Cultural diplomacy against war: two young Ukrainians implement international volunteer projects

An exhibition of drawings created by Ukrainian children has opened in Edmonton, Canada. Thirty-five paintings have come a long way to present the contemporary art of Ukraine. They depict dreams of peace and a happy life that were destroyed by the Russian invasion. This exhibition is very important as the artworks themselves were drawn by children who were still living in Ukraine during the full-scale war.

Two young Ukrainians, Hlieb Tsukanov and Anastasiia Sokol, both studied at the Central Ukrainian Scientific Boarding Lyceum in the Kirovograd region, implemented this project. Young people participated in the projects of the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, prepared together for the Olympiads in philosophy, and won all-Ukrainian competitions. Also, students created a debate club for young people and engaged in social activities.

After graduating from the lyceum, their life paths diverged: Hlieb entered the Institute of International Relations Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Anastasiia went to Canada and studies at a dance academy. But the distance of thousands of kilometers did not stand in the way of their good deeds.

The first joint project was assistance to the Kirovohrad animal protection organization BIM in the summer of last year. It was at this time that Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka dam. Thousands of people were dead, thousands of children drowned, hundreds of villages were underwater.

– The day this massive strike happened, I was truly shocked. It really hurt how much damage we received as a country. But the biggest pain for me was that I felt helpless in this. I wanted to help, but I was so far away on a different continent that I could not even imagine how miserable my help could be, – Anastasiia recalls bitterly.

She shared the story with her Canadian friends and they said they wanted to help too. They decided to organize a charity event to raise funds to help those in need.

– Working with my school Vimy Ridge Academy and several organizations in the Edmonton area, we put together the fundraiser and held it, – she says.

With the help of volunteers, they collected 1,500 Canadian dollars for the BIM charity organization, which is located in Kropyvnytskyi, Anastasiia’s hometown. Hlieb Tsukanov’s family helped the girl choose a charity where it would be safer to donate money. At that time, BIM received, fed and treated animals from Eastern Ukraine after a mass attack. All funds went to a good cause, and the animals received the necessary help.

Subsequently, the following idea appeared: to present in Canada the works of the participants of the competition “Happy child – blooming Ukraine”. This contest has been held for more than ten years by the Tsukanov’s family – well-known gallerists and patrons. During this time, thousands of talented children from different regions of Ukraine joined the competition. Their drawings were exhibited in Germany, China, France, the USA and other countries of the world. Canada has now been added to this list.

The exhibition takes place at MacEwan University. It will be seen by many young people who support Ukraine.

– Now, more than ever, it is important to promote Ukrainian culture and convey important messages to the world precisely through children’s creativity, – says Hlieb Tsukanov.

He believes that cultural diplomacy is a powerful tool that helps establish ties between different peoples and countries.

Hlieb ensured the selection and shipment of drawings from Ukraine to Canada. Anastasiia, together with a team of volunteers, organizes locations and presentations in the province of Alberta.

– When my friend, Hlieb Tsukanov, suggested hosting a series of exhibitions of modern children’s art, I was really happy to be part of this project as there is a lot to show modern Canada about Ukraine. At the moment, we are working on communicating with various organizations in Alberta about showing the exhibition at multiple places. I am very honored to work on such a project that brings international attention to the young talents growing in my native country during such hard times, – she says.

Hlieb Tsukanov is convinced that even ordinary citizens can help Ukraine in its difficult times. Therefore, various volunteer initiatives in the country work in different directions: diplomatic, cultural, economic, etc.

– Without the support of these initiatives, we will not be able to counter propaganda and disinformation from Russia, which sows hatred towards Ukraine and Ukrainians, – says Hlieb . – We have to popularize Ukrainian culture and our people abroad. Because people are the pride of our nation. This is no less important than defending your country with a weapon in hand.