10/01/2026
Last week, we welcomed Svitlana Nikonorova, acting director of the Zhytomyr Regional Philharmonic, vocalist, and bandura player, to Indiana for a ten-day cultural diplomacy visit.
6 cities.
4 universities.
2 international festivals.
1 television appearance.
1 yoga fundraiser.
1 solo benefit concert.
Over $3,000 raised for Ukraine.
In just 10 days Svitlana’s voice was heard across the state of Indiana - from Indiana University Bloomington, Ball State University, the University of Notre Dame, and Vincennes University, to West Lafayette GlobalFest and the Carmel International Arts Festival, to classrooms, community gatherings, a television studio, the opening of the Anna Yaroslavna Ukrainian School of Indiana, and a solo benefit concert in Indianapolis, Svitlana brought a piece of the Ukrainian soul, like the Kobzars of the olden days, travelling village to village to share news and stories through song. 🪕💙💛
Building the sister-state partnership was the foundation, but fostering the connection on the institution-to-institution and person-to-person level is now the next step in creating the opportunities between Indiana and Zhytomyr Oblast. This past week was filled with incredibly meaningful conversations, empathy, openness and action.
The impact was tangible. Through events surrounding the visit, we raised approximately $3,000, which will support the purchase and outfitting of an evacuation vehicle with stretchers and medical supplies in Ukraine.
We are grateful for Svitlana Nikonorova for accepting our invitation and believing in the mission of cultural diplomacy as passionately as we do.
We are immensely grateful to every person who made this diplomatic trip possible along the way - Svitlana Ramer organizing and overseeing every aspect of this trip, Financial Center and Ukrainian School of Indiana for sponsoring, Latvian Community Center for hosting the Solo Concert, USI members who helped hosting Svitlana Nikonorova, as well as Laura Mirabal, Vanessa Lanning, Tiffany Veach, Nanovic Institute of European Studies, and many others who made the visit and the engagements possible.
