On January 17, 1998, Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University opened the art gallery. The ancient and noble tradition of creating centers of national culture in academic institutions was revived.
The University, first among the educational institutions of Mykolaiv, created the gallery of art, showing a conscious concern for the aesthetic, spiritual growth of students in communicating with real works of art, spiritual culture, rather than with fakes which young popular culture often offers. This project was realized by the Rector of the University Klimenko L.P. and (then) vice-rector for educational work Bandura V.N. and Mykolaiv famous artist, Honored Artist of Ukraine, Senkevich S.F., who supported and inspired the whole team.

Assuming that the basis of the artistic life is the interrelation between the artist, the work and the public, in the subsystem appears such phenomenon as needs for art, and the Art Gallery (among other cultural organizations and art)has to capture and satisfy that need. That’s why for many years the gallery is the center of communication of students, schoolchildren, all university employees, art lovers not only with artistic works but with most creators, artists, masters of arts and crafts, sculpture, art photos and so on.

These creative meetings allow developing creative, ideological and humanistic, cultural and artistic traditions of our people and passing them to future generations. Exhibitions that took and are taking place in the Art Gallery attract with their high artistic level and variety. It is not only the opening days of Mykolaiv artists but also artists from Kyiv, Odesa, and Yuzhny. Center of Spiritual Culture in Voznesensk exhibited its computer copies works of famous marine painters and landscape artists of the past: Sudkovskoho R.G., I.K. Aivazovsky, Levitan I.I., A.K. Savrasov and masterpieces of the Renaissance – the works of Leonardo da Vinci.

Ukraine possesses a wealth of cultural talent and a considerable cultural legacy. Numerous writers have contributed to the country’s rich literary history. Impressive monuments of architecture and museums displaying works by generations of Ukrainian artists can be found throughout the country, and art galleries featuring contemporary Ukrainian artists have become commonplace in larger urban centers. The country’s strong tradition of folk art also continues to this day. In addition, high-caliber performing artists and ensembles appear regularly in Ukraine’s numerous theatres and concert halls.
Because of the country’s geographical location, Ukrainian culture has been influenced by the cultures of both western Europe and Russia. Although these influences are particularly evident in the western and eastern halves of the country, respectively, there is no strict geographical division. For example, Russian is spoken in the streets and in many homes and institutions throughout the country; it also is used in national publications, radio broadcasts, and popular music. The country’s other ethnic minorities contribute to a measure of cultural diversity as well.