Dallas, Texas – First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska recently concluded a visit to the United States focused on bolstering cultural ties and preserving Ukrainian history and identity amidst ongoing conflict. The visit centered around the launch of two key initiatives: a Ukrainian Bookshelf at the Dallas Public Library and a Ukrainian-language audio guide at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. These projects, part of a broader effort to amplify Ukrainian voices and narratives internationally, aim to educate and connect with audiences worldwide, offering a window into Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit.
The initiatives come at a critical juncture, as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression. Beyond the immediate humanitarian and military concerns, preserving Ukrainian culture has develop into a central tenet of the nation’s resistance, a way to safeguard its identity against what many Ukrainians view as an attempt at cultural erasure. This focus on cultural diplomacy, leveraging art, literature, and history, is a strategic effort to build international support and understanding for Ukraine’s cause. The concept of soft power – using cultural influence to achieve foreign policy objectives – is clearly at play here.
Expanding Ukraine’s Literary Reach Through Bookshelves
The Ukrainian Bookshelf project, now established in 72 countries and at UNESCO headquarters, represents a significant expansion of access to Ukrainian literature globally. The Dallas Public Library location, which welcomes thousands of visitors annually, is the latest addition to this network. According to the Dallas Public Library’s website, the library system serves over 1.8 million residents across Dallas County. The bookshelf itself contains a curated selection of Ukrainian authors, offering a diverse range of perspectives and genres.
Alongside the bookshelf, the library is hosting “Cultural Wonders of Ukraine,” an exhibition organized by the Ukrainian community in Texas. The exhibition showcases traditional Ukrainian crafts, including vyshyvankas (embroidered shirts), textiles, ceramics, wood carvings, and jewelry. A dedicated section highlights the connection between Dallas and its sister city, Kharkiv, which has faced significant destruction during the war. This local connection underscores the importance of sister city relationships in fostering international solidarity and understanding.
“The presence of a Ukrainian Bookshelf is an opportunity for the world to discover our authors and learn about Ukraine’s history from primary sources,” Zelenska emphasized, according to a statement released by the President of Ukraine’s office. The project aims to move beyond stereotypical portrayals of Ukraine and present a nuanced and multifaceted view of the country’s cultural landscape.
Preserving Memory at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
The launch of the Ukrainian-language audio guide at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum marks another important step in amplifying Ukrainian narratives. The museum now offers audio tours in 118 languages across 59 countries, making its exhibits accessible to a wider audience. 
The inclusion of Ukrainian is particularly poignant, given the museum’s focus on preventing future atrocities.
The museum’s exhibits address a range of human rights violations, including the Holodomor, the man-made famine of 1932-1933 that resulted in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians. The Holodomor is widely recognized by Ukraine and many other countries as an act of genocide, a characterization that remains a subject of debate among historians and governments. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides extensive resources on the Holodomor and its historical context.
“That is why This proves especially important that the museum’s exhibitions will now speak Ukrainian,” Zelenska stated. “I thank the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston and everyone involved. And I also thank the museum for preserving our history – especially now, as we are fighting against yet another attempt to destroy us.” Her words underscore the urgency of safeguarding Ukrainian history and culture in the face of ongoing conflict and the threat of historical revisionism.
The Broader Context of Ukrainian Cultural Diplomacy
These initiatives are part of a larger, concerted effort by Ukraine to engage in cultural diplomacy. In recent years, Ukraine has actively promoted its art, music, and literature internationally, seeking to counter Russian disinformation and build support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This strategy recognizes that cultural exchange can play a vital role in shaping perceptions and fostering understanding. The ongoing war has only intensified these efforts, as Ukraine seeks to rally global support and preserve its national identity.
The success of these projects will depend on continued funding and collaboration between Ukrainian institutions, international organizations, and local communities. The Ukrainian Bookshelf project, for example, relies on donations and volunteer efforts to maintain its global network. The Dallas Public Library and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum have both demonstrated a commitment to supporting Ukrainian culture, providing platforms for Ukrainian voices to be heard.
Looking ahead, the Ukrainian government is expected to continue prioritizing cultural diplomacy as a key component of its foreign policy. Further initiatives are planned, including exhibitions, concerts, and literary festivals, aimed at showcasing Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and fostering closer ties with countries around the world. The next major event will be the Ukraine House at the Venice Biennale in April 2024, showcasing contemporary Ukrainian art.
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