i am u are – A platform for empowering the creative economy of Ukraine

The project will showcase the best practices through a comprehensive program that includes an exhibition, startup presentations, and more. i am u are is about community empowerment and goes beyond the standard vision of a creative fair. The event is set to expand the horizons for Ukrainian creatives, and ignite both business and creative progress with a never seen multidisciplinary approach.

Fashion and accessories brands at i am u are are famous worldwide. BEVZA thrilled the NYFW week this year with a show dedicated to Ukraine; Anna October became a BoF 500 member, Ksenia Schnaider received PETA’s Vegan Fashion Award 2021, IENKI IENKI shook the fashion world with their collaboration with the Ukrainian Antarctic station “Vernadsky Research Base” creating the Antarctic Expedition Parka, Nomis have conquered the experimental jewellery world and revamped the existing gender stereotypes and Guzema creations have become an essential part of the First Lady’s style.

The ethnography department deserves special attention as unique artisans from the farthest corners of the country are participating. The brands revive ancient techniques and interpret them within modernity. At i am u are you will be able to explore the masterpieces from GORN, GUNIA project, NOOM, HUTSUL AUTHENTICA, and many more.

The visual arts scene will be represented by a photo exhibition prepared by Masha Reva. Ivan Grabko acts as a creative and visual director and curator of i am u are. Nadiia Shapoval acting as head of the ethnography department and will display artists working in traditional

Ukrainian ceramics, accessories, product design, craft, and wood techniques. A pop-up exhibition at the Ukrainian Museum in NYC, which became the second venue of the event, will feature a selection of items by jewellery, clothing and object designers who blend the language of tradition and contemporaneity.

FORMA studio whose practice is based on a distinctive method combining research activities and practical work undertook the mission of developing and realizing the architectural concept for both venues of the event. Their approach is to work at the intersection of the disciplines. In a constant dialogue with specialists in theoretical and practical fields, FORMA’s team uses different representations of form for the projects and initiates cooperation for interdisciplinary growth.

Tech will be displayed by Esper Bionics, Ajax Systems, Obimy, DRESSX, InTempo and others.

Motivation

With the full-scale invasion going on, Ukraine has frequently been on the news. Still, not many people have a comprehensive understanding of the country. The team would love for the world to know Ukraine for more than war.

Anna Pagava, Gogola Agency founder: “To the surprise of many — Ukraine is not only a country with deep historical roots but also progressive and modern, with incredible brands in tech, fashion, and lifestyle. My dream was to create an event which would correspond to this image of our country as well as its outstanding creative industry, and this is why I initiated the project. I hope our guests get to see this for themselves as well.”

Kristina Skripka: “A year ago, we found ourselves trapped by history, but we never stopped creating history for ourselves. We soon found out that we have so much to give. For every single one of us, home is Ukraine. A beautiful place, where we grew into the people we are today. We want to share the world of our home which is Ukraine. We want the world to remember that Ukraine is protecting the values you were built upon – freedom, ideas & democracy, and remind you that the war is not over.”