(NY)Ukrainian Creators Fair

Skylight at Essex Crossing, NYC

March 24, 2023
We had a goal for the whole world to discover Ukraine as Ukrainians know it. This is how it turned out.

The event featured over 100 Ukrainian designers and artisans. Set in the vibrant milieu of New York’s Lower East Side, the exhibition comprised five distinct sections: tech, fashion, tradition, youth, and fair. The main objective of the event was to support the Ukrainian creative industry, both financially and intellectually, and to challenge the many stereotypes about Ukrainian culture.

47 OF THE WORLD’S TOP PRESS SUPPORTED US WITH PUBLICATIONS AND MENTIONS
120+
ukrainian creators
1800
sq m location on Manhattan
5
expo showcases
3.7M
estimated views in press
640K
organic reach on Instagram
500
vip guests on a private showcase
1785
tickets sold
1116
pieces sold just in 3 days

“The event, called I Am U Are, is demonstrating that Ukraine’s creative industries are alive and kicking despite Russia’s invasion.
The organisers also want to send a message of defiance, claiming that “the war has given even more agility and resilience to Ukrainian creative talent that the world can learn and benefit from”.

The exhibition consisted of five separate sections: tech, fashion, tradition, youth, and fair.
This eye-catching drop of colorful chairs, released in a limited edition of just eight pieces, was designed by NOOM especially for I am u are.
IT WAS A BIG HONOUR TO WELCOME OUR GUESTS WITH President Zelenskyy’s opening speech.
THE FASHION SECTION WAS A TRULY ECLECTIC SELECTION, from THE WORLD’S TOP RUNWAY REPRESENTATIVES to EMERGING UNDERGROUND DESIGNERS.
The forms of tables refer to the symbols of medieval Ukrainian inscriptions and drawings scratched on the walls of Saint Sophia Cathedral.
TRADITION SECTION WAS CURATED BY NADIIA SHAPOVAL. IT GATHERED THE ARTISANS AND TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMEN FROM ALL OVER UKRAINE.
“YOUTH” waS THE UKRAINIAN MODERN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION CURATED BY MASHA REVA.
We anticipated around 300 guests for the pre-opening but ended up nearly doubling that with 500 attendees.
At the pre-opening party, food artist Teo Campanula highlighted Ukraine's rich land through edible installations.

This night was a true celebration of Ukrainian creative talent, and we witnessed how much the audience appreciated its value to culture, art, and resilience. The main idea of this event was to convey that Ukraine is not a problem, but a solution. We have many talented people here, and we want to show the world that Ukraine is truly diverse.

With tremendous support from our partners and team, the 5800-year-old Cucuteni–Trypillian 'Venus' was brought to the US and showcased there for the very first time.

Located on manhattan’s lower east side, the fair and exhibition was designed specifically for the event by forma architects (ua), who also joined the i am u are creative team.

If you want to see more photos and get the full scoop on the event, check out our detailed report. It’s packed with highlights and memorable moments from the day.

Anna Pagava
Kristina Skripka
Olena Balova
Nadia Pahava
Masha Reva

Ivan Grabko
Nadiia Shapoval
Iryna Myroshnykova (ФОРМА)
Oleksii Petrov (ФОРМА)
Alena Gorlanova
Yuliia Shaparenko
Vitya Gluschenko
Hanna Shypovych
Den Polansky
Nastya Kalita
Pavel Buryak
Kateryna Pryadchenko
Kateryna Voskresenska
Asya Shkurat
Ganna Marko
Gogola Agency

CEO & co-founder
CEO & co-founder
brand & marketing strategist
head of PR
executive creative director, сurator of photoexhibition
visual language & concept
curator of ethnology part
architecture & stage design.
architecture & stage design
creative producer
event manager, logistic
graphic design
website design
website developer
text
video director
marketing manager
PR & communications
partnership manager
social media manager
PR & communications