Ukraine To ‘Celebrate Diversity’ As the New Theme and Logo of Eurovision Song Contest 2017
Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine ("UA:PBC") and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), today revealed the much anticipated theme of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 which is to be held in Kyiv, Ukraine.
‘Celebrate Diversity’ is the central message for this year’s event and is to be complimented by a creative logo design based around traditional Ukrainian bead necklaces called Namysto. More than just a piece of jewellery, Namysto is a protective amulet and a symbol of beauty and health. It is made up of many different beads, each with its own design and celebrates both diversity and individuality.
Eurovision Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand said: “The notion of celebrating Diversity builds on last year’s theme of ‘Come Together’ and is at the heart of Eurovision values: it is all inclusive and all about countries around Europe, and beyond, joining together to celebrate both our common ground and our unique differences, as well as some great music.”
He continued: “Incorporating this beautiful and meaningful logo based on a traditional amulet gives not only a sense of history and heritage but also a modern look and feel. As the production grows from these themes, we are very much looking forward to seeing what is sure to be a fantastic event in May.”
The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with a record equalling 43 countries participating. Both the slogan and logo of the event give an insight into Ukrainian culture and a hint at what might be to come when fans come to visit the city in May.
Using the Namysto as the basis of their logo the design agencies took a traditional piece and gave it a modern twist with the help of bright colours and vivid patterns. Each bead on this necklace has its own unique design and shape to symbolise a message that resonates throughout the Eurovison Song Contest; all of us are truly unique, and entwined by the common connection of our love for music.
“Our main desire was to bring the image of the traditional Ukrainian culture on a new level, to make it clear for the young audiences,” – says the co-founder of the Republique Denis Gerasko. “So we took this traditional item – a necklace – and gave it a bright modern look,” – adds creative director of the Banda Agency Pavel Vrzhesch.
Celebrating Diversity will be the key theme in all aspects of the Eurovison Song Contest from the communications, production and even the artists themselves. This year Ukraine will celebrate a collaboration of culture, technology and the individual creative flare of all 43 artists.
The Eurovision Song Contest has had an official logo since 2004, and Host Broadcasters are encouraged to develop an inclusive theme that captures the identity of their country and the show production.
The insignia ceremony exchange between the Mayor of Kyiv and President of Stockholm City Council will take place on January 31st 2017. The ceremony will see the passing of the Eurovison key and marks the official hand over and celebrations of the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv. Following the insignia exchange the UA:PBC will reveal their semi-final allocation draw followed by a press briefing. The insignia exchange will take place in Kyiv at Column Hall of Kyiv City State Administration.