Artist Holzer and UMCA design Christmas gifts for children from Ukraine’s frontline regions
Запаковані подарунки для дітей з прифронтових міст. Фото: UMCA
The Ukrainian Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA), in collaboration with World Central Kitchen (WCK) and renowned American artist Jenny Holzer, has brought Christmas magic to 300 Ukrainian children from war-affected cities through a charitable initiative.
Rubryka reports this, citing UMCA.
Since the onset of the full-scale war, Jenny Holzer has not only created works dedicated to Ukraine but has also supported institutions like the Kharkiv Literary Museum through the Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund (UEAF). In 2025, she plans to launch a large-scale public art project in Ukraine.
"We are proud that our work has garnered the attention of the celebrated artist Jenny Holzer. Together with her partners in Ukraine, she expressed a desire to collaborate with WCK. Jenny Holzer's art centers on words, and during these magical holidays, it is especially important to share messages of peace, kindness, and love. Our teams on the ground are thrilled to join this initiative, bringing holiday magic to children," said Olha Maksiuk, head of World Central Kitchen in Ukraine.
Photo: UMCA
Photo: UMCA
The gifts, styled after Jenny Holzer's iconic text installations, feature messages of hope, humor, and kindness.
"Jenny Holzer's approach to her work is truly unique. As a world-class artist, she helps us convey the truth about this war and offers her support, creating a resonance that amplifies the voices of Ukrainian artists, individuals, and institutions," UMCA highlighted.
Photo: UMCA / Nika Tretiak, Illia Zabolotnyi, Anna-Maria Kucherenko
Photo: UMCA / Nika Tretiak, Illia Zabolotnyi, