Culture · Art · History · Business & Education
A Milan-based bridge between Ukraine and Italy, telling the real story of Ukrainian culture, history and heritage.
Support Boristene
Donation & membership levels
One-time gifts, monthly support and membership — six clear ways to contribute
Explore the six levels · membership details on the support page
About Us
A cultural bridge from Ukraine to Europe.
Milan · Ukraine · Europe
Boristene is a Ukrainian cultural association based in Milan, creating projects that bring Ukrainian history, identity, art and contemporary culture closer to audiences in Italy and across Europe.
Founded
2022
Headquarters
Milan
Registered ETS
2024
Legal form
APS / ETS
Culture is not only what we preserve. It is how we create understanding, memory and lasting connections between people.
01 · Name
Our Name
Boristene takes its name from Borysthenes — the name ancient Greek geographers, including Herodotus, gave to the Dnipro, the river at the heart of Ukraine. Like the river it is named after, the association sees itself as a channel carrying Ukrainian culture, memory and voice into Italy and Europe.
02 · Story
Our Story
Boristene was founded in Milan in 2022, at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, by Svitlana Tereshchenko, out of love for Ukraine and freedom. In 2024 the association was formally registered under Italian law as Boristene ETS. Since then it has grown into an organisation producing exhibitions, festivals, concerts, conferences and immersive multimedia projects across Italy and on international stages.
03 · Mission
Mission
To engage the Italian public, counter distorted information and show the real Ukraine — its history, values and cultural richness — through cultural, educational and artistic projects.
04 · Vision
Vision
By sharing Ukrainian creativity and ideas, we foster collaboration and understanding between peoples and work toward a future in which Ukraine stands alongside its European partners to safeguard shared values.
From Milan to international stages, Boristene creates spaces where Ukrainian culture can be discovered, understood and experienced.
Ukraine · Italy · Europe
Our Team
The people behind Boristene.
Culture · Expertise · Collaboration
Artists, cultural professionals, organisers and collaborators united by one goal — giving Ukrainian culture a stronger voice in Italy and across Europe.
Meet the team
Team photos and member profiles will be published here when available
Boristene grows through people who contribute their experience, ideas and energy to cultural dialogue between Ukraine, Italy and Europe.
Built by people
Work with us
What we do
Our Projects
Flagship exhibitions, our annual festival, monthly conversations and cultural collaborations
See all projects ↗01 / Flagship project
UNBREAKABLE UKRAINE
02 / Annual project
Ukrainian Culture Festival UCRAINA è UCRAINA
Ukrainian Culture Festival UCRAINA è UCRAINA
A two-day festival in Milan presenting Ukraine’s historical and contemporary identity through lectures, cultural talks, music and international dialogue.
Partners · Consulate General of Ukraine in Milan, Embassy of Ukraine in Italy, Ministry of Culture and Strateg…
03 / Monthly project
BOOK CLUB BORISTENE
Book Club Boristene
On June 18, we hosted the Book Club at The Mill together with Corriere della Sera journalist Marta Serafini. Following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Marta travelled to Ukraine, where she reported on the war through her on-the-ground coverage. Over the past few years, her work has gone beyond journalism and resulted in the publication of her book «Brevissima storia del conflitto tra Russia e Ucraina. Dal 2014 a oggi».
04 / Collaborations
Other Projects & Collaborations
Souls of Mariupol — Memorial Performance at La Scala
A memorial performance in the heart of Milan honoring civilians killed in the 2022 airstrike on the Mariupol Drama Theatre.
Partners · Embassy of Ukraine in Italy, Consulate General of Ukraine in Milan
Ukrainian Cultural Diplomacy in Italy
A long-term cultural diplomacy and advocacy initiative helping Italian audiences discover Ukraine’s history, culture, identity and contemporary achievements.
Partners · Ukrainian and Italian cultural institutions, media professionals, academics, artists, public instit…
Rally Against Russian Propaganda in Bologna
More than 500 Ukrainians from across Italy gathered in Bologna for a public rally opposing the spread of Russian propaganda and supporting Ukraine.
