Ofer Kerzner, the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Jerusalem, an innovator, successful businessman and investor received special nomination “Creative investor in crisis times”. Mr. Kerzner received this award in the Creative Social Project of the Year nomination for one of his projects Art-zavod Platforma.
Art-zavod Platforma is a creative cluster in Kyiv, a space of opportunities to bring together people, ideas and work. It is prospective center for development of IT industry, education, music, design, fashion and arts. A concept of “city inside a city” created for work and leisure.
Ofer Kerzner, the owner of the property development company City Capital Group, has been doing business in Ukraine for over 18 years. During his more-than-30-year-long career, Mr. Kerzner has gained extensive knowledge and experience which shaped up his unique view of the prospects of international markets and international entrepreneurship. Among his most important projects are Art-zavod Platforma, Business Park on Kyiv’s Left Bank, Darynok Market Mall, exclusive villas on the Dnieper banks, a residential complex – Park Avenue – a residential project near Holosiivskyi Park, a logistics park by the road to the airport, Podil office center and many others..
In addition, Ofer Kerzner devotes a lot of attention to social and diplomatic activities. He is a member of the International Real Estate Federation, initiator and organizer of mutual visits of Israeli and Ukrainian businessmen and politicians aimed at developing trade, commerce and friendly relations between Ukraine and Israel. It is worth noting that in recognition of his substantial contribution to the strengthening of multisided relations between the two countries, he was appointed in 2013 the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Jerusalem.
Using international, multicultural approach to the accomplishment of key tasks, Ofer popularizes social, cultural and national ideas intended mainly for the youth and helping reduce physical and cultural gaps. That was the story behind Art-zavod Platforma, the first large creative cluster in Kyiv. The mission of this project founded in 2014 is to develop the cluster of creative economy in Kyiv, implement fresh, daring and unordinary ideas, and create a comfortable environment for people who want to develop their ideas and don’t want to leave anywhere but on the contrary, want to benefit Ukraine. In just one year, this creative space became a cult place in Ukraine’s capital. It plays host to festivals, workshops and concerts. It is a real “city inside a city” that has offices, outlets, art galleries, showrooms of young Ukrainian designers, restaurants, concert stages and a recreation area.
‘I am deeply convinced that Ukraine has huge potential and great future! That’s why I have been developing my business in Ukraine for many years, despite the crises. Our projects are quite successful, which makes me and investors like me feel confident in the tomorrow. I want the people of this country, young people who will have to build a new Ukraine to know that there are many businessmen all over the world who can and, most importantly, are ready to invest in Ukraine! For me and my team, it is a great honor to receive this award, for that is a genuine recognition of our achievements and the proof of the fact that we’re moving in the right direction’, Ofer Kerzner comments.
The Person of the Year national award was founded in 1995 and covers all regions of Ukraine. The program’s laureates are determined by expert polling, but the final decision rests with the Higher Academic Board. This year, the Person of the Year celebrates its 20th anniversary.
