At i am u are, one can get acquainted with over 100 Ukrainian creators’ culture, tech, and fashion projects, purchase one-of-a-kind items, and enjoy the rich event program.
I am u are is the Ukrainian Creators Fair, founded by Anna Pagava, CEO of GOGŌLA agency, and Kristina Skripka, a hospitality expert from Ukraine; and co-organized by PR & communications agency GOGŌLA. Behind the event is the larger goal of empowering the Ukrainian creative economy and defeating the stereotypes that exist regarding Ukrainian culture.
The first event will take place on March 24-26 at Skylight in the Essex Crossing development located at the center of the Lower East Side, a district that is home to a wealth of historic music venues, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. As New York City’s most timeless neighborhood, the location is a premier destination for culture, nightlife, culinary adventures, and more.
The project will showcase the best practices through a comprehensive program that includes an exhibition, startup presentations, and more. I am u are is about community empowerment, going beyond the standard vision of a creative fair. The event is set to expand the horizons for Ukrainian creatives, and ignite both business and creative progress with a never-before-seen multidisciplinary approach.
The fashion and accessories brands at i am u are world-renowned. BEVZA thrilled the NYFW week this year with a show dedicated to Ukraine, Anna October became a BoF 500 member, Ksenia Schnaider received PETA’s Vegan Fashion Award 2021, IENKI IENKI shook the fashion world with their collaboration with the Ukrainian Antarctic station ‘Vernadsky Research Base’ creating the Antarctic Expedition Parka, Nomis have conquered the experimental jewelry world and revamped the existing gender stereotypes, and Guzema creations have become an essential part of the First Lady’s style.
The ethnography department is one that deserves special attention as unique artisans from the farthest corners of the country are participating. The brands revive ancient techniques and interpret them within modernity. At i am u are you will be able to explore the masterpieces from GORN, GUNIA project, NOOM, HUTSUL AUTHENTICA, and many more.
The visual arts scene will be represented by a photo exhibition prepared by Masha Reva. Ivan Grabko is the creative and visual director and curator of i am u are. Nadiia Shapoval serves as head of ethnography and will showcase artists working in traditional Ukrainian ceramics, accessories, product design, handicrafts, and woodworking techniques. A pop-up exhibition at the Ukrainian Museum in NYC, which became the second venue of the event, will feature a selection of items by jewelry, clothing, and object designers who blend the language of tradition and contemporaneity.
The FORMA studio, whose practice is based on a distinctive method that combines research and practical work, has taken on the task of developing and realizing the architectural concept for both venues of the event. Their approach is to work at the intersection of the disciplines. In a constant dialogue with specialists in theoretical and practical fields, FORMA’s team uses different representations of form for the projects and initiates cooperation for interdisciplinary growth.
Tech will be displayed by Esper Bionics, Ajax Systems, Obimy, DRESSX, InTempo, and others.
With the full-scale invasion going on, Ukraine has frequently been on the news. Still, not many people have a comprehensive understanding of the country. The team would love for the world to know Ukraine for more than war.
“To the surprise of many—Ukraine is not only a country with deep historical roots but also progressive and modern, with incredible brands in tech, fashion, and lifestyle. My dream was to create an event that would correspond to this image of our country as well as its outstanding creative industry, and this is why I initiated the project. I hope our guests get to see this for themselves as well,” said Anna Pagava, Gogola Agency founder.
“A year ago, we found ourselves trapped by history, but we never stopped creating history for ourselves. We soon found out that we have so much to give. For every single one of us, home is Ukraine. A beautiful place, where we grew into the people we are today. We want to share the world of our home which is Ukraine. We want the world to remember that Ukraine is protecting the values you were built upon—freedom, ideas & democracy, and remind you that the war is not over,” added Kristina Skripka.
Find out more here: iamuare.world
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