How does art preserve memory, sustain cultural heritage, and shape national identity—especially during times of conflict?

This sixth and final webinar in The Arts of Eastern Europe and Eurasia: A Webinar Series for Educators explores how artistic expression functions as a living record of cultural memory. Through case studies from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, we will examine how art and culture are mobilized as tools of influence, identity, and messaging, particularly in moments of war, political upheaval, and societal change.

Designed for educators, this session offers practical insights and classroom-ready materials that illuminate the power of memory, creativity, and cultural heritage in shaping both historical and contemporary narratives. Participants will also develop strategies to help students think critically, recognize disinformation, and better understand the intersections of art, identity, and politics.

While the webinars are part of a cohesive series, educators are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. Educators who participate in the entire series will be awarded 10 PDP (contact) hours. This series offers a unique opportunity to enrich your curriculum with creative and engaging resources from the Eurasian cultural tradition.

This series, which is supported by a Title VI/National Resource Center Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, is a collaboration between the following: 

• Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University
• Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies, University of Pittsburgh
• Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies, University of Kansas
• Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies, The Ohio State University
• Center for Slavic, Eurasian and Eastern European Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Robert F. Byrnes Russian and East European Institute, Indiana University
• Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign