The Case for Culture in Times of War, by Bjö rn Geldhof, Artistic Director, PinchukArtCentre, Kyiv
What place does art have when a country is under siege? In a period dominated by the need for military aid, medical supplies, and humanitarian relief, prioritizing contemporary culture may seem misplaced—perhaps even extravagant. Yet in Ukraine, where war rages on, the role of artists has proved not only relevant but essential. Their work goes beyond creativity; it serves as a powerful tool for defending democratic ideals and sustaining the fabric of civil society.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the PinchukArtCentre has been grappling with a critical question: What is the relevance of art during a time of national crisis? Supporting artists in wartime might seem counterintuitive, but the answer lies in a profound truth—preserving democracy requires more than weapons; it demands a vibrant exchange of thought and expression.
Democracy flourishes through diversity of opinion and open dialogue. Ukraine initially responded to invasion with deep emotional unity—an instinctive, collective defence of home. As the war has progressed, this solidarity has taken on a more practical form. But unity should not come at the expense of critical voices or honest reflection. That is where art steps in, offering a space to question, to ponder, and to process what politics cannot always express.
The PinchukArtCentre Prize exhibition in Kyiv features 20 emerging Ukrainian artists, whose works don’t always depict war directly. Instead, they explore the emotional and psychological impact of living through conflict—addressing themes like identity, the human body, memory, and the elusive sense of normal life. These pieces help make sense of the invisible wounds that words often fail to describe, inviting viewers to reflect rather than prescribe answers.
At a time when nations under siege might be tempted to close themselves off, Ukrainian art builds bridges outward. The country’s creative community has embraced what we call “open nationalism”—a form of patriotism rooted in critical engagement. Ukrainian artists support their nation while remaining unafraid to question its trajectory. This approach keeps Ukraine part of the global cultural dialogue, preventing isolation and reinforcing shared values.
This August, we will launch a bold new exhibition by the Ukrainian collective Open Group. Their participatory performance will examine who controls historical narratives and who is left out of them. Audiences will be challenged not to remain passive spectators, but to confront the weight of inclusion and exclusion in shaping collective memory. This kind of work affirms the importance of pluralism—listening to diverse voices rather than silencing them.
Many Ukrainian artists have taken up arms, defending their country on the front lines. Still, their artistic contributions continue—provoking thought, challenging norms, and inspiring hope. Their resilience highlights the urgent need for international support: not only by exhibiting Ukrainian art abroad but also by nurturing cultural dialogue and creative initiatives within the country.
When the Future Generation Art Prize was presented in Kyiv, 21 global artists brought their stories to Ukraine. Local audiences often recognized echoes of their own struggles in those varied perspectives. Soon, South African artist Gabrielle Goliath will join this cultural conversation with a new exhibition focusing on Ukrainian survivors of trauma, weaving together global and local experiences in a shared narrative of resilience.
Ukrainian artists are not merely observers of history—they are active participants in shaping it. Their work defends the nation not only with ideas but with the intellectual integrity necessary for a functioning democracy. It is crucial, therefore, for the world to stand behind them—by investing in Ukrainian art, supporting cultural institutions, and promoting creative collaboration.
In Ukraine’s fight for freedom, culture is not a luxury. It is a lifeline—for healing, for resilience, and for imagining a future beyond war. Supporting art in times of conflict is not a distraction from defence—it is a vital part of protecting the very soul of democracy.