Partners · Ukrainian community organisations in Italy, Christian Society of Ukrainians in Italy, supporters fr…
Join the conversation
Upcoming Events
Discover the next events. Registration or ticket booking is available when organisers provide a link
Next event to be announced
Our next gathering will be posted here as soon as the details are confirmed
With gratitude
Our Patrons & Sponsors
Confirmed supporters are linked to the projects and events they helped make possible
Patrons and sponsors will be listed here once their support for a specific project or event is confirmed
Our Partners
Cultural, institutional and community partners. Project sponsorship is shown separately above
Interested in supporting a cultural initiative?Explore partnerships ↗
Achievements
Culture with real impact.
Ukraine · Italy · Europe
From international exhibitions to cultural partnerships, Boristene brings Ukrainian heritage into new spaces, audiences and conversations across Europe.
2025
01
World Premiere · Rome
Unbreakable Ukraine reached an international audience
through its world premiere in Rome.
2026
02
Ars Electronica · Linz
Ukrainian cultural heritage enters one of Europe's
leading international art and technology platforms.
UA ↔ IT
03
Cultural bridge
Connecting Ukrainian and Italian communities through
culture, education, dialogue and collaboration.
EU
04
European presence
Expanding Boristene through exhibitions,
partnerships and cultural initiatives across Europe.
Every initiative strengthens the international visibility of Ukrainian culture, history and heritage while creating lasting connections between people and institutions.
Growing across Europe
Media About Us
What They Say About Us.
Press · Stories · Interviews
Stories, interviews and editorial coverage from media documenting our cultural work and the dialogue we build between Ukraine and Europe.
Ukrinform
17 Sep 2026
Photo
В Австрії представили міжнародний культурний проєкт Unbreakable Ukraine
В австрійському місті Лінц відбулася презентація міжнародного культурного проєкту Unbreakable Ukraine Асоціації української культури BORISTENE. Про це Укрінформу повідомили в асоціації. Проєкт представили на одному з найпрестижніших у світі фестивалів цифрового та імерсивного мистецтва – Ars Electronica. Unbreakable Ukraine реалізується асоціацією BORISTENE спільно з міжнародними й українськими партнерами SARAVA, SKEIRON та HEMO.
Read coverage
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Ukrinform
14 May 2026
Photo
У Мілані відбувся фестиваль «Україна є Україна»
В італійському Мілані провели третій дводенний фестиваль української культури «Україна є Україна», головною метою якого стала презентація історичної та сучасної ідентичності України для італійської аудиторії. Як передає Укрінформ, захід організувала асоціація BORISTENE за підтримки генерального консульства України в Мілані, посольства України в Італії, Міністерства культури та стратегічних комунікацій України, а також муніципалітету Мілана та регіону Ломбардія.
Read coverage
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Life Pravda
11 Mar 2026
Article
У Мілані українців запрошують на флешмоб до роковин удару РФ по Маріупольському драмтеатру
14 березня 2026 року на площі навпроти театру Ла Скала у Мілані відбудеться акція пам'яті жертв російського авіаудару по драмтеатру Маріуполя. Як повідомили "УП. Життя" організатори, учасники з плакатами відтворять слово "ДЕТИ", і цей флешмоб зніматимуть на відео з дрона. Українців у Мілані запрошують долучитися до акції, прийшовши на Piazza della Scala 14 березня. Флешмоб має розпочатися об 11-й ранку та завершитися о 12-й. Наприкінці події в небо піднімуться 200 білих куль – символ душ цивільних жертв Маріуполя.
Read coverage
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Ukrinform
04 Mar 2026
Article
У Мілані біля Ла Скала вшанують загиблих у Маріупольському драмтеатрі меморіальним перформансом
У суботу, 14 березня, на площі перед оперним театром Ла Скала в Мілані (Італія) пройде меморіальна перформативна акція «Душі Маріуполя». Про це Укрінформу повідомила пресслужба Асоціації української культури Boristene (Мілан).
Read coverage
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Ukrinform
11 Jul 2025
Article
Міністри культури України та Італії відкрили виставкові проєкти в межах програми URC2025
Міністр культури та стратегічних комунікацій України Микола Точицький та міністр культури Італійської Республіки Алессандро Джулі у Римі під час Міжнародної конференції з питань відновлення України відкрили виставкові проєкти у межах культурної програми на URC2025.
