An EKA delegation visited the Lviv National Academy of Arts (LNAM) in Ukraine from September 14 to 17.
The central message of the visit was EKA’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its art and higher education communities. Ukrainian higher education institutions are continuing to teach amidst the exceptionally difficult conditions of war, while simultaneously reforming their curricula, developing international partnerships, and keeping Ukrainian cultural and educational life vibrant. For EKA, supporting Ukraine means backing both colleagues and students, as well as contributing to the resilience of the shared European cultural, educational, and security space.
“Ukrainians are currently defending not only their own country but the wider European region. In our field, we can contribute to this by keeping Ukrainian students and colleagues connected to the European art and higher education landscape and by creating tangible opportunities for collaboration and learning,” emphasizes EKA Rector Hilkka Hiiop.
LNAM is operating under very challenging conditions due to the war. The Academy has invested in shelters, accessibility, and energy security, while actively developing its academic programs, international cooperation, and new areas of activity—including the intersection of art with rehabilitation and work with veterans. During the visit, EKA and LNAM discussed opportunities to develop joint international projects, further increase student and faculty mobility, organize workshops, summer schools, and intensive courses, and foster closer cooperation in the fields of restoration, conservation, design, and art education; the parties also aim to launch new support measures.
The EKA delegation was welcomed by Vasyl Kosiv, Rector of the Lviv National Academy of Arts (LNAM); Taras Lesiv, Vice-Rector; and the Academy’s International Relations Department.
The EKA delegation included Rector Hilkka Hiiop, Rector Emeritus Mart Kalm, Financial Director Andres Tammsaar (who had previously visited LNAM with Mihkel Ilus in 2023), Vice-Rector for Research Linda Kaljundi, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Anne Pikkov, and Head of International Relations Sandra Mell. Mart Kalm delivered a lecture at LNAM in the “shelter auditorium”—the construction of which EKA had supported with funds from donors—and meetings were held to discuss concrete next steps for developing joint projects and collaborative initiatives.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both EKA and LNAM to continue and deepen their cooperation through student and faculty mobility, academic activities, and joint international projects.
Lviv National Academy of Arts Support Fund
