Kherson State University

💃🌍 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!

The creative works of Vitalii Rakovych, Head of the Department of Fine Arts and Design at Kherson State University, are showcased in an exhibition at the Zakarpattia Academy of Arts.
🖌 This event serves as an important artistic dialogue between regions and reaffirms that art knows no boundaries. Vitalii Rakovych’s works captivate with their depth, technical mastery, and emotional richness.

Congratulations on this recognition, and may inspiration lead to new creative achievements!

On April 2, 2025, the Department of Fine Arts and Design of Kherson State University held a career guidance meeting with students of the Kaniv Vocational College of Culture and Arts.
📢 Natalia Tereshenko, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Arts, introduced students to admission opportunities and the features of studying at the faculty.
🎨 Vitalii Rakovych, Head of the Department, shared insights on innovations in art education, training future artist-educators, and opportunities for creative growth.
What was discussed?
🔹 Educational programs of the department and their unique opportunities
🔹 Career paths of our graduates: from teachers and artists to scenographers and contemporary art practitioners
🔹 How to develop talent: competitions, festivals, and artistic projects
🔹 International internships and the "Double Diploma" program – opening new horizons!
💫 The key is a creative community that inspires, nurtures, and supports.
We are proud of the achievements of our graduates and are excited to welcome new talents to our artistic family! 🎨

On March 28, 2025, the All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Conference (with international participation) was held, organized by the Department of Choreographic Art of Kherson State University.
🔹 The event brought together researchers, educators, choreographers, and artists, who discussed pressing issues related to the development of choreographic art in Ukraine and worldwide.
🔹 The opening speeches were delivered by leading scholars and cultural figures, including First Vice-Rector of Kherson State University, Serhii Omelchuk, and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Arts, Natalia Tereshenko.
🔹 Key topics of the reports included:
✅ Methodology for teaching professional choreographic disciplines
✅ Ballet and war in Ukraine
✅ Modern trends in choreographic art
✅ Inclusive education in choreography
✅ The use of modern technologies in teaching

🌍 Participants from various cities in Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia shared their experiences and perspectives on the development of dance art.

💃🕺 The conference became an important platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and inspiring future innovations!

Відео запис конференції

We are delighted to announce that Kateryna Sotsenko, a first-year student, has won a First-Degree Diploma at the XIV International Competition "American Art Fest" in the "Painting" category! Her artwork "Chase" impressed the jury with its mastery, creative approach, and emotional depth.

We are proud of Kateryna and wish her new achievements, inspiration, and further victories! 🌟

On March 22, 2025, the Department of Musical Art of Kherson State University held a career guidance meeting with the students of Kherson Music School No. 1.
The department's lecturers introduced the young musicians to the opportunities of studying Musical Art, shared the achievements of KSU students, and invited talented youth to join the university's creative community.

🎤 Our university is a space for growth, inspiration, and making your boldest musical dreams come true!

On March 21, 2025, the Department of Choreographic Art of Kherson State University held a career guidance meeting with 4th-year students of Sumy College of Culture and Arts.
The department's lecturers introduced the students to the specifics of studying Choreography, shared the creative achievements of KSU students, and spoke about professional development opportunities in the field of choreographic art.

💃 We are always happy to welcome talented young people who strive for growth and new achievements together with KSU!

On March 20, 2025, the Faculty of Culture and Arts of Kherson State University held a career guidance meeting with 4th-year students of the Dnipro College of Arts.
During the meeting, the faculty members presented the creative programs, opportunities for continuing education at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, participation in festivals, competitions, art projects, and future career prospects.

🌟 We look forward to welcoming talented college graduates into our big artistic family! Develop your talent together with KSU!

On March 20, 2025, the Faculty of Culture and Arts of Kherson State University held a career guidance meeting with 11th-grade students of Kherson Tavriya Lyceum.
The faculty members introduced the students to the creative study programs:
🎶 Musical Art
🩰 Choreography
🎨 Fine Arts
🎭 Cultural Studies
During the meeting, the students learned about opportunities for creative development, participation in competitions, festivals, art projects, and future employment prospects after graduation.

💬 Thank you all for your engagement and interest in our faculty! We look forward to welcoming you to KSU as our future students!

On March 21, 2025, a teachers' council meeting will be held at the School of Humanities on the topic "How to Create Conditions for the Development of a Creative Personality."
The discussion will focus on the experience of Mykola Hryhorovych Levchenko, Professor of the Department of Cultural Studies at Kherson State University and Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine.

