The contribution of the “Dukat” Art Foundation in the promotion unofficial Ukrainian art of the late 20th century

Анотація

Ukrainian unofficial art (nonconformism) of the second half of the 20th century is a vital yet insufficiently systematized part of national artistic culture. Its study and popularization are crucial for filling historical and scholarly gaps in Ukrainian art history.

This article examines the Dukat Art Foundation in Kyiv — a leading institution engaged in exhibiting, researching, publishing, and promoting Ukrainian art, especially from the 1950s–1980s. Since independence, Ukraine’s art scene has evolved from Soviet models toward professional and globally integrated practices. Dukat has played a major role in this process, supporting nonconformist artists, developing the art market, and preserving cultural heritage.

The Foundation’s work includes exhibitions, scholarly publications, and a digital archive of artists who worked under censorship and political pressure. These initiatives restore continuity in Ukraine’s cultural memory and integrate underground art into the broader national and international context. Acting as both a cultural and a market institution, Dukat influences valuation practices and promotes Ukrainian art abroad.

Amid wartime challenges, the Foundation faces threats to collections and archives. Its provenance research, cataloging, and documentation are vital for safeguarding heritage. Dukat also participates in professional debates on authenticity and attribution — notably concerning Fedir Tetyanych’s works — emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust within the art community.

The study concludes that Dukat plays a central role in the professionalization and internationalization of Ukraine’s art sector by combining cultural preservation with market development. Its activities strengthen national identity and resilience in times of war.

The methodology. The research applies source and archival analysis, along with comparative and cultural approaches, to evaluate Dukat’s role in heritage protection and market formation.

The results. The Foundation unites preservation with commercialization, shaping national identity and sustaining Ukraine’s artistic legacy.

The scientific novelty. The article presents the first complex analysis of Dukat as an institution that ensures both art market growth and cultural resilience under wartime conditions.

The practical significance. The findings may guide cultural policy and institutional strategies for protecting heritage, enhancing provenance research, and balancing preservation with development in Ukraine and beyond.