Petrykivka paintings awarded status of intangible cultural heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) awarded Petrykivka paintings a status of intangible cultural heritage, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

This decision was made during the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is taking place these days in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The session was attended by 600 experts from 95 countries.

Ukraine submitted three objects of intangible heritage – Petrikivka paintings, Kosovo ceramics and Sorochintsy Fair – for review of UNESCO World Heritage Fund. However, only one item was approved, Petrikivka paintings, which fully complies with the eligibility criteria.

Awarding Petrikivka paintings a status of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a historic event for the country. UNESCO experts say this will help strengthen international image of Ukraine in the world, as a modern center of development of both unique ethnic and modern and contemporary art.

According to government experts, success and recognition of Petrikivka paintings was achieved due to structural strategies of the Cabinet to promote Ukrainian culture in the global information space. After all, only in the last three years there were 50 exhibitions of Cossack paintings in the most important and prestigious venues on four continents.