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Building on the success of a 2022 collaboration – with 7 projects supported, the new projects provided essential support for artists and cultural organizations in Ukrainian regions including: Kherson, Kharkiv and Kyiv. By funding operas, films, exhibitions and performances, UNESCO also contributed to preserving Ukraine’s cultural identity and protecting freedom of artistic expressions under the guidance of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Creative projects in action

The funded projects helped to bring artistic creation to life, by supporting cultural events and ensuring the participation of local communities in cultural activities. Moreover, the projects addressed key themes such as preserving historical memories and intangible cultural heritage, strengthening community, raising awareness of environmental issues, and increasing Ukraine’s presence in global cultural conversations.

This support was in line with UNESCO’s spearheading role in protecting Ukraine’s culture sector from the ongoing war. The Organization coordinated the creation of an Action Plan for Culture in Ukraine, in partnership with the Ukrainian government and over 40 international and local organizations, which includes the continuation of cultural life as a priority.
 

War and gender

• “Lot’s Women”: The project, led by Memory Lab, focused on the strength and resilience of women during wartime. Through multimedia exhibitions, it shared powerful stories of women’s experiences and how they preserve collective memories even in difficult times.

• “P������ܻ��”: Created by Kinotron Group, this short film explored how war impacts gender roles and relationships. It challenged viewers to think about how soldiers are portrayed and highlighted the importance of equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Environmental impact of the war

• “GAIA - 24: Opera del Mondo”: The opera, created by , highlighted the environmental damage caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. It told the story of how war can harm nature and ecosystems. In October 2024, it was showcased at the Venice Biennale as part of the Ukrainian Institute’s programme, drawing international attention to this critical issue.

• “Polina Raiko’s Seeds”: Developed by the Center for Cultural Development Totem NGO, the web platform preserved the legacy of Polina Raiko, a Ukrainian artist whose home was destroyed during the war. The project honored her work while addressing the emotional and collective trauma caused by the Kakhovka Dam’s destruction in the Kherson region.

Psychological resilience and community healing

• “Body of Danger”: A solo dance performance by explored the constant feeling of danger during war. It turned personal trauma into a shared, physical expression of strength and resilience.

• “War Tattoos”: The project, led by the , used photos and art therapy workshops to heal communities. It captured collective memories and showcases the resilience of people affected by the war.

• “Listening to All Sounds: With Caution, Almost Sniffing Them Like Dogs”: Organized by the Institution of Unstable Thoughts NGO, this research project was turned into an exhibition. It used sound as a powerful medium to connect current war experiences with Ukraine’s history of sound art, offering a unique perspective to sounds during conflict.

• “Love is Worth Everything”: Created by 86 NGO, this collection of four short films by Ukrainian directors provided a poignant exploration of the emotional and social impacts of war. Each film captured personal aspects of the lived experiences and resilience of those affected. 

• “Sorry No Rooms Available”: This artistic residency allowed four Ukrainian artists to continue their creative work in a safe place in the midst of war. The artists showcased their work through a group exhibition at the .

Digital and language accessibility for global awareness

• “Five Minutes for Ukrainian Art”: led the project to create English-language web content, enabling people worldwide to access and learn about Ukrainian art and history. 

• “Erasing and Recalling”: Created by , this web series available in English connected Ukraine’s cultural memory, stories and history with the world.
   

Recognizing the psychosocial impact caused by the ongoing war, MOCA provided mental health support to the cultural workers of the 14 Ukrainian cultural institutions. Additionally, eco-strategist Olesia Vershyhora worked with the beneficiary institutions to make their creative projects more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

The cooperation between UNESCO and MOCA demonstrates the importance of creativity during crises and renewed UNESCO’s call for the international community to increase its support to artists at risk. 91�鶹������Ʒ���� advocated for immediate and sustained global action to protect cultural workers, by raising awareness about the challenges faced by culture during emergencies, including threats to human rights.

The projects received support from the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals, funded by the Kingdom of Norway, as well as the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, funded by contributions from: the Qatar Fund for Development, the Kingdom of Norway, the Government of Canada, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the French Republic, the Principality of Monaco, the Republic of Estonia, ANA Holdings INC, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Serbia.