Themes by tag: culture

Irpin is launching Irpin: Architectures of Memory, an interdisciplinary laboratory that will work with sites of remembrance connected to the experiences of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The open call for participants closed on July 5, 2026. The next public stage of the project will be the first community meeting, scheduled for August 1, 2026.

The laboratory will focus on four sites in Irpin:

• The Car Graveyard — civilian vehicles abandoned by residents during the evacuation from Irpin. Curator: Ksenia Malykh.
• Heroes’ Alley — banners with portraits of fallen defenders displayed in the city’s central square. Curator: Kateryna Semeniuk.
• Checkpoints — a network of six positions that formed Irpin’s defensive line in spring 2022. Curator: Anastasiia Pasieka.
• Remembering Civilian Victims — a memorial space dedicated to residents killed during the war, located on the Irpin River embankment. Curator: Lizaveta Herman.

In July, the organisers will select participants and form working groups. In August, the laboratory will begin with a research visit to Irpin. During September and October, the teams will develop concepts for the four sites of remembrance. The results will be presented to the community and the city in December.

The laboratory will bring together specialists from architecture, art, urbanism, research, history, philosophy, design and other disciplines. Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams alongside the curators, the Irpin community and the project’s partners.

Background: Irpin: Architectures of Memory was initiated by the Sigma Irpin Charitable Foundation and the Irpin City Council with the support of the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine.

The project’s special partner is the memory culture platform Past / Future / Art.

The project is implemented in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine, the Kyiv Regional State Administration and the Kyiv School of Economics.

• culture
• Kyiv

On July 9, the protective structures surrounding the Lesia Ukrainka monument in Kyiv’s Lesia Ukrainka Square will be removed as part of the final stage of its preservation, followed by professional, delicate cleaning of the monument.

The monument will be unveiled for the first time since it was enclosed in protective structures in 2022. For many Kyiv residents, this will symbolize the return of one of the capital’s key cultural landmarks to the city’s public space.

The work will include:

• removal of the protective structures;
• professional cleaning of the monument to remove dust and atmospheric pollutants;
• improvement of the surrounding area;
• use of specialized equipment and machinery;
• cleaning carried out under the supervision of technical specialists in accordance with heritage preservation standards.

All work is being carried out on a pro bono basis, without the use of municipal budget funds. For INWHITE, the project is a charitable contribution to improving Kyiv’s public space as the company marks its 20th anniversary and a continuation of its Clean Day social initiative.

Journalists are required to register in advance.

Background: The initiative is being implemented by the Department of Culture of the Kyiv City State Administration and the Pechersk District State Administration in Kyiv, with the support of the service company INWHITE (LLC INWHITE).

• culture
• Kyiv

Following a russian strike in December 2023, the Odesa rowing club Chornomorets was left with almost no sports equipment. Two russian drones hit the base where over a hundred boats were stored, leaving the club on the brink of closure.

However, the European rowing community stepped in to help. Support came from clubs in the Netherlands, which organized a boat donation drive and continue to fund annual two-week training camps in the Netherlands for children. Rowers from Germany and Lithuania also contributed. Furthermore, thanks to support from the UK, the club received a coastal rowing boat (a coxed quadruple scull) and four 20-person dragon boats.

Today, Chornomorets is open to both children and adults, and veterans are also welcomed to participate in training sessions.

Journalists are invited to cover these training sessions.

Background: Dragon boat racing is a spectacular team sport featuring large canoes decorated with dragon heads and tails.

• children
• culture
• russian crimes
• Odesa

The program of this year’s festival includes discussions and public conversations, excursions and musical performances, theatrical and music-poetic performances. The festival participants and speakers are Oksana Zabuzhko, Serhiy Zhadan, Yuliia “Taira” Paievska, Pavlo Kazarin, Vakhtang Kipiani, Kateryna Kalytko, Mariana Sadovska, Svitlana Povaliayeva, Sasha Koltsova, Valeriy Puzik, Anton Slepakov, The Harmyder Theater, and the band Zhadan i Sobaky.

On the opening day of the festival, July 3, a press briefing for the media will take place on the lawn of Protasiv Yar with the participation of organizers and guests. Immediately after the briefing, the official opening will take place with an introductory speech by Oksana Zabuzhko.

Media accreditation is required.

Reference: The Protasiv Yar festival was founded in memory of public activist and scout of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Brigade, Roman Ratushnyi (call sign Seneka).

• culture
• dead
• military
• Kyiv

As part of sports-rehabilitation activities, the Kyiv Military Hub invites you to a sailing masterclass at the Kyiv City Cruising Yacht Club. It will be a full-fledged two-hour training session on a crewed boat under the guidance of an experienced trainer. Participants will learn to work in a team and master the basics of yachting.

The masterclass will take place on July 3.

• culture
• Kyiv

On July 2, Kyiv will host the opening of the photo exhibition “United by Liberty.” The exhibition has been created by the War Museum in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America in Ukraine and the U.S. National Park Service.

“United by Liberty” presents the 140-year history of the world-renowned symbol of fundamental democratic values for America and the entire free world – the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The exhibition gains special symbolism thanks to its location: it is arranged at the pedestal of its Ukrainian “sister,” the Motherland Monument, the tallest sculpture in Europe, which today embodies Ukrainian resilience and unbreakable spirit.

The synergy of these two iconic monuments within a single space figuratively emphasizes the steadfast and close ties between Ukraine and the United States of America, which share a common foundation — the pursuit of freedom, the affirmation of democratic values, and the defense of sovereignty.

