Aequo is an active supporter of the young Ukrainian artists competition – MUHi 2021

Aequo consistently supports MUHi contemporary art competition, aimed to recognize and give long-term support to young Ukrainian artists in early stages of their career. It works to showcase the potential of Ukrainian artists and promote the development of an ecosystem where freedom of expression and creative courage rules.

“Art is able to shape the future and encourage out-of-the-box thinking and innovation. As a socially responsible business, we believe it is vital to support the MUHi initiative since it helps to discover new names in Ukrainian art and strengthens the image of modern Ukraine. We are also honoured to join the educational program aimed to raise awareness of young artists regarding the legal aspects of the art business”, comments Anna Babych, Aequo’s Partner.

The name MUHi is an abbreviation of “Young Ukrainian Artists”. MUHi’s first exhibition was presented in 2009 at Bottega Gallery. In 2021, the project will be implemented for the eighth time.

The International expert commission has selected10 finalists of the competition out of 357 applications from artists and art groups.

The shortlist of the competition includes:

• Nastia Didenko (Kyiv)

• Yuliia Zakharova (Kyiv)

• Alexandra Kadzevich (Odesa)

• Olena Kovach (Lutsk / Krakow)

• Olha Kuziura (Mostyska / Lviv)

• Zoia Laktionova (Mariupol / Kyiv)

• Anna Manankina (Kharkiv)

• Pavla Nikitina (Kyiv / Brno)

• Oleksandr Sirous (Kharkov / Kiev)

• Mariia Stoianova (Kyiv)

Their works will be presented at the exhibition. The exhibition opens on November 11 at M17 Contemporary Art Center.

The exhibition of finalists will be complemented by a parallel educational program – a three-day forum with a focus-topic: surroundings. The Forum will become a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience, as well as a place for discussion about young contemporary Ukrainian art. The program will consist of panel discussions about new artistic trends, curatorship, education, generations, feminism, etc.

Alina Podolyak, Senior Associate, Aequo, will be a keynote speaker at the forum.

The total prize fund of the MUHi 2021 competition is UAH 70,000. The winner will receive a prize of UAH 40,000 and the opportunity to implement his/her own project in the gallery space (or under the auspices) of Shcherbenko Art Center in 2022. The international expert commission will also select two winners, who will receive prizes in the amount of UAH 15,000 and institutional support in the implementation of their own exhibition project.