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Monday, March 18, 2013

Peace Corps Volunteer Helps Organize Cultural Event Series in Ukraine

WASHINGTON D.C. March 18, 2013—Peace Corps volunteer Robert DeKay of Shreveport, La., is working with members of a local non-governmental organization to provide his community with free access to cultural events, including concerts, art festivals and photography exhibitions, without having to travel to larger cities.

“Historically in Ukraine, there has been a stigma attached to creativity, freedom of thought, and modern artistic expression,” said DeKay, a graduate of University of Colorado Boulder who has been living and working in Ukraine since 2010.

“The idea for the event series was presented to me last summer when a local friend held a small art exhibit in my community. He told me his NGO, Cultural Alternative, has been working to host regular art events in the area to show that creative thinking can be both interesting and useful to society.”

Soon after the art exhibit, DeKay began working with Cultural Alternative to translate and write a grant proposal. Funds generated through the grant will go toward the purchase of a computer, sound system and projector to ensure the sustainability of the series. 

“Currently, Cultural Alternative rents equipment each time they host an event, which results in reoccurring expenses and technical inconveniences. The grant money will be used to purchase all of the required technical accessories to ensure the longevity of the project,” said DeKay.Soon after the art exhibit, DeKay began working with Cultural Alternative to translate and write a grant proposal. Funds generated through the grant will go toward the purchase of a computer, sound system and projector to ensure the sustainability of the series.