On August 24, 2025, Valencia will host a long-awaited event for both Ukrainians and all lovers of art and literature across the city. At Carrer del Túria 30, a new Ukrainian bookstore-art space will open its doors, becoming a gathering place for cultural exchange, community life, and the preservation of national identity. This is not just a bookshop, but a true cultural center, where literature, painting, and creative dialogue come together.
The opening is scheduled for a symbolic date—Ukraine’s Independence Day, which makes the event even more meaningful. At a time when Ukrainians around the world are preserving and promoting their culture, the emergence of such spaces holds enormous importance.
On its very first day, visitors will enjoy an art exhibition by artist Olena Kolesnik, an open art talk with her, and a literary performance by writer Kateryna Serpokrylets, who will present her prose works. This way, the bookstore immediately positions itself as a place of synergy between word and image, literature and visual art.
The Significance of the Event for Ukrainians in Valencia
The Bookstore as a Center of Ukrainian Culture
For Ukrainians living in Valencia, the opening of this bookstore is a milestone. While the city already has Ukrainian schools, communities, and cultural events, it has never before had a dedicated bookstore. This space will be more than a shop—it will be a platform for preserving the Ukrainian language, literature, and art.
In a world where assimilation often dilutes national roots, the presence of a Ukrainian bookstore helps strengthen cultural identity. Here, anyone can find literature in their native language, connect with like-minded people, and participate in artistic events. It will become a kind of “Ukrainian oasis” in Spain, where the Ukrainian word will be heard and contemporary talents will flourish.
The Symbolism of the Date – August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day
The opening is not coincidental on August 24. This day is one of the most important celebrations for Ukrainians worldwide. For the diaspora, it carries particular weight, as it is a way to remind themselves and others of Ukraine’s independence, a nation that continues to fight for its future.
In this sense, the bookstore’s opening is a symbol of the independence of Ukrainian culture, which transcends borders. It reminds us that Ukrainian literature and art are alive and thriving, no matter how far from the homeland.
The Location and Atmosphere of the Space
Carrer del Túria 30 – A New Landmark on the City’s Cultural Map
The location of the bookstore is also meaningful. Carrer del Túria lies in one of Valencia’s lively districts, full of people and cultural activity. This means the space will be open not only to the Ukrainian community but also to Spaniards and international visitors interested in Ukrainian culture.
Places like this carry a dual mission: on the one hand, they serve as a home for Ukrainians abroad, and on the other, they act as a window for the world, introducing Ukrainian culture to others. The bookstore at Carrer del Túria 30 has every chance to become a “must-visit cultural destination” in Valencia.
Blending a Bookshop and an Art Space
The key feature of this new venue is that it’s not just a bookstore, but a bookstore-art space. Visitors will not only be able to purchase books but also attend art exhibitions, lectures, and creative meetups.
This combination makes the space vibrant and dynamic. It will not function solely as a retail shop but will evolve into a place of inspiration and dialogue. Every exhibition, every book launch will become an opportunity for new encounters, shared reflections, and collective discovery.
Olena Kolesnik’s Exhibition
The Artistic Style and Visual Language of the Painter
One of the central highlights of the opening will be an exhibition by Olena Kolesnik. Her works combine contemporary vision with deep symbolism. They are infused with Ukrainian motifs yet remain open to universal interpretation.
Kolesnik’s style can be described as modern expressive realism with elements of symbolism. Her paintings often depict motifs of nature, female figures, and spiritual quests. They resonate with the Ukrainian cultural code but at the same time are accessible to audiences of any nationality.
Why Her Works Matter to Today’s Ukrainian Art Scene
The exhibition in Valencia is more than just an art show—it is also an act of supporting Ukrainian art abroad. In a time when Ukraine is defending its freedom, artists have become the voices of the nation. Their work preserves history, emotions, and hopes for the future.
Kolesnik’s paintings are like “visual chronicles” of contemporary Ukraine, inviting viewers not only to admire beauty but also to reflect on deeper meanings.
Opening Day Events
Art Talk with Olena Kolesnik
On the day of the opening, visitors will not only see the paintings but also engage directly with the artist. The art talk will provide insight into her creative journey, sources of inspiration, and artistic process.
Encounters like these are special because they bridge the gap between art and the audience. Hearing the story directly from the creator gives each work a new voice and makes the experience more personal.