Merited Artist of Ukraine

Honored Artist of Ukraine (Заслужений артист України; also translated as Honored (Performing) Artist of Ukraine or Merited (Performing) Artist of Ukraine) is a state honorary title of decoration of the Ukrainian government. Originally awarded by the Ukrainian SSR, the award continued after Ukraine regained independence, recognizing outstanding achievement in the performing arts. The Law of Ukraine regulates it Regarding the State Awards of Ukraine (#1549-14).

Definition
The title is the state award of Ukraine that is given for personal merit by the State of Ukraine to citizens who have worked in their respective economic or socio-cultural fields as a rule for no less than ten (10) years, obtaining high on-the-job achievements and professional mastery.

Conditions
The title is awarded by the President of Ukraine. It is given to citizens of Ukraine, foreigners, and persons with no citizenship. This title is lower than the People's Artist of Ukraine which can only be awarded ten (10) years after obtaining the Merited Artist of Ukraine. This title is not awarded posthumously. All recipients must have completed Tertiary studies.

The Merited Artist of Ukraine can be awarded to motion picture directors; actors of theatres, films, and circus; singers; members of professional ensembles and chorus'; orchestral conductors; composers; musicians; TV and Radio network broadcasters for their highly executed mastery, creating a highly artistic images, performances, motion movies that became a property of the native culturally artistic heritage.

The recipients are awarded a badge (40 mm high x 30 mm wide, made of silver) and a certificate. The presentation must be conducted publicly.

Recipients

 * Lidiya Belozyorova, stage and screen actress
 * Rostyslav Derzhypilsky (2007), theater director and actor
 * Nina Herasymova-Persydska, musicologist
 * Tina Karol, singer
 * Raisa Kyrychenko, singer
 * Nadiya Kudelia, singer
 * Alla Kudlai, singer
 * Ani Lorak, singer
 * Sergei Polusmiak, musician
 * Viktor Zhdanov, actor
 * Oleksandr Ponomaryov, singer
 * Oles Sanin (2014), Film director, producer, screenwriter
 * Oleksandr Semchuk
 * Oksana Shvets, actress (1996)
 * Georgy Deliev, actor and musician (2002)
 * Oleksandr Stoyanov (2016), ballet artist
 * Evgeniy Svetlitsa, ballet artist
 * Oksana Cherkashyna, actress (2021)