Shortly after Ukraine gained its independence, cultural centers of Germany, France, Poland, and other countries opened in Ukraine. In comparison with Soviet times we take more interest in the spiritual values of other peoples. Johannes Ebert, Director of the Goethe Institute in Kyiv in an interview with The Day spoke about cultural cooperation between Ukraine and Germany.
Q.: There are Goethe Institute branches in 76 countries. Are some special programs of activities specifically tailored for each country? What is the difference between Kyiv Goethe Institute programs and those in other countries?
J.E.: The main principle of Goethe Institute work is to adjust our programs to local conditions and to create them together with local partners. That is why we work out absolutely all our programs in conjunction with our Ukrainian partners, and we’ve had good results. For instance, a conference devoted to Bertolt Brecht’s creative work was held some time ago, and it had been planned as an event for specialists. However, it received wide publicity. In September, jointly with Kyiv City Cultural Department we will conduct a conference to discuss a very important issue – sponsorship in the cultural sphere, which is financed poorly not only in Ukraine but also in Germany. Hence, such an exchange of the experiences of both countries would be of interest.
Q.: Do both sides understand each other equally well in cultural cooperation? Don’t you feel some differences in the mentality?
J.E.: I think that our interaction is going very well. We treat each other frankly and with respect. However, in some cases our partners have not been clear enough about what exactly and on what scale the Goethe Institute should contribute to a joint project. Based on the principles of partnership, the Ukrainian side shouldn’t remain passive either and will have to provide either partial financing or free premises for some projects to be conducted in. The Goethe Institute has been functioning in Kyiv for five years. We also work actively in Odesa, Chernivtsi, and Dnipropetrovsk. There are also German reading-rooms in Lviv and Kharkiv. At the beginning of our work here, some partners thought we would assume the whole financial burden. Now things are getting clearer.
Q.: What do you think about the popularity of the German language in Ukraine? Is it higher or lower comparing to the neighboring countries? Or it is at the same level?
J.E.: There is great interest in learning German and becoming familiar with German culture. The historic background and geographical location make for this. I worked in Riga for a year, and the interest in our culture is perhaps higher there than here in Ukraine. However, it is great here, too. In any case, Germany and CIS states cooperate actively not only in cultural sphere, but also in politics and economics. We welcome Ukraine’s striving to establish partnership in Europe, and we are one of your first partners.
Q.: Many Goethe Institute events are free of charge. The tuition for your language courses is not high either, and it probably does not cover all expenses. Is it possible for your Institute to continue functioning like this in the future, or will it be commercialized?
J.E.: We are trying to keep our events free of charge. However, should the expenses be very high, then at least a symbolic admission would be appropriate. Partially, we cover our expenses with the money that we get from our courses. I think in the next few years the tuition will rise. However, the Goethe Institute will never become a commercial structure.
Q.: What Goethe Institute event would you call the most important this year?
J.E.: Without doubt, the most interesting for the general public was a festival of new German films, which took place at the House of Cinema last May. An exhibition of German artist Max Ernst, Books and Graphics, has now opened at the Russian Arts Museum and is drawing great interest as well. As a matter of fact, it is hard to define what success is – when many people gather or when a very interesting discussion erupts among specialists. The fact that Ukrainian and German Kulturtragers are getting together and creating something new can in itself be called a success.







