Theatrical awards as an institutional phenomenon of the global cultural space: The case of the “Kyiv Pectoral” award

The aim of this article was to analyse theatre awards as an institutional phenomenon in the global cultural sphere, using the Ukrainian theatre award “Kyiv Pectoral” as a case study. The research methodology was based on a combination of cultural, sociological and institutional approaches, utilising qualitative content analysis of academic sources, comparative analysis of international award practices, and structural-functional analysis of the activities of award-granting institutions. The article examined the phenomenon of theatre awards as a component of the global cultural space. It systematises and analyses global, particularly European and American, theatre experience in awarding state and non-state cultural initiatives. The generalisations drawn have enabled an analysis of the local context in which Ukrainian theatre awards operate, identifying their characteristic features, development challenges, potential for change, and markers of modernisation, taking into account global experience. In particular, the Ukrainian theatre award “Kyiv Pectoral” was analysed as an example of the formation of cultural capital and the recognition of professional achievements in the field of performing arts. Theatre awards were considered not merely as a form of encouragement, but as a mechanism of canonisation that defined standards of professionalism, artistic quality and the social impact of theatre. The study focused on the symbolic and reputational functions of the awards, which contributed to the legitimisation of new theatrical practices, trends and names. The normative and communicative functions of theatre awards were identified; key structural issues in the functioning of the “Kyiv Pectoral” award were revealed, in particular the transparency of expert evaluation, the relevance of nominations and the integration of the independent theatre sector. The history of the emergence of the “Kyiv Pectoral” award, its transformations, and its impact on the theatre community of Kyiv and Ukraine as a whole were examined. The need to modernise the award system in Ukrainian theatre in line with international practices was emphasised. A vision of the theatre award as a dynamic socio-cultural structure was proposed, one that should respond to changes in the professional environment and contribute to the sustainable development of theatre. The study presented arguments regarding the functioning of theatre management within state and non-state creative initiatives as an element of cultural policy at the local (municipal) and national levels. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the findings to modernise the national awards system and improve theatre management tools