Read coverage
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Exibart
27 May 2024
Article
Ucraina è Ucraina: l’intervista a Svitlana Tereshchenko
È uno dei paesi più antichi e affascinanti d’Europa, l’Ucraina, a cui il Circolo Filologico Milanese e Associazione Boristene dedicano Ucraina è Ucraina, un festival, a cura di cura di Svitlana Tereshchenko e Luciano Tellaroli, in cui ogni ogni sera si alterneranno esposizioni, conferenze e proiezioni che racconteranno la cultura ucraina, la sua storia, le arti visive, la musica, la sua letteratura e il suo cinema. Con l’occasione dell’apertura della prima edizione (qui il programma completo degli appuntamenti), abbiamo incontrato Svitlana Tereshchenko, fondatrice e presidente dell’Associazione Boristene.
Read coverage
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Radio Radicale
27 May 2024
Interview
Intervista a Svitlana Tereshchenko sul Festival Ucraina è Ucraina
L'Associazione Boristene organizza a Milano, dal 27 al 31 maggio prossimi, un Festival per raccontare l'Ucraina, la sua storia, la sua arte. Una cultura da difendere dal tentativo russo di annientarla. Nel corso dell'evento, Lectio Magistralis dello storico Yaroslav Hrytsak, performances musicali ed artistiche, lezione di letteratura ucraina con Yaryna Grusha e un dialogo con il regista del documentario «20 giorni a Mariupol», Mstyslav Chernov. I bombardamenti russi sulle infrastrutture civili, al centro comemrciale di Kharkhiv come ad una delle maggiorni case editrici del Paese.
Read coverage
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Redazione Artuu
24 May 2024
Article
A Milano un festival per celebrare la cultura Ucraina
Il Circolo Filologico Milanese e l’Associazione Boristene presentano la prima edizione del Festival “Ucraina è Ucraina” che si terrà dal 27 al 31 maggio 2024 nella Sala Liberty del Circolo Filologico Milanese, proponendo cinque serate di incontri con protagonisti delle arti visive e della letteratura, storici, registi e musicisti, per esplorare la ricca e affascinante cultura ucraina contemporanea e la sua storia .Ogni giorno, dalle 18:00 alle 22:00, si alterneranno esposizioni, conferenze e proiezioni che illustreranno la cultura ucraina, la sua storia, le arti visive, la musica, la letteratura e il cinema, per spostare l’attenzione dai drammatici eventi bellici degli ultimi anni e mostrare il volto più autentico e elevato di questo Paese e del suo popolo.
Read coverage
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Quotidian Post
22 May 2024
Article
Ucraina è Ucraina
Dal 27 al 31 maggio il Circolo Filologico Milanese e Associazione Boristene presentano, nella prestigiosa sede della sala Liberty del Circolo Filologico Milanese, la manifestazione Ucraina è Ucraina, una settimana di incontri, talk e performance artistiche per immergersi nelle espressioni culturali dell’Ucraina, uno dei Paesi più antichi e affascinanti d’Europa.
Read coverage
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Fidest
13 May 2024
Article
Prima edizione del Festival Ucraina è Ucraina
Ad accompagnarlo Giulia Lami, docente ordinaria di Storia dell’Europa orientale presso l’Università degli Studi di Milano, autrice del libro Ucraina in 100 dati. Dal 27 al 31 maggio il Circolo Filologico Milanese e Associazione Boristene presentano, nella prestigiosa sede della sala Liberty del Circolo Filologico Milanese, la manifestazione Ucraina è Ucraina, una settimana di incontri, talk e performance artistiche per immergersi nelle espressioni culturali dell’Ucraina, uno dei Paesi più antichi e affascinanti d’Europa.
