What is the Ukrainian House of Photography?
The Ukrainian House of Photography is an organization tasked with creating a multidisciplinary institution dedicated to promoting, supporting, and preserving Ukrainian photography. It will create a space for its development, research, education, and public engagement, while building a lasting foundation for Ukraine’s photographic heritage and its future.
Mykhailo Voloshyn, 1915. Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in formation. Hnylche, Ternopil Oblast. Courtesy of the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, Conn., digitized from the original cliché by Vasyl Lopukh.
Mykhailo Voloshyn, 1915. Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in formation. Hnylche, Ternopil Oblast. Courtesy of the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, Conn., digitized from the original cliché by Vasyl Lopukh.
Mykhailo Voloshyn, 1915. Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in formation. Hnylche, Ternopil Oblast. Courtesy of the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, Conn., digitized from the original cliché by Vasyl Lopukh.
Mykhailo Voloshyn, 1915. Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in formation. Hnylche, Ternopil Oblast. Courtesy of the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, Conn., digitized from the original cliché by Vasyl Lopukh.
Mykhailo Voloshyn, 1915. Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in formation. Hnylche, Ternopil Oblast. Courtesy of the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, Conn., digitized from the original cliché by Vasyl Lopukh.
Mykhailo Voloshyn, 1915. Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in formation. Hnylche, Ternopil Oblast. Courtesy of the Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford, Conn., digitized from the original cliché by Vasyl Lopukh.
TEAM
Main team members:
Sasha Maslov
Operations, Development and Founder
A Ukrainian-American photographer, journalist and author based between Kyiv and New York. A regular contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, an author of three books. As a founder of the NGO and organizational head of the Ukrainian House of Photography, he leads its institutional development.
Marc Wilkins
Real Estate and Co-founder
A Swiss film director and cultural activist based in Kyiv since 2016, Marc Wilkins was shortlisted for the 89th Academy Awards for Bon Voyage. He co-founded and financed The Naked Room gallery, served as creative director of the art collection at Sophia Hotel, and founded The Reytarska Circle. Marc established the NGO and oversees the research, funding, and development of the project’s physical space.
Kateryna Radchenko
Curation and Research
A Ukrainian curator, artist and photography researcher specializing in Ukrainian photography. Founder and director of Odesa Photo Days, she has curated exhibitions in Ukraine and internationally and served as Chair of the Europe jury for the 2023 World Press Photo Contest. Her work includes curatorial practice, archival research and publications on photography.
Bozhena Pelenska
Executive Drector
An art and culture manager, cultural anthropologist, and program curator with experience in organizational strategy, programming, partnerships, and operations. Led the development of Jam Factory Art Center from concept through its launch in 2023 and has produced international exhibitions, educational programs, residencies, and cultural projects. A fellow of the DeVos Institute’s Art Management Program.
Saf Homin
Project Management
A Ukrainian artist, journalist and researcher working across photography and visual culture. A Fulbright Scholar with an M.A. in Photojournalism from the University of Missouri, they have worked in cultural and project management in Ukraine and the United States. At the Ukrainian House of Photography, they coordinate institutional development and public programmes.
Liza Sushko
Communication
A Ukrainian PR specialist, film journalist and critic working across cinema and cultural projects. She has led PR campaigns for documentary films and immersive projects, including To Die to Live and Spomyny, and worked on Ukrainian campaigns for films by Mstyslav Chernov and Oleh Sentsov. She currently develops communication strategies for cultural projects at Hoshva PR.
Anastasiia Pavlova
SMM
Anastasiia works at the intersection of production, communications and cultural projects. She worked as a line producer on the film Antarctica and has also contributed to projects including Kuzma, the Vlad Odnoyu Pravoju YouTube channel, Food of Ukraine, and the Patron the Dog Instagram project etc. For the Ukrainian House of Photography, Anastasiia leads its social media development.
A Ukrainian-American photographer, journalist and author based between Kyiv and New York. A regular contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, an author of three books. As a founder of the NGO and organizational head of the Ukrainian House of Photography, he leads its institutional development.
