Kherson State University

Congratulations to Acting Head of the Department of Cultural Studies, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Lidiia Lymarenko on successfully completing the online express course “Fundamentals of Testology and Test Item Development”! ✅

From April to May 2025, she completed a professional development program for teaching and research staff focused on the design and expert review of tasks for the Unified Professional Entrance Exam.

🧠 The acquired knowledge covers:
▪️ the structure and formats of test items
▪️ requirements for multiple-choice tests
▪️ Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives
▪️ principles of test validity and review procedures
▪️ practical skills in creating and evaluating test materials

🎯 1 ECTS credit / 30 hours of intensive training — a significant step toward enhancing professional excellence!

We are proud and inspired! 💙

🎓 Department of Fine Arts and Design, Kherson State University

This year’s defense of qualification works turned into a true celebration of creativity, innovation, and professional growth of our students!

🖌️ The diversity of genres and themes is truly impressive:
– Lyrical and decorative still life
– Digital landscapes
– Graphic series based on Edgar Allan Poe’s works
– Character concepts
– Corporate identity design
– Papier-mâché sculptural compositions
– And for the first time – plasticine stop motion animation!

💻 The students demonstrated mastery of both classical and modern techniques – from ink and watercolor to Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita. Their works harmoniously combine academic foundations with personal expression, stylization with respect for tradition, plasticity of form with expressive color palettes.

🔍 Especially noteworthy are projects that explore contemporary visual challenges – war and emigration, brand identity, mythological imagery, and cultural interpretation of literary classics.

💬 Sincere thanks to the academic advisors for their guidance and support, and to the students – for the inspiration and depth of their artistic visions.

🔹 Ahead lie new achievements, but today we are simply proud of you! 💙

🎨 Today, the Educational and Scientific Institute of Arts at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University hosted the opening of an exhibition showcasing creative academic works by students of the Faculty of Culture and Arts at Kherson State University. 🖌 The exhibition featured artworks created by students during the on-site learning week, presented in various painting and graphic techniques. Among the works were: ▪️ landscapes from different parts of Ukraine — including Ivano-Frankivsk region and the students’ native Kherson region ▪️ human figure sketches ▪️ portraits ▪️ creative decorative compositions 🤝 The organization of the exhibition marks another important step in the ongoing partnership between higher education institutions in the fields of culture and the arts. During the opening event, Volodymyr Fedorak, Director of the Institute of Arts at PNU, Nataliia Tereshchenko, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Arts at KSU, and faculty members from both universities discussed plans for implementing joint projects in the 2025–2026 academic year. 🎭 Collaborative creativity unites, inspires, and shapes a new cultural perspective!

5 червня 2025 року Викладачі кафедри хореографічного мистецтва Херсонського державного університету завітали з дружнім візитом до колег-хореографів Карпатського національного університету імені В. Стефаника 🤝✨

💃 В рамках зустрічі хореографи ХДУ мали змогу відвідати заліково-екзаменаційні заходи, ознайомитися з освітнім процесом і творчими здобутками студентів КНУ.

🗣 Відбулося тепле професійне спілкування, обмін досвідом та ідеями для подальшої співпраці між освітніми закладами.

Разом творимо майбутнє хореографічного мистецтва!

5 червня 2025 року Робота з майстерні над творчими роботами. Майстер клас від викладачки образотворчого мистецтва і дизайну Гриценко Юлії на тему "Пейзаж в техніці акрилового живопису" для здобувачів 4 курсу.

On June 5, the audience witnessed a choreographic performance titled "In the Rays of the Heart: To Burn or to Warm [.,]".
This artistic piece was the result of collaboration between lecturers and students of the Department of Choreographic Art at Kherson State University, presented during the on-site learning week.

🌳 The performance took place in the Taras Shevchenko City Park, adding a sense of openness and emotional resonance to the atmosphere.

💭 The choreography carries a profound philosophical message — exploring the fragile boundary between the destructive and life-giving power of emotions.
Can the fire of the heart warm, or will it burn? The audience is invited to decide — where would they place the punctuation mark?

