During the City Day celebrations, the mayor of Odessa, Gennady Trukhanov, reflected on the year's achievements and presented the 'Cultural Capital' award to distinguished representatives of the arts.

"In times of war, culture serves not only as a source of inspiration but also as an unyielding force that unites us. The ideas and feelings you convey through your creativity provide support to our fellow citizens, heal wounds, and offer hope for a brighter tomorrow. You lay the groundwork for the recovery and development of our country," said Gennady Trukhanov.

Support for artists during this period is exceptionally important. Their talent and creativity not only help restore national pride but also bolster the economy.

Every project, exhibition, or concert is an opportunity for all of us to feel unity, to affirm that we are together in the fight for peace and prosperity.

The 'Cultural Capital' award recipients include:

- Iryna Biryukova, General Director of the Odessa National Scientific Library, Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine;

- Dmytro Velychko, Honored Artist of Ukraine, Dean of the Art and Graphics Faculty at South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University;

- Volodymyr Vrublevskyi, conductor of the 'VLASNE. Ukrainian Project' and maestro of the Odessa National Opera;

- Stas Zalobnyuk, one of the brightest and most extraordinary artists of Odessa;

- Olexandr Samusenko, chief director of the Odessa Academic Ukrainian Musical and Drama Theater;

- Tetyana Ivanova, Ukrainian actress and volunteer;

- Semen Kantor, art critic and director of the Museum of Contemporary Art;

- Pavlo Kozlenko, Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine and community activist;

- Mykhailo Reva, Honored Artist of Ukraine and sculptor;

- Esfir Serpionova, artist and master of Ukrainian decorative arts.