Read coverage
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YouTube
Video
Svetlana Tereshchenko: la voce dell'Ucraina in Italia contro la propaganda russa
In questa intervista rilasciata a WeUkraineTV, Svetlana Tereshchenko racconta il suo impegno per l’Ucraina dall’Italia. Da trent'anni vive a Milano, ma il legame con la sua terra d’origine non si è mai spezzato. Dopo il 24 febbraio 2022, ha preso una decisione netta: interrompere ogni rapporto commerciale con la Russia e dedicarsi alla diffusione della verità sull'Ucraina. Come presidente dell'associazione Boristene, ha portato la voce ucraina nei media italiani, contribuendo a organizzare il primo intervento televisivo di Volodymyr Zelensky in Italia.
Read coverage
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Iodonna
Article
"Ucraina è Ucraina" a Milano
Dal 27 al 31 maggio si svolgerà la manifestazione Ucraina è Ucraina: cinque inedite serate di incontri con i protagonisti delle arti visive e della letteratura, con storici, registi e musicisti per raccontare la cultura ucraina contemporanea e la sua storia. Ogni giorno, dalle 18.00 alle 22.00, si alterneranno esposizioni, conferenze e proiezioni che racconteranno la cultura ucraina, presentandone la storia, le arti visive, la musica, la letteratura e il cinema.
Read coverage
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Radio Marconi
Interview
Casa Marconi
Con Elena Giordano la cultura insieme ai suoi protagonisti tra cinema, teatro, libri e musica
Read coverage
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Exibart
Article
Al via a Milano la prima edizione del Festival Ucraina è Ucraina, dal 27 al 31 maggio presso la Sala Liberty del Circolo Filologico Milanese
Il Circolo Filologico Milanese e Associazione Boristene presentano la prima edizione del Festival Ucraina è Ucraina. Cinque inedite serate di incontri con i protagonisti delle arti visive e della letteratura, con storici, registi e musicisti per raccontare la cultura ucraina contemporanea e la sua storia Storia • Arte • Musica • Letteratura • Cinema
Read coverage
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Il Foglio
30 May 2024
Article
Al via l'Ukrainian week, verità storiche contro la Grande Russia
Il Foglio racconta l'Ukrainian Week di Milano, una settimana di incontri, performance e cultura ucraina promossa per superare il folklore e raccontare la storia e l'identità dell'Ucraina. L'articolo presenta anche l'Associazione Boristene e la sua fondatrice Svitlana Tereshchenko.
Read coverage
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Itinerari nell'Arte
Article
Ucraina è Ucraina
Itinerari nell'Arte presents the first edition of the festival "Ucraina è Ucraina", organised by Circolo Filologico Milanese and Associazione Boristene in Milan. Five evenings of talks, visual arts, literature, music and cinema dedicated to Ukrainian culture, history and contemporary identity.
Read coverage
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Artribune
26 May 2024
Article
Ucraina è Ucraina. A Milano il festival che racconta arte, cinema, letteratura e musica del Paese in guerra
Artribune racconta la prima edizione del festival "Ucraina è Ucraina", organizzato dall'Associazione Boristene al Circolo Filologico Milanese. Cinque serate dedicate ad arte, cinema, letteratura, musica e storia per presentare al pubblico italiano l'identità culturale dell'Ucraina.
Read coverage
↗
Media coverage helps our projects reach new audiences and strengthens the visibility of Ukrainian culture across Europe.
Press enquiries →
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you were about to ask.
Boristene · Projects · Participation
Find practical information about Boristene, our cultural work, events, partnerships, donations and the different ways you can take part.
Organisation
Learn about Boristene, our history, mission and legal status in Italy.
Participation
Explore events, volunteering, partnerships and ways to support our work.
Projects
Discover our cultural initiatives and international projects across Europe.
Explore the questions
About Boristene
What is Boristene?
Boristene is a Ukrainian cultural association based in Milan, Italy, working to promote Ukrainian culture, history and heritage among Italian audiences through exhibitions, festivals, concerts, conferences and immersive multimedia projects.
Where does the name Boristene come from?
It comes from Borysthenes, the ancient Greek name for the Dnipro River, documented by Herodotus over two thousand years ago. The name reflects our mission: connecting Ukraine's deep cultural roots to Italy and Europe.
When and by whom was Boristene founded?
Boristene was founded in Milan in 2022, at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, by Svitlana Tereshchenko. It was formally registered under Italian law as Boristene ETS in 2024.