As part of the on-site learning week at the Faculty of Culture and Arts of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, the Choreographic Intensive continues! 💃✨

🗓 On June 4, 2025, a Contemporary Dance class was held, led by lecturer Tetiana Shyryna.

🔸 The students actively practiced in the House Dance style — a technique that requires freedom, musicality, energy, and improvisation. The atmosphere was filled with rhythm, drive, and creativity! 🔊🔥

The intensive brings not only knowledge but also inspiration for new dance achievements!

As part of the on-campus learning week, students of the 025 Music Art program (first/bachelor level of higher education) showcased their conducting mastery under the guidance of Associate Professors T.L. Kornysheva and N.O. Hunko.

Each performer-interpreter demonstrated a distinct artistic approach to the interpretation of the composer’s text. The conducting language was expressed through fluid gestures and musical elements reflecting metrical-rhythmic and dynamic characteristics.

Special attention was given to the challenges of future professional activity, which require the development of specific creative and conducting competencies essential for a conductor’s career.

During the on-campus learning week, students of the Department of Fine Arts and Design completed a variety of academic and creative assignments. Among them were graphic sketches from life, capturing the figures of dancers during choreography classes, and architectural sketches of Shevchenko Street near the main building of Kherson State University.

Additionally, they worked productively in open-air sessions (plein air painting), creating expressive artworks inspired by the natural beauty of Taras Shevchenko City Park.

🗣️ On June 4, the Faculty of Culture and Arts hosted a workshop titled "The Communicative Nature of Art" — an event that brought together not only students and faculty, but also guests and colleagues from Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University.

💬 Among the participants was Nadiia Kukuruza, Head of the Department of Performing Arts and Choreography at KNU, who joined the discussion with students specializing in Performing Arts.

🔥 The workshop was held in a lively, interactive format with an engaging discussion on the role of art as a universal language — one that transcends borders and unites people, cultures, and eras.

💡 Participants shared their personal experiences, reflections, and ideas on the communicative potential of artistic practices, the challenges of our time, and the pursuit of meaningful dialogue with audiences.

As part of the in-person learning week, the "Choreographic Intensive" continues at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University for students of the Faculty of Culture and Arts.

📅 On June 3, a class on the discipline "Ukrainian Folk Dance" was held by Associate Professor Valentyn Vasiak. During the session, students deepened their knowledge and refined their performance techniques of traditional Ukrainian dances.

✨ Special attention was given to the choreographic vocabulary of Southern Ukraine, known for its expressive nature, rhythmic variety, and distinctive plasticity of movement.

🩰 These classes contribute to the professional development of future choreographers, enrich their creative experience, and promote the heritage of Ukrainian folk art.

🎤 On June 3, 2025, a heartfelt class concert titled "In Music and Word — the Highest Feelings" 🎶📖 was held as a powerful expression of talent and emotion. Students of 025 Musical Art and 034 Cultural Studies, together with Oleksii Ponomariov — Senior Lecturer of the Department of Musical Art and Honored Artist of Ukraine — presented an inspiring artistic program where music, words, and sincere emotions blended into one harmonious performance. ✨ The concert became a vibrant culmination of creative effort, showcasing students’ professional growth, stage culture, and passion for art. 💐 Special thanks go to the instructors who, although unable to be present in Ivano-Frankivsk, greatly contributed to the preparation of the students: 🔹 Lidiia Lymarenko 🔹 Nataliia Hunko 🔹 Alina Chekhunina Your work lives in every performance, every note, and every round of applause! 🙏 Heartfelt gratitude to Natalia Tereshenko, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Arts, for her support, organization, and the creation of an inspiring atmosphere that unites students and teachers in shared creativity.

🎼 As part of the on-campus learning week, students of the Faculty of Culture and Arts attended a presentation dedicated to the life and works of Astor Piazzolla — the legendary composer who transformed the face of modern tango.

