The battle for Ukraine's cultural gems

Posted: Wednesday Aug 23, 2023

How are the creativity, spaces and heritage of the war-torn country being supported? Beverley D'Silva explores the issues, and speaks to those making a difference.

At the Museum Crisis Centre (MCC), an NGO in Lviv, Bogdana Brylynska works on the monitoring group. It has been salvaging creative works since the war's outset, prioritising aid to small, regional museums in Eastern and Southern Ukraine, where fighting is most intense. "Without help, the smaller institutions and their unique collections risk damage or even total destruction," she tells BBC Culture. It is not known how many cultural institutions have been affected in occupied areas, she says. "Museums are just trying to carry on - especially if they're far from the frontline."

MCC connects culture workers to financial as well as psychological support. "People find group therapy particularly beneficial, to share experiences. It's important to know you're not alone," says Brylynska. She is also head of office of the Lviv Unesco City of Literature: "Though last year we were without money, as all the funds went for the war."

Read article here: The battle for Ukraine's cultural gems - BBC Culture