Solutions from Ukraine: Kyiv unveils new interactive space to offer emotional support to Ukrainians

The art installation welcomes guests to envelop themselves in vibrant cocoons, recline on a plush throw, try on a playful toy fur coat, depict the history of Ukrainians' struggles on the wall, and listen to the city's sounds—all in an effort to experience warmth and find solace and healing amidst times of war.

Rubryka attended the grand opening of the space and provided a detailed account of the experience.

What is the problem?

In times of crisis, having emotional support is crucial, especially in light of the current situation. This is particularly significant for Ukrainians, who have endured over a decade of war.

What is the solution?

The solution to addressing daily stress, anxiety, isolation, and disconnection from oneself and others has manifested in the form of an interactive exhibit called "Tepli Zviavky" [Warm Ties in English – ed.], now on display at the Taras Shevchenko National Museum in Kyiv. Through a series of installations and art pieces, "Tepli Zviavky" delves into the concept of emotional support and personal healing during times of crisis.

^{"Tepli Zviavky" space. Photo: Mykola Tymchenko for Rubryka}

"The war brought with it a traumatic experience for many. Warm Ties are invisible threads that unite us, reduce anxiety, and help us find support," the Agency and NGO Port of Culture team said.

The project was implemented thanks to the support of the Ukrainian Consortium for Protection – an initiative of Save the Children, the Danish Refugee Council, and the Right to Protection Foundation. Over the past year, the organizations have supported 350,000 people affected by the war as part of this cooperation. This activity is possible thanks to the support of the American people provided through USAID. The space was implemented with the assistance of the Agency and the NGO Port of Culture.

How does it work?

The room is outfitted with soft, touchable materials, soothing sound compositions, and unique art pieces made for active engagement. Each item in the installation provides various ways to interact with it: you can draw, observe, partake in sound therapy, or simply unwind in the space.

"Tepli Zviavky" consists of several zones:

• The focal point of this space is a massive blanket situated atop cozy mattresses. The blanket sits in the heart of the hall, inviting visitors to recline and envelop themselves in its warmth and security. It's the perfect spot to daydream and admire the birds flying above through the glass ceiling.
• These cocoons offer zones of privacy and introspection for those seeking solitude and personal growth. You can retreat into them and immerse yourself in complete darkness.
• You can also wrap yourself in a Christmas tree made of soft toys.
• In the audio memory chamber, you can listen to the sounds of the city.
• An interactive drawing wall serves as a creative outlet for expressing emotions. The wall showcases six drawings that tell the stories of war survivors who found solace and include accompanying quotes for context. QR codes provide easy access to the quotes.

Ukrainian artists worked on the interactive space:

• Lesia Patoka, an artist and costume designer, created tactile objects for interaction.
• Vasylyna Burianyk, an artist, developed installations that allow you to be alone in the crowd.
• Oleksandr Hrekhov, illustrator – author of drawings about people who survived the war.
• Oleh Shpudeyko, composer, working under the pseudonym Heinali, presented an audio memory chamber about how the city sounds and how it affects us.

The space is open to visitors from November 30 to December 15 at the Taras Shevchenko National Museum.

Address: 12 Taras Shevchenko Blvd.

Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Admission – free.

Does it really work?

The art project "Tepli Zviavky" started on November 28, and more than 150 people gathered at the space's presentation.

^{"Tepli Zviavky" space. Photo: Mykola Tymchenko for Rubryka}

"We are pleased that we could invite our friends to the presentation of the project – professionals in their field who were also forced to leave their homes in 2014. It is always difficult to see understanding or a slight longing for home in their eyes. It is moments like these that make us sensitive, and even adults return to childhood, to their own yard, where friends play, where you build a hut and dream: "What will my path be when I grow up?"," shares Diana Tsymbal, communications manager of the Agency and NGO Port of Culture.

She mentions that the interactive space will engage adults and children.

"Soft, tactile objects evoke associations with comfort, safety, and childhood. They help reduce stress levels and create a trusting environment. This is a simple and effective way to remind a person of the warm feelings that are important for recovery. Stories of people who have survived adversity add a special meaning to the space. They remind us that even in the most difficult times, support, compassion, and mutual understanding help overcome difficulties," Diana Tsymbal says.

Furthermore, while the space is in operation, various complimentary master classes will be offered. Weekday events will cater to both children and adults. The schedule and registration details can be found at the provided link.

The Agency team and the Port of Culture NGO are hopeful that the space can effectively fulfill its primary purpose of aiding people in reducing anxiety and finding emotional comfort.

For reference:

Save the Children is an international organization protecting children's rights in over 100 countries. In Ukraine, Save the Children has been working since 2014. In cooperation with more than 25 partners, the organization has supported more than 3.44 million people, including about 1.4 million children. The organization's activities aim to provide humanitarian assistance, education, and psychological support to children and their families.

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international humanitarian organization on population displacement, providing support to refugees and internally displaced persons during displacement, expulsion, return or settlement, and integration in a new location. The DRC office has been operating in Ukraine since 2014. After February 24, 2022, the DRC launched multi-sectoral support to overcome the large-scale humanitarian crisis. During this time, the DRC has assisted more than three million people in social and legal protection, economic development, financial support, the provision of non-food items, humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding, and housing reconstruction.

The Right to Protection Foundation is a leading human rights organization in Ukraine. It provides multi-purpose assistance to IDPs, war victims, refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. The Foundation implements programs for legal, psychological, and material support for IDPs and war-affected populations, as well as social assistance and monitoring of rights protection. In addition, the Right to Protection Foundation promotes social cohesion in communities and the economic inclusion of IDPs and war-affected populations.

The Agency and NGO Port of Culture is a public organization that unites curators, artists, and cultural specialists to develop projects aimed at social change through contemporary art.