🎶 The presentation was conducted by:
🔹 Myron Cherepanin — Doctor of Arts, Professor at the Department of Ukrainian Music Studies and Folk Instrumental Art, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv;
🔹 Maryna Bulda — PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor of the same department.

💬 The meeting turned into a true artistic dialogue, blending in-depth knowledge, musical analysis, and a heartfelt admiration for Astor Piazzolla’s creativity.

🏛️ On June 3, students and lecturers of the Faculty of Culture and Arts visited the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Museum of Local Lore.

🔍 This educational visit took place as part of the on-campus learning week and offered a great opportunity to delve deeper into the history, culture, and artistic heritage of Prykarpattia.

🎨 The excursion not only broadened horizons but also inspired new creative ideas and projects.

📅 June 2, 2025 💃 As part of the on-campus learning week, students of the Choreography (Specialty 024) program took part in an intensive classical dance workshop. 🔹 The class was led by Alla Rekhlitska, Head of the Department of Choreographic Art and Associate Professor — a highly qualified educator and true inspiration for future dance professionals. 🩰 Participants had the opportunity to refine their classical dance technique, work on fluidity, expressiveness, and stage presence. 📸 Thank you all for your active participation and the incredible energy during the session!

On June 2, a lecture-meeting was held on the topic: "The Sound of Modernity: How My Music Is Born" by Oleksii Ponomariov, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Musical Art. Oleksii shared the secrets of creating an album using children’s musical instruments and revealed the unique process behind modern songwriting — from inspiration to DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). He also presented a new song that is currently in its final stage of production.

A week of full-time study has begun in Ivano-Frankivsk

Mariia Kozak has been awarded the Grand Prix at the International Art Competition "Ukraine–Spring: On the Alley of Ukrainian Stars"! 🌟
🏆 Her artwork, titled "Spring Near the Borshchivka", beautifully captures the spirit of spring in her native land.
📍 Borshchivka is a river near the village of Veletenske, Kherson region, where the artist lives.
🎨 Technique: canvas, oil painting.

We sincerely celebrate Mariia's success and wish her continued artistic inspiration and new creative achievements!

In March 2025, the Second All-Ukrainian Student Research Competition in the field of “Culture and Art”, specialty 024 “Choreography”, was held at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
🎓 Kateryna Pilipishyna, a first-year master's student at Kherson State University, won 2nd place with her research paper:
📝 “The Psychophysical Aspect of Contemporary Choreographic Art”
📚 Academic advisor — A. Rekhlitska.

💐 Warm congratulations to Kateryna and her supervisor on this remarkable result! We wish them continued success, creative inspiration, and new scientific achievements!

💃🌍 From April 24 to 27, at the Latvian Society House (Riga, Latvia), the 18th International Choreography Competition "Riga Spring 2025" took place, judged by a professional international panel of experts.

Participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Iceland, and Kazakhstan competed in three main categories:
✨ Classical Dance
✨ Folk-Stage Dance
✨ Contemporary Dance
as well as in a special Choreographers’ Competition, showcasing their skills across various age groups.

🎉 Second-year students of the "Choreography" program at Kherson State University proudly represented Ukraine and achieved impressive results:

🏆 Daria Konstantynovska — 1st Degree Laureate (Classical Dance, age category 18–26)
🏆 Yelyzaveta Khomenko — GRAND PRIX (Classical Dance, age category 18–26)
🥈 — 2nd Degree Laureate (Contemporary Dance, age category 18–26)

🔥 We are proud of our talented students! You are true ambassadors of Ukrainian dance on the international stage!

📅 April 29, 2025
📍 Faculty of Culture and Arts, Kherson State University
On the occasion of International Dance Day, the Faculty hosted a vibrant and inspiring event titled "Dance – the Mirror of World Culture", organized in collaboration with the Commission on Culture and Spiritual Development of the Youth Parliament.

