Project "Ukraine in Miniature"
Ukraine is forced to contend with challenges unseen in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Russia’s unprovoked and brutal aggression has destroyed not only buildings, hospitals, and schools but is trying to destroy the very idea of what Ukraine is. Ultimately, this war is a continuation of Russia’s systematic destruction of Ukrainian identity through the demolition, prohibition, and appropriation of Ukrainian heritage.
Peaceful Ukrainian cities and towns are constantly subjected to bombardment on a daily basis. Within the first two years since the full-scale invasion, approximately 2,000 objects of cultural infrastructure were damaged: theaters, museums, libraries, etc. This is far from a complete count — almost all of Luhansk and large parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson regions are under temporary occupation, making it impossible to calculate losses there.
In response to Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the ENGAGE adapted its programming accordingly in 2023. Its goal is to increase citizen involvement in protecting Ukrainian cultural heritage and documenting the damage caused by Russia to Ukraine’s territory. The “Ukraine in Miniature” project serves as a diplomatic tool through which ENGAGE will advocate for the protection of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
The exhibition “Ukraine in Miniature” is an interactive experience designed to show the value of Ukraine’s cultural heritage in a global context. Unique attractions here are presented in 3D models, VR tours and videos. Among them are buildings that were destroyed due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Specifically for this project, 29 Ukrainian composers, sound designers, and artists created unique musical compositions that allow you to not only see but also hear the “voices” of buildings and imagine soundscapes and historical layers.