Olga Bekenshtein

*1987, Ukraine
cultural manager
date of residency: June – December 2022
obekenshtein.wixsite.com/portfolio

For the past nine years, she has been working as a cultural manager, primarily in the field of music. She specializes in interdisciplinary, contemporary and experimental festivals. She founded the festival Am I Jazz? and was one of the founders of Kyiv cultural center Closer and its festivals Strichka and Brave! Factory. She studied at the University of New Orleans, USA and law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine.

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The goal of the residency

During her stay, she primarily worked on research and subsequent publication of an article on Ukrainian independent cultural scene and how music reflects and defines politics, social and ecological justice. Together with Malý Berlin and Nádvorie, she organized a concert by one of the most successful Ukrainian jazz musicians – the Dennis Adu Quintet.

What did the residency provide you and why would you recommend it to others?

“The residence provided me with a safe space where I could mentally and physically continue my work. It gave me the opportunity to participate in various events in Trnava and Bratislava, organize two festivals and work on my research. In addition, the six-month stay in Slovakia allowed me to meet new artists and establish new contacts, which was a valuable and enriching experience. I highly recommend this residency to anyone looking for a supportive and peaceful environment to work on their art projects and expand their networks in the field.”