A festive housewarming was held in Bellevue, Washington, for the Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka. The new space has become a hub where Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine can gather, learn, celebrate, create, and preserve cultural heritage together.
This was reported Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka.
The housewarming turned into a true celebration: the center opened its doors with the exhibition “Identity” by artist Ganna Bogachuk, which combined video art, transparent silk installations, and archival photographs with the personal stories of more than 30 Ukrainian women. Each of them responded to a profound question: “Do you remember the moment when you first realized you were Ukrainian?”
“This is an exhibition about memory, language, grandparents, childhood, and — above all — about our own choice to remain Ukrainian,” the organizers shared.
The event featured live performances, including the inspired singing of the groups HraiMore and IZIband, professional Architectural 3D visualization artist Dima Dms, as well as informal conversations and warm embraces among friends of the community. The festive atmosphere conveyed the main idea of the new space — to be a place where Ukraine is always near.
“We are still thrilled with how many guests came to the opening! We hope you enjoyed your time with us and will become part of Toloka… The grand opening took place, and we are so happy about it! We are endlessly grateful to the volunteers and everyone who joined us that day!” the Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka shared.
The celebration brought together a large number of guests, who noted the warm atmosphere and high level of organization.
“The celebration was a success! The exhibition was moving, HraiMore sang with inspiration, and the musicians performed brilliantly! It was hard to believe that all this beauty was created by volunteers with their own hands. But the strongest feeling was that of unity. It doesn’t matter whether we speak Ukrainian or Surzhyk, whether someone is just starting to learn the language or communicates in English — the main thing is that we all sincerely strive to preserve our identity,” shared guest and artist Galina Panov Kreymer of Kupava Art Home.Kupava Art Home” Галина Панов Креймер.
“I am proud to know such people who do real things to help Ukraine and Ukrainians in such difficult times. I’m happy that such a center exists, and I cannot stop admiring the people who somehow have endless energy for all of this,” wrote photographer Victoria Sage.
“Congratulations to the Ukrainian community and friends of Ukraine on the opening of the new Ukrainian Cultural Center ‘Toloka.’ This is a space for communication and connections, for the development of the Ukrainian language and culture, for creativity, art, workshops, singing, festivals and celebrations, art exhibitions and literary evenings, a Ukrainian library, and much more. The volunteers of Toloka tirelessly work every day to give you and the community an opportunity to have your Ukrainian home in the heart of Bellevue,” emphasized Toloka volunteer Tanya Zayka.
According to Tanya Zayka, the existence of the Center directly depends on community support:
“Whether Toloka exists depends on you. If you like the idea of Toloka and want it to continue — become patrons and support us. Anything that is not supported disappears: friendship, relationships, business, a household… Let’s unite and make sure Ukrainians have their own home!”
The Center has already begun active work: plans include a Ukrainian school, art workshops, literary evenings, holidays, festivals, a library, and support programs for newly arrived Ukrainians. Above all, it is becoming a space for preserving and developing Ukrainian identity in the diaspora.
