b'Celebrating Our StorytellersEmerging Writers Short Prose Competitionencourages more Canadians to write the Ukrainian Canadian story. Winnipeg-based writer Matthew Kruchak was awarded the 2022 Emerging Writers Short Prose Competition for his entry Business Mens Lunch.Business Mens Lunch succinctly underscores the working mans desire for equality and respect, bridging the gap between societal classes while safeguarding ones dignity in a new country.Awarded annually, the $2,500 prize recognizes unpublished prose offering a glimpse into the Ukrainian Canadian experience. Im grateful for the opportunity to take part in one of the organizations many initiatives aimed at fostering and celebrating Ukrainian-Canadian culture. As I set out on my literary path, this acknowledgment will help with my development as a writer.MATTHEW KRUCHAKREACH Mentorship/Residency for the Artsnurtures the talent, vision, and drive of the next generation of our culture-makers. Created by the Ihnatowycz Family Foundation in partnership with the Shevchenko Foundation, the program encourages emerging Canadian artists to reach for their career dreams by seeking opportunities for mentorship, residency, internship, and training. We created this opportunity to give artists in our community what they need to reach higher, farther and deeper in their craft with greater confidence and curiosity and to enable them to reach beyond their current communities and markets, stated Ian Ihnatowycz and Marta Witer.The $30,000 REACH Mentorship/Residency for the Arts for 2022 was awarded to Halifax based award-winning graphic novelist, Veronica Post.Veronica received REACH funding for the creation of Kit-Baba, a full-colour, illustrated childrens book that will teach Ukrainian folk traditions and the value of generosity to young readers. The funding will also provide for mentorship with award-winning childrens book author Jesse Byrd, who specializes in culturally diverse publications.As a Ukrainian-Canadian, the need to create art that represents my culture has never felt more important. With the support of the Shevchenko Foundation, I will be expanding my artistic practice and connecting with artists and mentors internationally. I am thrilled to be receiving the REACH Mentorship/Residency for the Arts in 2022. VERONICA POST26SHEVCHENKO FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT / 27'