R2P, Together with Partners, Launched an Art Space in Kyiv

November 29, 2024

On 27 November, the National Taras Shevchenko Museum hosted the opening of the Warm Connections art project to restore and support.

Here, everyone can explore installations that give a feeling of comfort and warmth, see illustrated stories of people who lost their peace because of the war, immerse themselves in the space of soft art objects, a giant blanket or a fur coat made of toys, and find a moment of peace and harmony within themselves.

Its creation was made possible thanks to the Ukraine Protection Consortium, of which Right to Protection is a part, and our partners — Save the Children in Ukraine, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, as well as talented artists.

Sasha Galkin, President of R2P

Almost three years of full-scale war have brought so much pain and challenges. This tragedy has affected the most vulnerable — children. They have lost their sense of security, stability, and the opportunity to remain kids for as long as possible. Today's event embodies our joint efforts to reduce the impact of war on children. Let this symbolise that even in the most difficult times, we can give warmth and hope. Together, we create these "warm connections" that help restore lives and give faith in goodness.

Artists Vasylyna Buryanyk, Lesia Patoka, and Oles Derega created various art objects for the space, and during the event, they talked about their significance and underlying meanings.

One of the expositions is the Wall of Stories, which tells and illustrates six stories of people whose lives were forever changed by the war. It reflects their experience: loss, search for safety, overcoming fear, and trying to find support for a new beginning, including with the help of R2P and our partners.

Children and adults can draw on this wall! Each stroke of coloured chalk continues these stories and reminds us that despite everything, life goes on.

This project is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. The contents are the sole responsibility of Right to Protection and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.