Transformation of Ukraine’s cultural policy in the wartime: analysis of institutional adaptation

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to conduct a comprehensive study of the transformations in Ukraine’s cultural policy under martial law, focusing on changes in the functioning of state and civil institutions, as well as the rethinking of cultural development priorities in the face of existential threats. The relevance of the topic stems from the need to conceptualize the humanitarian front of resistance, where culture is no longer merely a tool for communication or heritage preservation, but a factor of identity mobilization, psychological resilience, and social cohesion.

The research methodology combines historical and philosophical analysis of cultural concepts, an institutional approach to assessing changes in state policy, hermeneutic analysis of official documents and cultural initiatives, and a comparative examination of other countries’ experiences in similar crisis conditions. Data collection methods included content analysis of official reports and regulatory documents, monitoring of media and social networks, examination of publications and statements by cultural figures, and comparative review of international practices in cultural policy adaptation during crises.

The empirical base consists of official reports and analytical documents of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine (2022–2024), legislative acts and regulatory initiatives in the humanitarian sphere, monitoring data of civic initiatives, interviews and publications by artists, curators, and cultural experts, as well as a collection of digital cultural practices gathered between 2022 and 2025 from media, social networks, and online archives.

The main results of the study identify key vectors of institutional adaptation: the emergence of new forms of cultural diplomacy, activation of digital cultural practices, and the reorientation of museums, libraries, and cultural centers to support the military and internally displaced persons. It is emphasized that in wartime, cultural policy performs not only a representational function but also serves as a tool of humanitarian resistance, preserving the semantic unity of society, countering disinformation, and resisting psychological pressure. Special attention is given to legislative changes, particularly the introduction of simplified procedures for supporting cultural projects and the rethinking of concepts such as “national heritage” and “information security.”

The conclusion highlights that Ukraine’s cultural policy is undergoing a profound reorientation — from normative administration to a flexible response to social and security challenges. A new model of cultural governance is emerging, combining decentralization, network cooperation, and crisis management. This approach ensures not only the preservation of the national cultural space but also its renewal in line with contemporary challenges. The article demonstrates the potential of cultural policy as a tool for sustainable development, symbolic resistance, and societal recovery in wartime.