The Department of Fine Arts and Design sincerely congratulates Kateryna Sotsenko, a first-year student, on her successful participation in prestigious art competitions!
Based on the results of the 2nd International Art Competition "Creative Geniuses of Modernity" and the All-Ukrainian Two-Round Art Competition "With Love for the Homeland", her works received high praise from the jury and were awarded First Prize.
These achievements are the result of her hard work, professional growth, and creative exploration under the guidance of the department's teachers. The high level of her works demonstrates a deep understanding of art, mastery of painting techniques, and an original approach to creative tasks.
The Department of Fine Arts and Design is proud of the achievements of its student and wishes her further creative accomplishments, new ideas, and inspiration for future artistic projects!

The choreographic performances by master's-level choreographers from Kherson State University impressed the jury, earning five "first" places atwo "second" places atAll-Ukrainian Arts Competition "Artistic Year in Review"! 🏆

🔥 This achievement is a testament to the talent, dedication, and professionalism of both students and faculty. We are proud of your success and wish you even more creat

🌟 The Faculty of Culture and Arts at Kherson State University – a hub of art and inspiration! 🌟

Master's students specializing in Choreography at Kherson State University continue to amaze with their talent and professionalism! Their works received high praise from the jury at the All-Ukrainian competition "Christmas Miracle":
🏆 Grand Prix
🥇 5 First Prizes
This is not only a recognition of their mastery but also proof that Ukrainian choreography remains outstanding even in the most challenging times.

💃 Congratulations to our winners! You are the pride of our university, Kherson, and all of Ukraine! We wish you endless inspiration, new achievements, and creative victories!

Despite the ongoing war that continues to devastate Kherson and other cities of Ukraine, the students of the Faculty of Culture and Arts at Kherson State University prove that life goes on. Their creativity embodies hope, strength, and faith in victory.
Our talented students and faculty not only work on their projects but also win awards at prestigious art festivals! They share a piece of the Ukrainian soul with the world, glorifying our culture even in the most challenging times.
🌟 We are truly proud of your achievements and grateful for the way you inspire, believe, and bring art to the world!

We warmly congratulate Alevtyna and Valeriia Prysyazhniuk on successfully completing their educational course! We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you inspiration, determination, and confident progress toward new educational and artistic heights! ☀️

Kherson State University proudly celebrates the achievements of its talented students and faculty members! We sincerely congratulate Kateryna Sotsenko, a student of the Department of Fine Arts and Design, and Vitalii Rakovych, the Head of the Department, on their victory in the two-round multi-genre festival-contest "Mystetski Barvy."

The event was held with the support of Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, the international radio "RADIO SFERA MUSIC," the Association of Variety Artists of Ukraine, and the International Talent Development Company "Tuaron."

We wish our laureates continued creative success and endless inspiration!

The Faculty of Culture and Arts of Kherson State University held the certification of graduates of the second (master's) level of higher education in the specialty 023 Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, Restoration.

The master's students presented their qualification projects, showcasing creativity, professionalism, and profound knowledge. In their works, they explored contemporary trends in art, cultural heritage preservation, the use of innovative techniques, and many other relevant issues.
This was an important step toward the professional development of future artists and the preservation of our country's cultural values.

We sincerely congratulate our graduates on their successful certification and wish them inspiration, new achievements, and creative victories!

The Faculty of Culture and Arts of Kherson State University held the certification of graduates of the second (master's) level of higher education in the specialty 024 Choreography.

Our master's students impressed the certification commission with their vibrant dance performances, showcasing exceptional skill in various a

✨ The learning outcomes of our students were highly praised, and their talent and dedication once again proved that the art of dance is a language without bound

Special thanks to Oleh Tokar and Olesia Makohon fo

🌟 We are proud of our master's graduates and wish them new

At the Faculty of Culture and Arts of Kherson State University, an attestation of higher education applicants specializing in 034 Cultural Studies took place. In their qualification projects, master's students explored important cultural studies topics that have gained particular significance during the war. These included: the necessity of preserving and promoting cultural heritage through digital technologies; the impact of internet memes on youth culture; contemporary cinema as a means of mass propaganda in interethnic conflicts; the specificity of representing worldviews and human models in Ukrainian musical culture of the first quarter of the 21st century; profound changes in Ukrainian sociocultural and artistic spaces during Ukraine's Independence period; an analysis of the development of Ukrainian theater under modern military conflicts and its influence on civic consciousness and national identity; and an examination of Ukrainian animated cinema during the years of Independence as a revival of interest in national cultural heritage.
The future specialists in the field of culture proposed specific solutions to the problems that have arisen during the war