The Department of Philosophy and Ukrainian Studies of the SEI “Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology” invites students to take part in the creative project “My Home. My Story”, which launches the student research group “Cultural Studies”.

The project will combine a memory contest and an exhibition of creative works dedicated to personal reflections on home — as a place, people, memories, and a sense of closeness and belonging.

What does home mean to you? A place where someone is waiting for you? The smell of a favorite dish, childhood memories, people you want to hug? Or perhaps it is a place that is far away today but continues to live on in your memory?

Participants can tell their stories in various formats:

• a photograph capturing a special moment;
• a drawing or painting;
• a collage of meaningful details and images;
• an essay, personal story, or memory;
• a short video.

Professional training in art, photography, or literature is not required to participate. The project is based on a personal story and an individual perspective on what home means.

The project was initiated by Iryna Zaiets, a student in group 4-IvMEN-76 and Chair of the Student Council of the Faculty of Economic, Humanities, and Law at the USUCT SEI. Iryna is actively involved in student self-government and participates in the institute’s student and volunteer initiatives.

The exhibition concept provides an opportunity to combine different forms of creative expression around a theme that holds a unique meaning for each person. Photographs, drawings, texts, and videos may feature family stories, familiar places, objects that preserve memories, childhood recollections, experiences of loss, hopes, and visions of the future.

The organizers propose creating a shared exhibition space in which different student stories will come together to form a multifaceted reflection on home — personal, familial, and native.

Applications and creative works will be accepted until October 30, 2026.

Works may be submitted to the following address: 8 Nauky Avenue, Room 310 — Department of Marketing and Logistics.

The exhibition will open on November 2, 2026, at 12:00 at the USUCT Press Center (8 Nauky Avenue, Room 308).

Those who are unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to participate online via Zoom using the link.

We invite students of the USUCT SEI to take part. After all, everyone has their own story of home — and every story deserves to be heard.