The event will be attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, diplomats, and cultural figures.

Musical accompaniment will be provided by the “Alliance Brass Quintet” of The United States Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus.

Entry for media representatives is granted upon prior accreditation confirmation.

• culture
• Kyiv

The NGO “Titans Under Sails”, an initiative that organizes adaptive and rehabilitative sailing expeditions for defenders with amputations and survivors of russian captivity, invites participants to the Fourth Lviv Sailing Meetup. The event will take place on July 4–5 near Lviv.

For the first time, this year’s gathering will span two days, bringing together over 100 veterans (the “titans”), volunteers, families, and friends—all those who have taken part in rehabilitative sailing voyages to the Canary Islands, Greece, and Croatia over the past 18 months.

The Lviv Sailing Meetup is an annual tradition for the “Titans Under Sails” community. It offers participants of the rehabilitation voyages an opportunity to reconnect on home soil, share their experiences, and map out future maritime expeditions.

Participants can look forward to:

• Sailing boats, kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards on the lake;
• Beach activities and games;
• Traditional kulish (porridge) and fish appetizers;
• An evening DJ set;
• A campsite right on the shore;
• The announcement of the next rehabilitative sailing voyage and its participation criteria.

Background: “Titans Under Sails” is a non-governmental organization that runs free, seven-day rehabilitative sailing voyages for Ukrainian defenders who suffered injuries or endured russian captivity. The program combines seamanship training, onboard teamwork, and psycho-emotional recovery within the unique environment of a sea voyage. Here, there is no division between “those who help” and “those who receive help”—there is only a single, united crew. Since the project’s inception, more than 100 veterans have participated in expeditions across the Canary Islands (2025–2026), Greece (2025–2026), and Croatia (2025).

• culture
• Lviv

On July 2, Kyiv will host the opening of the photo exhibition “United by Liberty.” The exhibition has been created by the War Museum in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America in Ukraine and the U.S. National Park Service.

“United by Liberty” presents the 140-year history of the world-renowned symbol of fundamental democratic values for America and the entire free world – the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The exhibition gains special symbolism thanks to its location: it is arranged at the pedestal of its Ukrainian “sister,” the Motherland Monument, the tallest sculpture in Europe, which today embodies Ukrainian resilience and unbreakable spirit.

The synergy of these two iconic monuments within a single space figuratively emphasizes the steadfast and close ties between Ukraine and the United States of America, which share a common foundation — the pursuit of freedom, the affirmation of democratic values, and the defense of sovereignty.

The event will be attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, diplomats, and cultural figures.

Musical accompaniment will be provided by the “Alliance Brass Quintet” of The United States Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus.

Entry for media representatives is granted upon prior accreditation confirmation.

• culture
• Kyiv

On July 3–5, Kyiv will host the fourth “Protasiv Yar” Festival in memory of civil activist and scout of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade Kholodnyi Yar, Roman Ratushnyi (call sign Seneca). The focus theme of the fourth “Protasiv Yar” Festival is derived from the words of the Stoic philosopher Seneca, whom Roman deeply admired: “That words should carry weight, not just ring out.”

The event will traditionally take place at the Protasiv Yar meadow. On the eve of the festival, a literary and musical opening night will also be held at the Taras Shevchenko Literary and Memorial House-Museum.

Journalists can access the full program of the festival.

Reference information: The “Protasiv Yar” Festival in memory of Roman Ratushnyi is held with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.

Festival partners: PEN Ukraine, NGO Save Protasiv Yar, Maksym Kryvtsov Foundation, VETERANKA Ukrainian Women’s Veteran Movement, Solomyanska Platforma, Heroes Memorial (Memory Platform), Ivan Honchar Museum, Tereny Agency, Algorithm dii Platform, Crimson House, and Rent4DJ technical team.

• culture
• Kyiv

On June 28, Kyiv will host the “Honor Run in Memory of Rekrut 2026” charity event for the fifth time. The event, which unites active-duty military personnel, veterans, and civilians, is expected to gather over 3,500 participants.

The run originally began as a story about Oleksiy Chubashev (call sign Rekrut), a military journalist and Major of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR MOU). The event is organized by Run Ukraine in cooperation with Oleksiy’s wife, Yulia Chubasheva. Traditionally, 100% of the registration fees are directed toward the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. This year, the proceeds will be distributed among five military units participating in the run.

During the “Honor Run in Memory of Rekrut 2026,” the “Alley of the Brave” will debut in Ukraine — a memorial zone along the running track inspired by the American Blue Mile tradition. Participants will run past hundreds of plaques featuring photos, names, and call signs of fallen Ukrainian defenders, paying tribute to their ultimate sacrifice. This section of the track will feature no music, hosts, or loudspeakers — only quiet footsteps, names, and remembrance, reflecting the core essence of the Honor Run: the honor of serving in the military, supporting the army, and remembering those who gave their lives for Ukraine.

Family members, volunteers, and brothers-in-arms will stand along the “Alley of the Brave” holding flags and ribbons inscribed with the names and call signs of the service members. The “Honor Run in Memory of Rekrut 2026” features distances of 10 km, 5 km, and children’s races, as well as an online format for participants joining from anywhere in the world.

The event will also include a traditional symbolic 100-meter distance for veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war and active-duty service members currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Reference information: Organizer — Run Ukraine. Ideological partner — Energoatom. Sports partner — PUMA.

• culture
• Kyiv