Kyiv is at the heart of an extraordinary cultural renaissance as Ukraine’s flagship Tysiachovesna (Thousand Springs) program officially unveils its first wave of funded projects. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 12 that the initiative has received over 2,600 applications, far exceeding initial expectations, with the final selection results now being presented in the capital.
The Tysiachovesna program, backed by UAH 4 billion (approximately 00 million) from Ukraine’s 2026 state budget, represents the country’s first comprehensive state-funded cultural development initiative. It spans seven key creative industries: film and television production, animation, contemporary music, performing arts, visual arts, and social media content creation. Of the total budget, UAH 2.6 billion is dedicated specifically to film and TV production.
What This Means for Kyiv’s Creative Scene
Kyiv, as Ukraine’s cultural capital, stands to benefit tremendously from this initiative. The city is already home to Ukraine’s most vibrant creative communities, indie film studios, music labels, and design collectives. With the Tysiachovesna program now active, Kyiv-based artists and creators have unprecedented access to state funding that was previously unavailable to independent creators.
Approximately 17% of the submitted proposals are debut projects from emerging creators, signaling that the program is successfully attracting new talent. Zelensky also expressed a personal wish for Ukraine to produce a high-quality multi-season television series about Kyivan Rus — the medieval East Slavic state that had its capital in what is now Kyiv — to counter disinformation narratives and showcase Ukraine’s rich historical heritage.
As the Tysiachovesna program fuels a new golden age of Ukrainian creativity, there’s never been a better time to show your support for Kyiv and Ukrainian culture. Our Kyiv collection features original designs celebrating the spirit of Ukraine’s capital. Whether you’re looking for a bold Ukraine pride t-shirt or something that captures the unique vibe of Kyiv’s arts scene, we’ve got you covered.
Historic Investment in Ukrainian Creativity
Beyond the UAH 2.6 billion for film and television, UAH 1 billion is allocated to contemporary music, performing arts, and visual arts. An additional UAH 300 million will support audiovisual shows and social media content. Expert evaluation of projects runs from June 10 to July 21, with a public presentation of selected projects scheduled for August. Funding for approved projects will begin rolling out between September and December 2026.
Zelensky framed the initiative as an essential component of national strength, noting that even during a full-scale war, creative energy in Ukraine does not fade. For Kyiv, this means a sustained investment in the people and projects that make the city one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic cultural hubs.
Browse our full range of Kyiv-inspired apparel and wear your connection to Ukraine’s thousand-year cultural legacy with pride.