These past few days, the Small Centers of the World have been creating a universe where Vynohradiv, Uzhhorod, Velbivka, Mena, Ukrainian New York, Nyzhankovychi, Kozubivka, Vysoke, Kapytolivka, Kharkiv, Avdiivka, Hadiach, Pavlohrad, Babyn, and Kryvorivnia all shared the exact same orbit. These worlds revolved around the ideas conceived in Krasnogruda by Krzysztof Czyżewski—a true practitioner of ideas, cultural animator, and philosopher. The path to understanding and creating our Small Centers of the World was illuminated for us by Weronika Czyżewska-Poncyljusz, Evgenia Nesterovych, Maria Teich, Roksana Tuzhanska, and Yulia Kostereva.
Each of us inspired and was inspired, participating in a shared act of co-creation and preservation. Day by day, we shape our communities for the sake of something greater—something that will help preserve memory, heal our wounds, and show us the way forward.
During these days in Vynohradiv, we wove the connective tissue between our microcosms, built and crossed bridges, and dove deeper into local cultural heritage. We had the wonderful opportunity to showcase our creative achievements, introduce colleagues to our community, and share our native places, songs, and stories. None of this would have been possible without the immense support of so many people.
💐 Our Deepest Gratitude
We express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to organizing the Spring School of Small Centers of the World in Vynohradiv:
Robert Tivodor – for introducing us intimately to the local dialect and sharing his incredible songs.
Viktor Bilkei – for his masterful guitar playing.
Oleksandr Garmash – for providing seamless sound and technical support.
Jourij Teslychko – for the enchanting melody of the pan flute played amidst the ruins of Kankiv Castle.
Viktoria Kolesnyk and Anna Kolesnik – for beautifully giving a voice to the poetry of Victoria Amelina.
Tetiana Gudachok – for her breathtaking performance of authentic folk songs.
Mariana Marushka & the Vynohradiv Public Library – for such a warm and welcoming reception.
Vynohradiv Municipal House of Culture – for their constant and unwavering support.
The Korolevo Territorial Community, led by Anton Chyipesh, and Deputy Head Oleksandr Kovalevsky – for their wonderful cooperation.
Valentyna Gornetski, Ivan Ratsyn, Mariia Ratsyn, Vasyl Ivashko, Nataliia Vamosh, the village heads of Cherna and Novoselytsia, and every single person who helped host our Spring School in the Zatysianshchyna region – thank you for giving us the chance to be part of creating something so genuine and pure. We wish for you to keep preserving your authenticity while having every opportunity to show it to the entire world!
The "VIBE" Quartet (Liuba Kharchuk, Anastasiia Kriuchkova, Svitlana Feltsan, and Jourij Teslychko) – thank you for your professionalism and incredible performance. Your songs always bring goosebumps, touch the soul, and move us to tears.
Thank you to everyone who helped us uncover more deeply what we create, how we create it, and why.
🏡 Special Thanks to Our Local Businesses & Creators
"Chorna Skelia" (Black Mountain) Hotel and Restaurant Complex – for the warm welcome, comfort, client-oriented spirit, and constant readiness to help.
EcoRide Taxi and Roman Kut personally – for comfortable, punctual, and precise transportation.
Carrier Vasyl Kostak – for an incredible journey into the Zatysianshchyna region.
"Domashniy Solenyk" – for the delicious local pastries.
Winemaker Stepan Zhupan – for giving us the chance to taste Vynohradiv and Zakarpattia in a glass.
Kristina Polychko – for her wonderful translation work and deep engagement.
Winemaker Serhiy Kus – for the opportunity to take a piece of Zakarpattia home with us.
🌿 To Moving Forward Together
Evgenia Nesterovych and Weronika Czyżewska-Poncyljusz — thank you for the precious opportunity of simply being and growing together (nabuvatisya).
I truly hope that these few days will help us continue building bridges alongside Krzysztof Czyżewski, and that, like dedicated gardeners, we will keep nurturing our Small Centers of the World.
Thank you for the incredible photographs, Piotr Szroeder!
