Google Arts & Culture launches new Ukraine is Near section to show Ukrainian museum treasure
Photo: Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications / andro4all.com
Google Arts & Culture recently launched a new section of the Ukraine is Near project, showcasing a remarkable collection highlighting Ukraine's diverse and rich culture, history, and art on one platform for the first time.
The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications' press service reported that.
"Today, Google presents a new section of Ukraine is Near project on Google Arts & Culture and invites everyone interested to explore the unique collection that reveals the richness of Ukrainian culture, art, and history to the world," the message reads.
According to the ministry, this is the first time this has been gathered onto one platform, making it possible for users worldwide to access the treasures of Ukrainian museums freely. The project's online format also allows for quick research and viewing, which would otherwise take days or even weeks to accomplish in person.
Ukraine is Near on Google Arts & Culture is a long-term initiative to digitize and share Ukraine's vibrant cultural history. The initiative has expanded significantly since it was first introduced two years ago.
Thanks to the partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, Ukraine House, Skeiron, and the best Ukrainian museums, such as the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, the Museum of Decorative Arts of Ukraine, the Lviv Historical Museum, and many others, the project Ukraine is Near offers an innovative and exciting way to explore authentic stories about Ukrainian heritage.
"At a time when Ukraine is going through the most difficult trials, our culture remains our strength and inspiration. Ukraine is Near on Google Arts & Culture allows everyone to discover outstanding Ukrainians who have glorified our land to the whole world: Mykola Leontovych, Solomiia Krushelnytska, Mariia Prymachenko, and many others. Today, when the Russian occupiers are trying to destroy our heritage, this project is not only preserving Ukrainian culture but also popularizing it in the world. So let's reveal the beauty of Ukraine to the world, history, and traditions because it is in them that our strength and identity lie," the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, stressed.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications for Digital Development Anastasiia Bondar also emphasized that Ukraine is Near project is a chance to showcase Ukraine's rich cultural heritage globally and a crucial step in safeguarding it for future generations.
"During times of war, preserving monuments and artifacts becomes crucial to safeguard our culture and history. Thanks to technological advancements, we can now protect these treasures and pass them down to future generations as invaluable assets of the Ukrainian people. Through this project, we can break through geographical and temporal constraints, granting people from all corners of the world access to Ukraine's vast history and art," she added.
In particular, the Ukraine is Near project featured:
- over 1000 new images,
- more than 90 new stories,
- more than 250 3D models of museum artifacts and monuments,
- 360⁰ video with a theatrical performance,
- three new virtual galleries.
In addition, five new Ukrainian partners joined the project.
All new content can be viewed on the website's "Ukraine is Near. New section." To familiarize yourself with previously presented content about the rich Ukrainian culture, architecture, art, and nature, visit the page goo. gle/Ukraine.
For reference:
In November 2022, Google, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, and First Lady Olena Zelenska presented the online space of Ukrainian culture on the Google Arts & Culture platform.
The project was implemented thanks to the partnership between Google and the Moscow State University of Culture and ten partners who joined the creation of the Ukrainian section of the Google Arts & Culture platform.
Therefore, on its page, Ukrainian culture is represented by four sections:
- Culture,
- Architecture,
- Art,
- Nature.
Thanks to the project, people from different countries explore authentic and interactive stories about Ukrainian culture, attend virtual tours, and get acquainted with the most iconic works of Ukrainian artists in 6 virtual exhibition spaces.
It should be noted that the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine is creating an electronic catalog of Ukrainian museum treasures, which will be a digital fortress for Ukrainian culture.
In addition, ever since the war began, Russian forces have ruthlessly demolished Ukrainian cultural treasures. Architectural landmarks, unique old houses, churches, and palaces have all become prime targets for Russian artillery and missiles. Rubryka has compiled a list of 18 prominent architectural marvels that have fallen victim to Russia's destruction. Learn more in the article "Capture or destroy: 18 monuments of Ukrainian architecture that Russia destroyed."
