The Gene Zwozdesky Artist in Residence Program was established in the fall of 2022 as a collaboration between the Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre (URDC) and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications (FFAC), and is funded by a donation from the Ukrainian Foundation for College Education (UFCE). Ukrainian multidisciplinary artist Slinko will be the inaugural artist in residence, and hold the position for the 2023/24 academic year.
While she is in residence in the Studio Arts Department on campus, Slinko will craft a project titled “Motherless Nation.” The project will focus on Ukrainian refugees and how their experiences have affected their connection to their home country, language and culture. She intends to present her findings in a variety of formats, including video, sculpture and a book of interviews and essays.
“It is both a great honour and a humbling experience to be selected as the inaugural artist for the Gene Zwozdesky Artist in Residence program,” says Slinko. “While I acknowledge my indebtedness to Ukrainian heritage, I also recognize the responsibility of contributing to the richness and complexity of Ukrainian culture. At this moment in history, I want to explore forms of belonging in the Ukrainian diaspora that articulate perseverance and flourishing, while gesturing towards possible futures.”
The program is named for former Edmonton MLA and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Gene Zwozdesky, who was also a community organizer, musician and champion for the arts in Alberta. Zwozdesky was also involved heavily with MacEwan, supporting program development between faculty and students in MacEwan’s business, nursing, sociology and music programs and Ukrainian universities. While in office, he also hosted MacEwan’s international visitors from Ukraine at the Alberta Legislature and arranged for the establishment of the province’s Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations, including the URDC’s director as a member.
“Hosting Slinko within the Studio Arts Department is tremendously exciting,” says Elisabeth Belliveau, chair of the Department of Studio Arts. “Our students will benefit from sharing time on campus with such an accomplished, internationally recognized artist. On behalf of Studio Arts we would like to thank the Gene Zwozdesky Artist in Residence, URDC and FFAC for this generous opportunity.”
Slinko is a Ukrainian-born artist who currently lives in the United States. Her work – which crosses mediums from performance to drawing to political satire – is informed by her experiences growing up in the final years of the Soviet Union, and is inspired by everyday interactions and material culture.
“Slinko's diverse art practice will undoubtedly inspire students to pursue new directions and processes, creating global connections through contemporary art studies,” says Belliveau. “As a faculty comprised of practicing artists, curators and researchers, we recognize the value of artist-in-residence programs and the power of creative and cultural exchange. We look forward to sharing the vibrant art community of Amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton with Slinko soon!”
Slinko will also lead workshops, give lectures and host public events during her residency, inviting students, faculty and community members to engage in discussions and encourage creativity.
To learn more about Slinko and to register for her events on campus, click here.