week

Tuesday, 4 November, 2025

Bath Spa University, along with institutions across the UK, is celebrating Ukrainian culture by participating in Ukrainian Culture Week (3-9 November) as part of its ongoing support for Ukraine and Ukrainian universities. 

The week, which is coordinated by the Cormack Consultancy Group as part of its twinning initiative, aims to amplify the voices of Ukraine by celebrating its culture, language and resilience.   

BSU has been working with universities across Ukraine since 2012 and has partnered on several large projects. It has also led on EU-funded projects to reform the teaching of journalism in Ukrainian universities and to develop the use of immersive technology in the teaching of art and design. The University has also hosted many visits from Ukrainian colleagues and BSU staff have been frequent visitors to Ukraine. In 2022, BSU twinned with the International University of Economics and Humanities (IUEH) in Rivne as part of Universities UK’s #TwinForHope initiative.

 

Professor Ian Gadd, Head of Development for European Projects at BSU said: 

"Our friendship with Ukraine goes back well over a decade, and we have provided solidarity and support to many Ukrainian universities since the full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022. This special week is an important opportunity to celebrate Ukraine's rich culture and history as well as highlight its resilience during a time of war.” 

First year student Anna Melesyk, who founded BSU's Ukrainian Society added:

"The BSU Ukrainian Society is all about connection, celebration, and community. As BSU’s first cultural society, we welcome students from all backgrounds to explore Ukrainian heritage through socials, events, and shared stories. Whether you’re Ukrainian or simply curious, there’s a place for you here."

BSU cultural partner Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) will host an event celebrating the publication of BSU graduate Claire Bramwell-Pearson's book Vitalii Petrenko and the Secret of the Roman Baths, a magical adventure linking Bath and the town of Oleksandriya in Ukraine and featuring illustrations by Ukrainian author and illustrator Alexandra Dikaia. 

A series of posters have also been designed by students at IUEH, each focusing on a different aspect of Ukraine's culture that will be shared online with the BSU community and beyond. 

Ian added: 

“I'm particularly pleased that several of the events and activities we've organised this week will involve our partner university, the International University of Economics and Humanities (IUEH).” 

Other events during the week include: 

• BSU’s Refectory will serve a special Ukrainian menu on Tuesday 4 and Friday 7 November. 
• BSU staff are invited to join a one-off Ukrainian book club where they will read Andrii Kurkov’s 2021 novel, Grey Bees.  
• The University will host an online film screening of the documentary, Mariupol: Chronicles of Hell (2022). 
• The BSU Ukrainian Society will host a Ukrainian Culture Night in the Students’ Union, featuring a live DJ set from Ukraine, a themed photoshoot corner and an opportunity to try on traditional Ukrainian clothing. 

Find out more about BSU’s collaborations with Ukraine.