Sasha Maslov
Operations, Development and Founder
A Swiss film director and cultural activist based in Kyiv since 2016, Marc Wilkins was shortlisted for the 89th Academy Awards for Bon Voyage. He co-founded and financed The Naked Room gallery, served as creative director of the art collection at Sophia Hotel, and founded The Reytarska Circle. Marc established the NGO and oversees the research, funding, and development of the project’s physical space.
Marc Wilkins
Real Estate and Co-founder
A Ukrainian curator, artist and photography researcher specializing in Ukrainian photography. Founder and director of Odesa Photo Days, she has curated exhibitions in Ukraine and internationally and served as Chair of the Europe jury for the 2023 World Press Photo Contest. Her work includes curatorial practice, archival research and publications on photography.
Kateryna Radchenko
Curation and Research
An art and culture manager, cultural anthropologist, and program curator with experience in organizational strategy, programming, partnerships, and operations. Led the development of Jam Factory Art Center from concept through its launch in 2023 and has produced international exhibitions, educational programs, residencies, and cultural projects. A fellow of the DeVos Institute’s Art Management Program.
Bozhena Pelenska
Executive Drector
A Ukrainian artist, journalist and researcher working across photography and visual culture. A Fulbright Scholar with an M.A. in Photojournalism from the University of Missouri, they have worked in cultural and project management in Ukraine and the United States. At the Ukrainian House of Photography, they coordinate institutional development and public programmes.
Saf Homin
Project Management
A Ukrainian PR specialist, film journalist and critic working across cinema and cultural projects. She has led PR campaigns for documentary films and immersive projects, including To Die to Live and Spomyny, and worked on Ukrainian campaigns for films by Mstyslav Chernov and Oleh Sentsov. She currently develops communication strategies for cultural projects at Hoshva PR.
Liza Sushko
Communication
Anastasiia works at the intersection of production, communications and cultural projects. She worked as a line producer on the film Antarctica and has also contributed to projects including Kuzma, the Vlad Odnoyu Pravoju YouTube channel, Food of Ukraine, and the Patron the Dog Instagram project etc. For the Ukrainian House of Photography, Anastasiia leads its social media development.
Anastasiia Pavlova
SMM
Extended team:
Question
Position
Graphic Design
Shura Gerasymenko
Legal Expert
Natalia Hnatiuk
Accounting
Anastasia Mykhaltsova
Strategic comms, Hoshva PR
Oksana Hoshva
Interior design
Andrii Anisimov
Interior design
Victoria Kareva
Architect
Emil Dervish
Board of Advisors
Fred Ritchin
:
International collaboration
Fred Ritchin is Dean Emeritus of the International Center of Photography (ICP) School, serving more than 3,500 students annually in graduate, certificate, continuing education, and youth photography programs. Previously Ritchin had founded the Documentary Photography and Visual Journalism Program at the ICP School and directed it from 1983–86. He was appointed Dean in 2014 and Dean Emeritus in 2017. He has published three books on the future of imaging: In Our Own Image: The Coming Revolution in Photography (Aperture, 1990); After Photography (W. W. Norton, 2008); and Bending the Frame: Photojournalism, Documentary, and the Citizen(Aperture, 2013). In 2016 he co-authored with Carole Naggar the Magnum Photobook: The Catalogue Raisonné.
Fred Ritchin
:
International collaboration
Fred Ritchin is Dean Emeritus of the International Center of Photography (ICP) School, serving more than 3,500 students annually in graduate, certificate, continuing education, and youth photography programs. Previously Ritchin had founded the Documentary Photography and Visual Journalism Program at the ICP School and directed it from 1983–86. He was appointed Dean in 2014 and Dean Emeritus in 2017. He has published three books on the future of imaging: In Our Own Image: The Coming Revolution in Photography (Aperture, 1990); After Photography (W. W. Norton, 2008); and Bending the Frame: Photojournalism, Documentary, and the Citizen(Aperture, 2013). In 2016 he co-authored with Carole Naggar the Magnum Photobook: The Catalogue Raisonné.
