Oleksandr Svishchov: Art projects are of great importance for Ukrainian society and its cultural development

The history of Ukraine is not only a chronicle of events but also a chronicle of generosity. Our ancestors, realizing the importance of investing in the future, supported various spheres of life, from the economy to spirituality. It is thanks to their support that we have the cultural and educational background we are proud of today. Until August 15, the Kyiv Cave Monastery National Reserve will host an art project called Prayer for Ukraine, which was opened on the occasion of the Statehood Day of Ukraine. This project is a call to action, to unite for a common goal, a reminder that each of us can contribute to the victory, create, support the soldiers, and help the victims. The project tells about all the atrocities and crimes that Russia is committing today, showing the suffering of Ukrainians and the daily destruction of our homes through the image of the Mother of God. This large-scale project was made possible by philanthropist Oleksandr Svishchov, who, as a true patriot, provided artists with the opportunity to work in good conditions, and gave honoraria and prizes for the best works. A year ago, the opening of the art project “Ukraine through the Ages” took place at the St. Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve on Independence Day. The project aims to show the history of Ukraine through the image of a young girl surrounded by the most important historical and artistic artifacts of the region she represents. Not only are these two projects similar in their message and concept, but both projects were made possible by philanthropist Oleksandr Svishchov.

“Together with Yuriy Kotyk, we have implemented a number of projects in countries such as: Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, South Korea, Lithuania, Poland, Greece, Great Britain, Georgia, Monaco, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, the United States, and others have seen all the problems and grief that is happening in Ukraine through art since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. I wanted to say more, to tell more about Ukraine, to tell more about its history, its culture, the resettlement of peoples, its connection with Europe, to tell about all the pain, all the grief, the horror that is happening in our country. How can this be done? Only through art, because art is something that exists without borders, art is something that can happen in any manifestation and interaction, where the thought for self-expression is important, and the ways of realization depend on the level of artists, their skills, and most importantly, the financing of the idea, because without money it is impossible to do something great, meaningful, which will become a new page in contemporary art, a living page of modern history, and a mechanism that will allow Ukraine to declare itself not only as a state fighting for survival, but as a state with deep roots of global significance. It was thanks to the support of philanthropist Oleksandr Svishchov that we succeeded,” said People’s Artist of Ukraine Volodymyr Kozyuk.

Mr. Svishchov also actively supports museums, donating ancient artifacts and exclusive European coins to the Vynnykyi Museum of History and Local Lore. His contribution to the development of culture and art is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for many Ukrainians. Oleksandr Svishchov is the epitome of a modern Ukrainian philanthropist. Through his generous donations, he not only revives the glorious traditions of Ukrainian philanthropy, but also actively contributes to the flourishing of national culture. Thanks to his support, ambitious projects such as Prayer for Ukraine and Ukraine Through the Ages were able to see the light of day and unite Ukrainians in these difficult times. The projects have become a symbol of unity and support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle for independence. They are the country’s business card and will be introduced in many European countries in the near future.