Is Boristene an officially registered nonprofit?
Yes. Boristene is registered as an ETS (Ente del Terzo Settore) in RUNTS, Italy's national register of third-sector organisations, Lombardy office.
What is Boristene's mission?
To engage the Italian public and show the real Ukraine — its history, values and cultural richness — through cultural, educational and artistic projects.
Events & Activities
What kind of events does Boristene organise?
Exhibitions, festivals, concerts, book presentations, film screenings, historical conferences and immersive multimedia projects, including the Ukraine Is Ukraine festival and the Unbreakable Ukraine immersive project.
How do I find out about upcoming events?
Follow our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube channels, or check the News and Events sections of this website. Details are posted as each event is confirmed.
Are events free to attend?
It varies by event. Some are free and open to the public, while others require registration or a ticket. Check each event listing for details.
Do I need to register in advance?
Some events, especially those with limited seating, require advance registration. We recommend registering early for major events.
What language are events held in?
Most events are conducted in Italian, sometimes with Ukrainian or English elements depending on the guests and topic.
Getting Involved
How can I volunteer?
Fill out our volunteer registration form through How to Join Us, telling us your skills and availability. We will match you with a role, from event organising to translation or social media.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No prior experience is required for most roles. Enthusiasm and reliability matter most; specific skills such as translation or design are welcome.
How can my business become a partner or sponsor?
Use the Partner or Premium Partner registration path and describe your organisation and preferred contribution. Our team will follow up to define the details together.
What's the difference between Partner and Premium Partner?
Partner includes logo placement, event invitations and network access. Premium Partner adds co-founder-level status on flagship projects, VIP access and priority branding at major international events.
Donations & Tax Benefits
How can I donate?
Through the Support Us page, by bank transfer, or by becoming a Member or Partner.
Are donations tax-deductible?
As a RUNTS-registered ETS, individual donations may qualify for a 30% IRPEF deduction, within the applicable legal limits. Contributions must be made by traceable means. Please confirm current thresholds with your commercialista.
What is 5x1000?
5x1000 lets you direct a small share of the income tax you already owe to Boristene at no extra cost. Use Codice Fiscale 97971770157 in the relevant tax-return box and sign.
Unbreakable Ukraine
What is Unbreakable Ukraine?
An international immersive project bringing Ukraine's architectural and artistic heritage to the world through 3D scans, cinematic animation and original sound design.
Where can I see it?
It premiered at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome in 2025, won the top prize at an international immersive art festival in Naples and is scheduled for Ars Electronica in Linz in September 2026.
How can my organisation support the project?
Through a Premium Partner contribution, which can include co-founder status and the right to present the project at your own events by agreement with the project team.
Practical Information
Where is Boristene based?
Via Ugo Tarchetti 1, 20121 Milan, Italy.
How can I contact you?
Email associazione@boristenemilano.com or call +39 331 272 0262. You can also reach us through our social media channels.
Can I propose a collaboration or event idea?
Yes. Send your idea by email or social media and our team will review it.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Contact our team directly and we will help with partnerships, events, donations, projects or general questions.
We are here to help
Contact us
Contact
Let's build the next chapter together
5×1000 — At No Cost To You
Redirect a share of the income tax you already owe — it doesn't add to your tax bill, it simply reroutes a portion instead of it going to the general state budget. Write our Codice Fiscale in your tax return (730, Redditi PF, or CU) and sign.
97971770157
Join Boristene
Become part of something meaningful.
Participate · Support · Collaborate
Boristene grows through people, organisations and partners who believe in the power of Ukrainian culture. Choose how you would like to contribute and become part of our work in Italy and across Europe.
01 · Partnership
Partner with us
Build cultural, institutional or strategic collaborations and create long-term impact together.
02 · Support
Support our work
Help us respond to verified needs and strengthen projects that connect communities and create real impact.
03 · Participate
Take part
Bring your experience, ideas, network or time and discover where your contribution can make a difference.
Every collaboration starts differently. Tell us who you are and what you would like to contribute — we will help you find the right way to take part.
Boristene ETS · Milan
Ukraine · Italy · Europe