Ukraine is becoming increasingly more interesting for foreigners, according to statistics. The Ministry of the Internal Affairs reports that nearly 500,000 foreigners come to our country each year, with over half arriving on business. Every day thousands of foreigners arrive at and depart from Ukraine’s train stations and airports. It is important know what memories of Ukraine they take with them. What kind of Ukraine did they see? Does it leave its cultural imprint on visitors? These questions are raised in The Day‘s interview with Marion HAASE, head of the Goethe Institute Cultural Center. After three years in Ukraine, she has answers to many questions, in particular about Ukraine’s image abroad and its coverage by the German mass media.
What is the main aim of the Goethe Institute in Germany? Is there anything that is specific to Ukraine?
“The Goethe Institute is a German cultural center abroad that aims at supporting and deepening cultural exchange between Germany and Ukraine, as well as maintaining the German language. It is important that we realize our projects together with our Ukrainian partners, covering many cultural spheres. I would like to emphasize that our institute is funded by NGOs.”
What was your image of Ukraine before you came here? Did your opinion change after you had been here for a while?
“I came to Ukraine in October 2005. I had not been here before and did not have enough information about this country. But, certainly, at home I watched TV reports about the Orange revolution in 2004, i.e., during the period when the attention of the global community was focused on Ukraine. These pictures evoked a feeling of hope and great expectations in me. During my stay here I have familiarized myself with Ukraine. For the head of a cultural institute working here is is a wonderful opportunity. There are many young Ukrainians who are interested in the German language and contacts with Germany. In general, I see that this is an active country, brimming with activity; there are many young well-educated people here who have interesting ideas and they are eager to achieve something. There are also many talents in this country: musicians, artists, and cultural figures. These are people who take interest in the latest cultural trends. I’m not sure whether policymakers are aware of this great potential.
“I am very saddened by what I see. Contemporary arts and modern cultural trends receive too little governmental support, but avant-garde currents are the elixir of life for any contemporary society. Nonetheless, I am sure that this country has a great potential, and it is very pleasant for me to work with Ukrainians; they inspire me in my work.”
What image does Ukraine have in Germany, in your opinion? What do ordinary Germans think about our country?
“The problem is that Ukraine is still not very well-known in Germany. On the other hand, many [of our] partners that participate in the cultural exchange on the level of cities and institutions have made a great personal contribution to popularizing Ukraine in Germany and increasing its significance.
“There are many different kinds of exchange between our countries; there is partnership between cities and artistic organizations. On the other hand, reports on corruption and other problems in Ukraine play a great role in the nationwide and local German mass media. An average German receives information precisely from these sources. In my opinion, information on Ukraine is objective. At the same time, mass media that write about your country and its problems show that they understand these difficulties. However, one should understand that current political situation will not change only because Germany starts to view Ukraine with more optimism.”
In your opinion, what should Ukraine do in order to improve its image in the world?
“I think that, above all, we are speaking about the domestic political problems and reaching political stability. Furthermore, the European Union has extended many proposals to Ukraine, and if Ukraine makes efforts and works to realize these proposals, this will contribute to the strengthening of relations between Ukraine, on the one hand, and the EU and the world, on the other. Our institute aims at popularizing Ukraine’s lively cultural environment. Of course, we are using every opportunity to help Ukrainian artists go to Germany and present the achievements of Ukraine’s culture.”
