Cultural Connections: Bridging Odesa and Bristol
On October 7th, an online seminar titled «Fostering Cultural and Tourism Connections between Bristol and Odessa» was held, supported by Odesa's city council advisor, Tetyana Markova. This event marked the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two UNESCO Creative Cities.
«The United Kingdom is not just a partner; it is a true friend of Ukraine, supporting us in our hardest times. Odesa has always been open to the world, and we are excited to begin active collaboration with the West England region and the city of Bristol. We are united by creativity, cultural depth, and a desire to create the future together,» said Odesa's Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov.
Paul Goggin, advisor to the Bristol City Council, shared his impressions of Odesa, calling it a «city with unique architecture, warm-hearted people, and unforgettable flavors».
Participants in the seminar included representatives from city councils, cultural institutions, tourism organizations, and festival organizers from both countries.
Among the priorities are the creation of joint projects, festivals, participation of Odesa artists in Bristol events, exchange programs for schoolchildren and young creatives, collaboration with the Visit West tourism platform, and the restoration of historical monuments in Odesa that were damaged during the war.
The British side confirmed its readiness to provide humanitarian support and foster economic interaction.
