Ukrainian Visit to Evaluate the Damage & Destruction at Cultural Venues

In June 2023 I set off for Ukraine by the well-travelled route via Krakow and then overland by train into Kyiv. The reason for my visit was to undertake a first-hand review of the damage and destruction that had been caused to the Ukrainian cultural heritage since the start of the war in 2022. This was important to me both personally (because of my passion for art and culture) and professionally because I and the Trident Manor Limited team provide cultural protection services globally. It was also important to understand the Ukrainian capabilities to protect and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations and where gaps existed potentially identify ways to support to reduce the artefact's exposure to risk.

Despite the war, many things in Kyiv have returned to a degree of normality with cafes being open, people going about their daily life, and the visible signs of armed personnel on the streets not being present. However, you do not have to look far to see that all is not back to normal. The broken windows and damaged buildings that have not been repaired, the protective barriers around statues, and the centralisation of ‘Hedgehogs’ (anti-tank barriers) all tell a different story.

On the day that I arrived the Kakhovka Dam had just been blown up causing devastation on the left (Russian Controlled) and right (Ukrainian-liberated) banks of the Dnipro River, in the Kherson Oblast (District). This also directly impacted several dozen cultural sites of historical significance as well as damaging museums, venues, and artefacts because of the rising flood waters (as well as unexploded ordnance that had been dislodged).

I was able to see several sites of historical significance as well as some museums that were now devoid of artefacts to ensure their protection and preservation. I visited the Lavra area of Kyiv where there were magnificent Orthodox Churches undamaged by the war were located close to the National War Museum which was devoted to exhibiting items from the conflict with Russia. What I found extremely poignant was the empty ammunition case upon which the known number of children killed since the start of the conflict is chalked and adjusted following every death. You then enter a darkened space where an image of each child is projected alongside their date of birth, age, and date of death. A simple thing but one that is so powerful and meaningful in highlighting a part of the cost the Ukrainian people are paying.

I was privileged to take a field trip to witness the damage and destruction caused to cultural venues and residential properties that played no part in the Ukrainian war efforts, but which were attacked anyhow. Spending time with Ihor Poshyvailo and his team was a true honour. Seeing the dedication and commitment of the whole team to log, record and where possible recover cultural artefacts that were in danger of being lost forever was inspirational.

I have always sworn by the approach that to understand a situation you have to assess it from up close. Seeing with your own eyes, touching the charred remains of a child’s toy or a family’s lifetime possessions, and hearing the difficulties that exist for tens of thousands of people who have been, and continue to be impacted by this unnecessary war is the only way that I believe you can ever start to understand.

I was able to meet some great people who are busy trying to protect and preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage, the efforts of people like Ihor, Milena Chorna , and Svitlana Stryelnikova, the Director General of the National Research Restoration Centre are truly inspirational.

Svitlana and her team who have responsibility for the whole of Ukraine but who due to the war effort receive nowhere near enough resources to safely visit sites and preserve/restore broken and damaged artefacts. Transport is an issue, glues and paints that are needed for restoration work are in short supply and their own personal safety and security are all things that directly impact their ability to successfully undertake their work. The work that the whole team is still able to deliver is amazing.

My conclusion on visiting the relatively safe areas was that cultural venues are being targeted as well as impacted by shrapnel or other projectiles against non-military targets. This has recently been confirmed by the attacks in Odessa where the ancient Cathedral was partially destroyed, and artefacts lost forever.

This trip has solidified my resolve and identified a way in which the Trident Manor team (and hopefully others) can provide meaningful support to the protection and preservation of Ukrainian artefacts through fundraising efforts at the International Arts and Antiquities Security Forum conference Gala Dinner.

The team set about arranging fundraising through an #Art Auction to be held on the 12th of September during the Gala Dinner of the IAASF Conference. The purpose of the fundraising is to buy goods and materials that can be used directly to help protect and preserve Ukrainian Cultural Heritage for future generations.

The Auction is being supported by UK celebrities, ( David Harper ) artists, photographers, ( Peter Haygarth ) and colleagues from across the security sector ( Jim McConnell , Mike Croll )as well as promises of donations from famous international street artists - Thank you Christian GUEMY (although #Banksy still hasn't been in touch) and #Ukrainian artists based in the UK.

We still have 3 more weeks for donations to be made and angus ashworth 'The Yorkshire Auctioneer' to do his magic so please feel free to donate art, prizes/donations (flights, cruises, a signed Newcastle United tops - please), or anything else that will help raise funds for this worthy cause.

Anybody who is interested in attending the Conference, the Gala Dinner where all profits are going towards the Ukrainian fundraising efforts, or making a donation in support of this great cause please contact Louise Williamson the #IAASF co-ordinator.