The underwater world, the forest with the Tree of Violence growing in its centre, revived monuments, bouquets of generations—these and other symbols of the post-Soviet space appear in Victoria Lomasko’smonumental works. Lomasko became internationally recognised as a graphic journalist telling stories about socially vulnerable groups and protests. Gradually, images from reality began to transform into poetic symbols and to change scale: from sketchbook pages to multi-meter murals and panels.

The pandemic, participation in the Belarusian revolution, the war in Ukraine, and emigration made this transformation irreversible—Lomasko believes that in times of historical change, artists must speak not about particular issues, as journalists do, but about a global process, as a visionary. Studying reality with a pencil in hand, participating in historical events, and transforming the knowledge gathered into symbols of one's time—this is a process many 20th-century artists used. Through their works and her own, Lomasko will show the logic of the changing artist’s role.

A century ago, the Russian Nationality Room was envisioned and designed by Andrey Avinoff — one of Pittsburgh’s most influential intellectual, cultural, and artistic figures of the early twentieth century. As Director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History from 1926 to 1945, Avinoff stood at the center of the city’s cultural life, bringing together science and art through his work as both an entomologist and an artist.

As we celebrate the centennial of the Nationality Rooms at Pitt, this historic space continues its mission as a living site of cultural dialogue.

On April 20, we welcome Victoria Lomasko, a prominent Russian artist and graphic journalist living in exile, whose work documents protest movements, marginalized communities, and everyday life across the post-Soviet space.

Through the pop-up exhibition Sketching Protest: The Art of Victoria Lomasko, curated and annotated by students in SLAV 1400, and her public lecture, Lomasko will share how art becomes a powerful form of political expression and resistance.

Bringing Lomasko’s artistic activism into the Russian Nationality Room creates a powerful historical continuity — linking Avinoff’s vision of art as a cultural force with contemporary practices of visual protest and testimony.

This event invites the Pitt community to reflect on the enduring role of art in shaping public discourse across generations.

The underwater world, the forest with the Tree of Violence growing in its centre, revived monuments, bouquets of generations—these and other symbols of the post-Soviet space appear in Victoria Lomasko’s monumental works. Lomasko became internationally recognized as a graphic journalist telling stories about socially vulnerable groups and protests. Gradually, images from reality began to transform into poetic symbols and to change scale: from sketchbook pages to multi-meter murals and panels.

The pandemic, participation in the Belarusian revolution, the war in Ukraine, and emigration made this transformation irreversible—Lomasko believes that in times of historical change, artists must speak not about particular issues, as journalists do, but about a global process, as a visionary. Studying reality with a pencil in hand, participating in historical events, and transforming the knowledge gathered into symbols of one's time—this is a process many 20th-century artists used. Through their works and her own, Lomasko will show the logic of the changing artist’s role.

Join Hindi instructor Vibha Shetiya from the Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center to discuss Hindi language books.

Hosted by the Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center

Join the Political Science Department as students in Dr. Yuyang Pu's Chinese Politics (PS 1332) course present their research posters on topics related to Chinese politics.

Join Brazil Nuts in the Global Hub for weekly Bate-Papo Conversation Hours to meet other students and to practice Portuguese of all levels!

Bate-Papo Conversation Hours are every Monday during Spring semester, starting January 26 and ending April 20.

Hosted by Brazil Nuts

UPDATE: Bate-Papo's meeting on January 26 has been postponed due to weather.

Join the German Club for weekly meetings on Mondays in the Global Hub to practice German and share about German culture! 

Hosted by the German Club

Join the French Club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-7 pm during Spring semester for conversational meetings and to practice French speaking and listening skills and create a francophone community on campus!

Hosted by the French Club

Stop by the Global Hub to see students in the School for Public and International Affairs' Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program showcase the community-engaged projects they have completed this year with local organizations.

The Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program is a co-curricular experience designed exclusively for undergraduate students who have a passion for public policy, community engagement, and social justice, regardless of their major. It empowers students to make a meaningful impact by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences. During the year, students immerse themselves in a hands-on experience that allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to address real community and organizational needs.

Hosted by the School of Public and International Affairs

Join the Political Science Department as students in Dr. Yuyang Pu's Chinese Politics (PS 1332) course present their research posters on topics related to Chinese politics.

Join the French Club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-7 pm during Spring semester for conversational meetings and to practice French speaking and listening skills and create a francophone community on campus!

Hosted by the French Club

Join the Arabic Club in the Global Hub every other Wednesday during Spring semester, starting January 28, to practice Arabic language, structured by varying geographic dialects and level of speaker proficiency!

Hosted by the Arabic Club

Join the Arabic Club in the Global Hub every other Wednesday during Spring semester, starting January 28, to practice Arabic language, structured by varying geographic dialects and level of speaker proficiency!

Hosted by the Arabic Club

Mangia con noi! Bring your lunch to the Global Hub every Thursday to chat with the Department of French and Italian and practice Italian!

Tavola Italiana will meet every Thursday during Spring semester, from January 15 to April 23, EXCEPT on January 29, February 5, February 12, and March 12.

Hosted by the Department of French and Italian

Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

This professional development workshop series is designed for K-12 educators seeking to deepen their understanding of global issues through literature. This year, we will explore the theme of “The U.S. in the World.” Through global and regional perspectives, we will discuss narratives of a “Global United States,” where the U.S. role in the world and its relationship with other countries and regions is informed by transnational narratives and dialogues shaped by global trends such as migration, environmental issues, human rights, and human conditions. By exploring compelling stories from diverse cultural perspectives, educators will gain insights into the complexities of this theme, its impact on individuals and communities, and how to engage students in meaningful discussions around these topics.

Each session features a carefully selected book, paired with historically contextualized presentations, interactive discussions, teaching strategies, and cross-disciplinary activities to inspire classroom implementation.

The April 23, 2026 workshop will focus on the book, "Grenade," by Alan Gratz.

Sessions this year will take place virtually on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (ET). Three Act 48 credit hours (for PA educators) and a copy of the book are provided for each session.

For more information and to register, please go to: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/GILS .

Pitt students: Join Kya Baat Hai, a Hindi-Urdu conversational club that practices language and celebrates South Asian culture, for weekly conversation hours!