Olha Balashova
:
Institutional support
Olha Balashova is a Ukrainian art historian, curator, cultural manager and founder MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Ukraine). She is known for her role as the former Deputy Director of the National Art Museum of Ukraine, where she was instrumental in modernizing the institution and promoting contemporary Ukrainian art. Balashova is a passionate advocate for the integration of art into public discourse and education. She has curated numerous exhibitions and is actively involved in shaping cultural policy in Ukraine through her work with various art and cultural organizations.
Zhenya Kuleba
:
Government Partnership
Zhenya Kuleba is Ukrainian cultural organizer and former Kyiv City councilwoman. She founded and leads the NGO Garden City (Misto‑Sad), focusing on cultural programming, public‑space activation, and projects that strengthen Ukrainian language, heritage, and pro‑European civic identity. Her organization and municipal work expanded into humanitarian response after 2022, coordinating evacuations, temporary housing partnerships, and “points of invincibility” (warming/charging shelters) for displaced and affected communities.
Oleksandr Savruk
:
Business development
Oleksandr Savruk - Dean of Kyiv‑Mohyla Business School (KMBS). He has 25 years of experience in change management, strategic planning, business process reengineering, and quality management across Ukrainian and international firms. Savruk is a partner at Strategic Consulting Group and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of OJSC Malynska Paper Factory. He initiated online projects such as Management: Methodology and Practice and Vision, is a member of the Ukrainian Association of Management Consultants, and served as an economic adviser on microeconomic issues to the Economy Minister.
Max Gorbatskyi
:
Education
Max Gorbatskyi is a Ukrainian curator, researcher and educator based in the UK. Curator at Open Eye Gallery (Liverpool) and co‑curator of the Ukrainian pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale (2024). Formerly led photography programmes and major exhibitions at Mystetskyi Arsenal (Kyiv), co‑founded Ukrainian.Photographies platform, and directs the HOME programme of Ukrainian photography in the UK. Holds an MA in History of Photography (Birkbeck) and an MA in Arts Management (University of Bologna).
Photo
Name
Area
Description
Fred Ritchin
:
International collaboration
Fred Ritchin is Dean Emeritus of the International Center of Photography (ICP) School, serving more than 3,500 students annually in graduate, certificate, continuing education, and youth photography programs. Previously Ritchin had founded the Documentary Photography and Visual Journalism Program at the ICP School and directed it from 1983–86. He was appointed Dean in 2014 and Dean Emeritus in 2017. He has published three books on the future of imaging: In Our Own Image: The Coming Revolution in Photography (Aperture, 1990); After Photography (W. W. Norton, 2008); and Bending the Frame: Photojournalism, Documentary, and the Citizen(Aperture, 2013). In 2016 he co-authored with Carole Naggar the Magnum Photobook: The Catalogue Raisonné.
Olha Balashova
:
Institutional support
Olha Balashova is a Ukrainian art historian, curator, cultural manager and founder MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Ukraine). She is known for her role as the former Deputy Director of the National Art Museum of Ukraine, where she was instrumental in modernizing the institution and promoting contemporary Ukrainian art. Balashova is a passionate advocate for the integration of art into public discourse and education. She has curated numerous exhibitions and is actively involved in shaping cultural policy in Ukraine through her work with various art and cultural organizations.
Zhenya Kuleba
:
Government Partnership
Zhenya Kuleba is Ukrainian cultural organizer and former Kyiv City councilwoman. She founded and leads the NGO Garden City (Misto‑Sad), focusing on cultural programming, public‑space activation, and projects that strengthen Ukrainian language, heritage, and pro‑European civic identity. Her organization and municipal work expanded into humanitarian response after 2022, coordinating evacuations, temporary housing partnerships, and “points of invincibility” (warming/charging shelters) for displaced and affected communities.
Oleksandr Savruk
:
Business development
Oleksandr Savruk - Dean of Kyiv‑Mohyla Business School (KMBS). He has 25 years of experience in change management, strategic planning, business process reengineering, and quality management across Ukrainian and international firms. Savruk is a partner at Strategic Consulting Group and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of OJSC Malynska Paper Factory. He initiated online projects such as Management: Methodology and Practice and Vision, is a member of the Ukrainian Association of Management Consultants, and served as an economic adviser on microeconomic issues to the Economy Minister.
