Author:
Mariia Kucova
In the heart of Kyiv's Cultural Cluster "Krakiv", the cultural and artistic project "DIM: Children's Inclusive Media Studio. Place of Strength", was recently showcased. The project brought together 120 vulnerable children from 35 locations across Ukraine, including 20 children under the care of the "Voices of Children" Charitable Foundation.
The project aimed to foster inclusivity within Ukrainian society and its culture, facilitate the social adaptation and integration of children with disabilities or those affected by the war, and support and restore their mental well-being.
To achieve this, the organizers combined seven disciplines of culture and art. Over three months, participants engaged in creative workshops, artistic masterclasses, psychological training sessions, rehearsals, filming, and sound recordings. The children not only produced diverse creative works but also gained unique experiences, developed communication skills, and grew more confident in social settings.
An exhibition full of meanings
The dove is a symbol of peace. I decided that it protects everyone, just like the Cossacks (Ukrainian warriors),
explained 8-year-old Liubov.
explained 8-year-old Liubov.
The exhibition began with children's artworks created using various techniques: cardmaking, pop-up, glittering, quilling (paper filigree), kinusaiga (simmilar to silk patchwork), etc. Liubov used the batik technique — fabric painting using wax and dyes — and depicted a peace dove, not with an olive branch, but with a trident. This choice reflects that sometimes weapons must be taken up to achieve peace.
Other children also presented their works and answered questions from guests.
— What kind of paint was that? — Oksana Bohutska, a leisure specialist at the Kyiv Сenter of "Voices of Children", asked 10-year-old Kyrylo.
— An expensive one, — the participant replied.
— An expensive one, — the participant replied.
Kyrylo, along with five other children, worked on the painting "Inspiration", created using the fluid art technique.
The exhibition also featured "Lady Cotton" made from structural paste, "Kobzar's Page" from paperclay, "Postcard Dedicated to the Art of Mariia Prymachenko" using card-making techniques with pop-up windows, and more. In addition to paintings, children's photographic works were also on display.
The "Voices of Children" team was accompanied by Voisyk, the Foundation's beloved mascot. The giant, furry cat brought smiles to the faces of all the children, who eagerly lined up for hugs and high-fives.
Video works on important topics
Later, in the cinema hall, six inclusive cultural and artistic videos were screened, accompanied by Ukrainian sign language translation:
- Children's educational cultural and artistic program "State Symbols of Ukraine — Symbols of the Invincibility of the Ukrainian People";
- Social children's talk show "Small Steps to a Great Victory";
- Social and psychological radio program "You are not alone";
- Colorful 2D animated cartoon "I Have a Dream...";
- Children's educational and developmental video blog "Cultural Donation";
- Social video film about the project and the lives of its participants.
These products will soon be available to the wider public.
At first, we all cried, and then we laughed. The children are happy, and so are the parents. Everyone expressed a million words of gratitude to the project implementers,
shared Mariia Shurdenko, coordinator of the Kyiv Сenter of "Voices of Children".
shared Mariia Shurdenko, coordinator of the Kyiv Сenter of "Voices of Children".
In the cinema hall, project participants were also awarded honorary diplomas.
The project was organized by the public children's internet television and radio "Veselka TV" with the support of the "Ukrainian Cultural Foundation" through its grant program "Culture Without Barriers".
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