👯‍♀️ The event brought together high school students from across the Kherson region, offering them the opportunity to witness captivating dance performances and experience the richness of various world cultures through the universal language of dance.
🌍 Dance united everyone present with its rhythm of beauty, emotion, and tradition.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this cultural celebration! 💃🕺

On April 25, 2025, the Department of Cultural Studies at Kherson State University held the XIII All-Ukrainian (with international participation) Scientific and Practical Conference 🎓 "Current Issues of Art Education in Higher Education." This year’s event brought together scholars from Ukraine, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain, who joined efforts to address the pressing challenges facing art education amid war and global transformations. 🕊️ The conference began with a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Russian-Ukrainian war — a symbolic video presentation that reminded everyone of the price of our freedom. 🎤 The opening speech was delivered by: ▪️ Serhii Omelchuk — First Vice-Rector of Kherson State University, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, and Honored Scientist and Technician of Ukraine. Greetings to the participants were extended by: ▪️ Nataliia Tereshchenko — Acting Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Arts at Kherson State University ▪️ Lidiia Lymarenko — Acting Head of the Department of Cultural Studies, Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine 🔍 During the event, the following topics were discussed: ✅ the transformation of art education in times of war ✅ teachers’ readiness to face new educational challenges ✅ spiritual guidelines and cultural memory ✅ the experience of Ukrainian integration abroad ✅ the role of the media in preserving cultural heritage ✅ student initiatives and projects for Ukraine’s recovery 📸 The atmosphere was filled with professional exchange, warm meetings, and new ideas! We sincerely thank all participants, speakers, and organizers for their significant intellectual contribution to the development of Ukrainian art education!

🗓️ On April 18, 2025, the Department of Choreographic Art at Kherson State University hosted an important event — a meeting with stakeholders 🤝

Participants included:
🔸 Heads of choreographic ensembles
🔸 Representatives of specialized and extracurricular education institutions of the Kherson region

During the meeting, participants discussed the renewal and development of the "Choreography" educational programs at both the first (bachelor’s) and second (master’s) levels of higher education.

💬 A key topic was ensuring that the content of these programs aligns with modern challenges in the professional training of specialists in the field of choreographic art.
🤝 We sincerely thank all participants for the constructive dialogue and valuable recommendations! Together, we are shaping high-quality arts education for future generations!

Awarding of the Presidential Scholarship of Ukraine for Young Writers and Artists
in the fields of music, theatre, visual arts, choreography, variety and circus arts, and cinema

Aliona Movchan, Head of the Literary and Dramaturgical Department of the Kherson Regional Academic Music and Drama Theatre named after Mykola Kulish,
a first-year Master's student pursuing a degree in Cultural Studies (Specialty 034), has been awarded the Presidential Scholarship of Ukraine.

На запрошення Фахової онлайн школи завідувач кафедри образотворчого мистецтва і дизайну, кандидат педагогічних наук, доцент, член НСХУ Віталій Ракович провів лекцію на тему «Методологія формування візуального образу вистави у процесі вивчення дисципліни «Сценографія»»
Це складова апробації навчально-методичного матеріалу з дисципліни «Сценографія» перед поданням курсу на атестацію.
📢 Методологія формування візуального образу вистави у процесі вивчення дисципліни «Сценографія»
Як створити сценічний простір, що занурює глядача у світ вистави? Як кольори, фактури та світло формують емоційне сприйняття театрального дійства?
На лекції з дисципліни «Сценографія» у межах Фахової онлайн школи обговорювали:
🎭 Основні принципи формування візуального образу вистави
🖌️ Роль художника-сценографа: від ідеї до втілення на сцені
💡 Інтеграцію традиційних і цифрових технологій у сценографічному мистецтві
Також я поділився досвідом викладання освітньої компоненти «Сценографія» на кафедрі образотворчого мистецтва і дизайну Херсонського державного університету. Під час зустрічі ми обговорили нові експериментальні педагогічні програми та познайомилися з навчально-творчими здобутками талановитих студентів кафедри.
Щиро дякую організаторам Фахової онлайн школи за можливість долучитися до професійного обговорення та обміну досвідом!