"Kolomijka Rhythms" Transnational Program

The KOLOMIJKA RHYTHMS Program simultaneously conserves and innovates: building on its folk music roots, it creates a living, transnational cultural ecosystem that focuses on the professional development of young people, community participation and regional cooperation. 

The proposed organizational model and funding structure allow for a quick start and sustainable growth, while the Celebrating Folk Music transnational festival serves as a strong PR platform to showcase the cultural values ​​of the region.

Folk music motivation / National classical and popular music / Regional definition of the SBEBA macro-region / Interdisciplinary arts

Folk music motivation

The basis of the program is folk music: authentic, instrumental melodies, dances, traditions and performance techniques. The folk music motivation does not exclude classical or contemporary influences, participation; on the contrary, the goal of the Program is to promote dialogue between tradition and contemporary art.

National classical and popular music

The integration of the national classical repertoire and folk art music provides an opportunity for traditional motifs to appear in new arrangements and contexts, strengthening cultural diversity and the audience's commitment to national identities and, at the same time, the folk music heritage of indigenous nationalities. All this is well symbolized by the Hutsul/Ruthenian "kolomeyka rhythm", which not only refers to the nations and more than 200 nationalities of the macro-region, but, since it occurs in the folklore of many peoples here, in the opinion of Béla Bartók, it frames the macro-region as a kind of brand symbol.

Regional definition of the SBEBA macro-region

The regional focus of the KOLOMEYKA RHYTHMS macro is the north-south Scandinavian-Baltic-East-Central-Balkan-Axis, SBEBA macro-region. This geographical extension includes the cultural ecosystems of 27 countries. The strategic program approach aims to strengthen cultural ties between these interconnected countries and sub-regions, taking into account historical, linguistic and musical interoperability.

Interdisciplinary arts

The inclusion of partner arts (classical, world music, contemporary music, jazz, dance, theater, visual arts, digital arts) creates new interpretations and forms of collaboration, increasing the attractiveness of the program for young artists and a wider audience.

The KOLOMEJKA Program is a long-term transnational cultural initiative, presented over a three-year period, that aims to introduce, compare, preserve, renew and place the folk music heritage of North-East Central South Europe in a contemporary context.

The program is folk music-driven: its basis is traditional folk melodies, dances and performance practices, complemented by national classics, popular music and related arts (jazz, dance, theatre, visual arts, digital arts).

The KOLOMEJKA Program aims to integrate the knowledge, young talents and professional capacities of local communities in a cultural cluster covering 27 countries and to bring them to a wide audience through transnational festivals “Celebrating Folk Music”.

The initiative also performs a good service function: it assumes a cultural diplomatic role, strengthens regional cohesion and supports the social integration of young people through vocational training and community programs.

The three-year budget and operational plan of the Program are based on a sustainable, hybrid financing model: financial donations, corporate sponsorships, European grant funds and significant in-kind contributions (venues, technology, logistics, communication platforms). ________________________________________

The mission of the KOLOMEJKA RHYTHMS Program is to preserve and reinterpret the folk music traditions of Eastern Central Europe and the Scandinavian, Baltic, and Balkan regions, while creating opportunities for young performers and communities to develop professionally, gain international exposure, and build sustainable careers. The program aims to bring cultural heritage to life, support knowledge transfer, and strengthen regional identity.

• Respect for local knowledge and community participation.

• Youth focus and capacity building.

• Transnational cooperation and networking.

• Artistic excellence and an experimental approach involving fellow arts.

• Sustainability from a financial and environmental perspective.

The good service role of the program is to contribute to social goals through cultural means: creating opportunities for young artists, community rehabilitation through cultural programs, and cultural diplomacy between the countries of the region. The good service component focuses in particular on the involvement of disadvantaged regions and young people.

The basis of a transnational festival inspired by folk music: authentic, instrumental melodies, songs, dances, traditions and performance techniques. The folk music inspiration does not exclude classical or contemporary influences, participation; on the contrary, the aim of the Program is to promote dialogue between tradition and contemporary art.