Our Story
Born from the desire to propel the work of Ukrainian artists, art historian Mariia Manuіlenko and visual designer Olga Severina founded RUKH with the mission of empowering emerging contemporary artists to expand their reach and impact through immersive art and cultural initiatives.
Hailing from Kharkiv, a major cultural center in eastern Ukraine before the full-scale invasion in 2022, Mariia and Olga recognized the influence of connection and cultural awareness that comes from sharing the work of Ukrainian artists with the
American audience. At its core, RUKH believes in the power of art to bridge cultures and foster understanding.
In 2023, RUKH Art Hub was officially founded after completing 11 fundraising exhibitions and auctions of contemporary Ukrainian art in support of Ukraine. Their continued events and exhibits have propelled more than 50 talented Ukrainian artists to the global stage and raised over $60,000 for those in need. Their dedicated work provides crucial support to Ukrainian artists who have faced immense challenges amidst conflict.
Meet Rukh
Mariia
Manuilenko
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Co-founder, Managing Director, Art curator
+38 067.571.4051, email
Mariia is an art historian and culture manager. Since 2017, she has been a member of the Association of Graphic Designers The 4th Block, and a manager of its 16000+ and growing poster collection. Mariia also serves as the chief project manager of the renowned International Environmental Poster Triennial The 4th Block. She is a passionate promoter of Ukrainian art and culture and she works on bringing it onto a global stage, with a particular focus on the US art scene.
Olga
Severina
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Co-founder, Curator, Creative Director
+1 323. 474.7880, email
Olga is a designer, lecturer, and founder and curator of the PosterTerritory initiative. She believes that creativity has the power to change the world. Her latest projects are Stand With Ukraine, The World After, Biophilia Competition, Seeding the City, and Diversity Call which address various social issues of today.
Olga writes books, magazine articles and blogs that explore the latest trends in visual expression.
Olga received a Ph.D in Visual Art in 2010
Olga
Gorman
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Sales Director
+1 770. 241.4733, e-mail
Olga Gorman moved to Atlanta about two years ago. Back in Ukraine, she worked as a sales director with cutting-edge tech companies at UNIT.City innovation park, where they built a community of creative and innovative people. Since the war began, Olga has become a social activist organizing events that focus on and highlight Ukrainian liberty and culture in the USA. She is a co-creator of Ukrainian Rallies with KLYCH and the Mother’s March.
Olga
Samofalova
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PR Director
email
Olga is a PR Leader with over 13 years of experience, including five years in the US, has worked on various high-end events. These events include the 100 Years of Carol of the Bells in Carnegie Hall, the launch of Ukraine’s First Lady Foundation in the Metropolitan Opera, the Top USA Awards in Cipriani, and collaborations with acclaimed figures and artists such as Martin Scorsese, Vera Farmiga, Liev Schreiber, Maye Musk, Melora Hardin, Natasha Henstridge, Ivanna Sakhno, The Chemical Brothers, and LP. Olga Samofalova has exceptional media connections around the world.
Polina
Kuznetsova
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Art Curator
Artist
Polina graduated from the Kharkiv Art School and the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts. Polina has developed an extensive national and international exhibition history. She was presented by Victoria Pacific Gallery in the United States, China, and the Philippines. Last year, her Solo exhibitions were shown in Talin and London.
Andrew
Skripka
—
Artist
Environmental Designer
Andrew Skripka is an Environmental Designer who creates sustainable solutions that blend built environments with nature. He specializes in green infrastructure, landscape planning, and ecosystem restoration projects. Andrew works with communities and organizations to design resilient environments that address climate challenges. His approach combines environmental science with practical design to create spaces that are both functional and eco-friendly.
Alexander
Pidzamecky
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PR Coordinator
Alexander is a creative professional with expertise in public relations and production within the fashion industry. As PR Director for Second Row and Event Coordinator for Arete, he managed partnerships and oversaw event planning and execution. His production experience includes backstage roles at NYFW shows for Frederick Anderson, Elena Velez, and the Blue Jacket Fashion Show. He has also assisted styling on cover shoots for Town & Country and Penguin Random House.
Nata
Kushniruk
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Art Critic
Nata is an art critic and art historian. She graduated from the National University of Ostroh Academy with a master of Cultural Studies. She has been researching the history of Ukrainian art in the context of European art for more than 10 years. For the past two years, she has been actively researching a reaction of contemporary Ukrainian art to the war waged by Russia against Ukraine.
Mariia
Petrenko
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Art Assistant, volunteer
Mariia Petrenko is a dedicated and experienced art assistant with a passion for supporting creative endeavors and organizing successful art events.
She has a rich background in assisting various events, including runway shows, photoshoots, fashion competitions, and art exhibitions. Her experience and enthusiasm make her a vital contributor to any creative team.
Arina
Tsymbal
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Volunteer
Arina has a deep interest in contemporary art and takes part in various initiatives that support artists and cultural projects at Rukh Art Hub.
Nikita
Oleynikov
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Volunteer
Based in Colorado, Nikita is a senior in high school and a driven young entrepreneur and founder of multiple small businesses. He volunteers with Rukh to support marketing, social media, event organizing and some of the on-site operations, helping Art Exhibits run smoothly from planning through execution.
Yes, our team is incredible, but this project would not be possible without our great artists and the amazing help of all our friends and volunteers: Greg Shteynberg, Nicole Khuckey, Mariya Oleynikova, Yelizaveta Fridman, Anastasiya Kulbaka, Viktoriya Baytser, Alexander Shekhter, Oleksandr Zemlyanyy, Alex and Sophy Vynarsky
Expert Services For Artists
Rukh Art Hub is a strong team of experts committed to expanding the impact of artists across the globe.
Learn more about how we help both new and established artists develop their personal brands,
get featured in New York media, leverage their unique work for exhibitions and events, and reach a wider audience of buyers and collectors.