What happened
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has decided to rename the P. I. Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine. From now on the institution will officially be called the National Music Academy of Ukraine. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Culture; the information was also published by the UNN news agency.
"We continue the process of decolonizing Ukrainian culture. The decision was made in accordance with the Law of Ukraine 'On the Condemnation and Prohibition of Propaganda of Russian Imperial Policy in Ukraine and the Decolonization of Toponymy', as well as the laws 'On Higher Education' and 'On Culture.'"
— Tetiana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy — Minister of Culture of Ukraine
Why this matters
The decision is motivated by the commission's finding that the use of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's name in the title constitutes symbolism of Russian imperial policy, which contradicts current legislation. This is a legally grounded step within the decolonization policy, combining symbolic and practical dimensions: restoring control over the cultural space and bringing institutional names into line with national policy.
What will change in practice
By order of the Ministry of Culture, the rector of the academy must, within the established timeframe, submit the Charter in its new edition and ensure the implementation of procedures related to the name change. This includes making amendments to the founding documents and the contract of the head of the institution — formal steps that will cement the institution's new identity.
"In accordance with the order, the rector of the Academy must, within the established timeframe, submit the Charter in its new edition and ensure the completion of all procedures related to the name change. Necessary amendments will also be made to the founding documents and the contract of the head of the institution."
— the Ministry of Culture said in a post
Political and legislative context
The decision comes amid a broad discussion about the decolonization of cultural toponymy and institutions. People's Deputy Zhelezniak reported that 602 amendments were submitted to the draft law on renaming; consideration in the Rada was scheduled for December 17, and the vote for January 13. This indicates intensive political work and that such changes go through a complex parliamentary process.
Brief conclusion
The academy's renaming is a logical step within the already adopted legal framework and the state's decolonization policy. Practically, this means administrative work updating statutes and documents; symbolically, it strengthens Ukraine's informational and cultural autonomy. The next question is how quickly other cultural institutions will undergo similar procedures and whether the state will provide sufficient methodological and financial support for this process.