Max Gorbatskyi
:
Education
Max Gorbatskyi is a Ukrainian curator, researcher and educator based in the UK. Curator at Open Eye Gallery (Liverpool) and co‑curator of the Ukrainian pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale (2024). Formerly led photography programmes and major exhibitions at Mystetskyi Arsenal (Kyiv), co‑founded Ukrainian.Photographies platform, and directs the HOME programme of Ukrainian photography in the UK. Holds an MA in History of Photography (Birkbeck) and an MA in Arts Management (University of Bologna).
Timeline
Inception
Concept development, establishment of the NGO, initial research and planning.
2024
Foundation
Launch of the first public programs and projects, development of partnerships and institutional connections, fundraising, and building the UHOP network.
2025
Launch
Launch of Impact Kyiv, the first major exhibition program, development of research and publication projects, and the first steps toward establishing the Ukrainian photography archive.
2026
The House
Opening of the first physical location of the Ukrainian House of Photography. Launch of the digital and physical archive programs, regular exhibitions and educational programs, professional development initiatives, and international presentations.
2027
Development
Expansion of the exhibition and archive programs, international research partnerships, continued educational and professional programs, development of projects across Ukraine, and launch of the UHOP Photography Prize.
2028
Long-term Institution
Development of the full Ukrainian House of Photography, a permanent collection and archive, a comprehensive educational program, grants and residencies, and international exhibitions presenting Ukrainian photography globally.
2030+
Program:
The Ukrainian House of Photography will concentrate its effort in the first three years of development of the physical space on these building blocks:
Number
Subtitle
Description
Exhibitions of Ukrainian and international photography, collaborations with guest curators, international presentations, and the annual Impact Kyiv program.
Development
Development of digital and physical photography archives, research into archival practices, work with private collections, and partnerships with museums and international archival institutions.
Archiving & Preservation
Research into the history and development of Ukrainian photography, publications including Essays on the History of Ukrainian Photography, and collaborations with researchers and academic institutions.
Research & Publication
Workshops, photography education, programs for children and youth, initiatives for veterans, regional projects, and long-term educational partnerships.
Community & Education
Workshops, mentorship programs, portfolio reviews, professional education, networking, and exchange between Ukrainian photographers and international professionals.
Public Program for Professionals
Help us find the perfect house in Kyiv
The Ukrainian House of Photography is looking for a home — and we need your help.
Right now
We are looking for a 300–500 m² temporary space to rent, where we can start hosting our exhibitions, educational events and talks, and start building our photography archive.
FOR THE FUTURE
We are searching for a truly special 2,000–5,000 m² building that could become the permanent home of Ukrainian photography in Kyiv — hopefully for generations to come.
contact us
We are looking for real estate partners and collaborations. If you are a developer or property owner and you share our vision that Ukraine deserves a photography institution, please get in touch with us at info@uhop.org.ua
PARTNERS
Strategic partners:
Institutional partners:
Commercial partners:
Media partners:
Name
Logo
Strategic partners:
Strategic partners:
Commercial partners:
Media partners:
Media partners:
Media partners:
Media partners:
Media partners:
OUR AMBASSADORS
Anton Ptushkin
Bogdan Logvinenko
Danylo Pavlov
Daria Svertilova
Eugen Safonov
Fred Ritchin
Giles Duley
Irynka Hromotska
Johanna-Maria Fritz
Julia Kochetova
Kateryna Yakovlenko
Katya Taylor
Lisa Bukreeva
Marta Syrko
Mykhailo Palinchak
Oksana Parafenyuk
Oleksandr Chekmenev
Oleksandr Glyadelov
Oleksandr Liapin
Oleksandr Soloviev
Roman Khimei
Roman Pashkovsky
Roman Pilipey
Sasha Kurmaz
Sergiy Lebedynskyy
Serhii Korovayniy
Serhii Melnichenko
Svetlana Bachevanova
Synchrodogs
Tetiana Pavlova
Valery Miloserdov
Viacheslav Ratynskyi
Vita Mikhailova
Vladyslav Krasnoschok
Yarema Malashchuk
Yevhen Maloletka
Question
Question
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