Over the two years of full-scale war, the MHP-Hromada charitable foundation has supported cultural projects worth UAH 70 million. At the Creative Ukraine forum, the foundation's director Tetiana Volochai named 4 strong arguments why cultural projects are needed during the war, UNN reports.
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First of all, cultural projects draw the world's attention to Ukraine, says Volochai.
"For example, the documentary project Culture VS War, which we supported, about artists who took up arms, is shown in the European Parliament, UNESCO, and at meetings of diplomats. It reminds the world of the great war, when the attention to us has subsided," she argues.
Cultural projects give us an understanding of our roots and unite us.
"In order to keep the will that flared up in us in February-March 2022 to fight, win, and rebuild, we need to comprehend it. Our projects to support museums and publish books are aimed precisely at realizing our roots, answering the questions "why are we like this?" and "where does our strength come from?" she explains.
Cultural projects inspire and motivate.
"Culture inspires us to act, to create innovations, to be progressive for our country here and now. When we realize the meaning of Ukrainian culture, we strive for development. During KOZAK SYSTEM's charity concerts in remote communities and hospitals, we see people's condition change and their proactive stance," Volochai clarifies.
In addition, support for cultural projects is a key to preserving the state.
"Culture helps to defeat the enemy's aggression. Think back to March 2022: until Ukrainians drank the will, the world did not support us. And freedom is a product of culture. The will, the desire for freedom, is what unites Ukrainians today, what gives them the strength to fight, and what feeds on culture," she summarized.
"MHP for Communities is a Ukrainian charitable foundation that was launched in 2015. Its main mission is the comprehensive development of communities.
The geography of the Foundation's activities includes 12 regions of Ukraine: more than 700 towns and villages. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Foundation has been systematically supporting people in the war zone, Ukrainian defenders and rescuers, communities, hospitals and maternity homes, charitable institutions that care for orphans and the elderly, as well as people who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to the war.