The work of the Public Organisation “Adult Learning and Education Center ‘South’” and of the NGO “Cultural and Artistic Association ‘Art-Temptation’” is an example of a fruitful creative synergy of two civic organisations in the cause of advancing and developing Tavrian painting. It is thanks to their systematic, well-planned, persistent labour that a theoretical and practical foundation was created for the further successful flourishing of the painting and for the scaling of knowledge about it beyond the Mykolaiv Region and Ukraine. From a local cultural phenomenon Tavrian painting has become a widely recognised element of the national intangible heritage and a particular part of the cultural code of the country.

In this productive cooperation each institution had its own tasks and functions, but they walked with confidence toward a single goal which, over five years of team work, gave the desired results.

PO “ALEC ‘South’” became the platform that secured a productive learning process. Diverse course programmes were designed for the preparation of masters of Tavrian painting and for increasing the number of bearers; methodological support was provided; grant funds were attracted for the organisation of the learning process. The organisation’s team also carried out with quality state commissions for the training of preschool teachers and methodologists and of specialists in vocational education. The Centre initiated the use of motifs of the local painting in other kinds of decorative and applied art: embroidery, pottery and the like. In this way conditions were created for the further existence of the painting as a kind of folk art.

Especially important for Mykolaiv and the region, in the context of sharing the ICH element, was the opening of the Workshop of Tavrian Painting, which became a particular cultural space for the design, planning and embodiment of interesting cultural and artistic ideas and projects. The leading master of the painting, Liubov Paraniuk, calls it the little house where “Tavryka” lives. It has worked since the summer of 2024 and is a social enterprise of the Public Organisation “Adult Learning and Education Center ‘South’.”

Heads of the two organisations at the annual December fair “Tavryka Unites!,” held in the premises of the workshop

Thanks to the Cultural and Artistic Association “Art-Temptation,” experienced masters of folk art, members of the Association, were drawn into shared projects. Some of them were invited onto the training staff and cooperate actively with the team of “South” in educational initiatives and in the design of a new contemporary brand — Mykolaiv embroidery based on motifs of Tavrian painting.

Graduation evening and presentation of certificates to graduates of the course “The Mykolaiv Vyshyvanka Based on Motifs of Tavrian Painting,” 2024

Representatives of both civic organisations present “Tavryka” powerfully and professionally at exhibitions, festivals and conferences, give practical classes, masterclasses and more, most of which they organise in a fruitful tandem. Their story serves as a fine example of how, by joining efforts, one may reach bright breakthroughs in the development of a local culture and make it known far beyond the country. They always have many plans and ideas — so, to be continued…