Art 2 Business

Art of the new dawn.

As our country is bravely fighting for survival, so is the existence of Ukrainian art as an authentic and independent genre of contemporary art. The terrible war brought our homeland out of the shadows and today Ukraine is no longer an obscure place somewhere in the east, that no one can find on the map, but a country known and supported far and wide. As our beloved Ukraine is getting the recognition that is so well-deserved, our artists are also coming into their own and their work is no longer viewed as a “sub-genre” — a small piece of a larger mosaic known to many as “russian art.”

This, however, is a very recent development. For centuries Ukrainian culture was suppressed, belittled, and persecuted by the “Bigger and Better sibling” — the neighboring Russia. As a result, supporting the culture of our homeland never became a part of a Ukrainian tradition. While European and American art scenes had their Medicis and Guggenheims, Ronald Lauders and David Geffens, the Ukrainian business world had scarcely few notable benefactors among its many entrepreneurs. This is something that we are hoping to change!

Today, as Ukraine is experiencing a true Renaissance, is a pivotal moment in our country’s history and in the history of Ukrainian culture. This is the time when Ukraine needs its Ukrainian patrons the most. And it needs more of them. Today is the day when our homeland needs new Viktor Pinchuks andIhor Abramovyches and it needs them in abundance. It needs people who can bring Ukrainian art onto the world stage and do it with a bang!

We call on investors, art connoisseurs, and philanthropists — those of you who can make Ukrainian art a symbol. A symbol of our country’s survival but also revival! We want to show the world that Ukrainian art is not a footnote, but a vivid and diverse creative movement that you can help make flourish!

The art of our homeland is taking root, but it needs nurture if it is to become a brand — something that Ukraine can be known for and immediately associated with. As Italy is famous for the Renaissance and France for Impressionism, our native land can easily become a country recognized for its contemporary artists. When tourists once again flock to our country, we want them to come not just for the history, the food, and the wonderful people, but also for the beautiful art that is distinctly Ukrainian.

Art has always been more than just beauty. It was also an investment. An investment that is not only financial but also civil — a contribution to our story and our future. When the war ends and our victorious country, risen from the ashes begins to rebuild, alongside the hospitals, schools, and government buildings we will begin constructing and restoring museums all over Ukraine, and these new exhibition halls of our homelands’ new dawn will need new art. The art of the future.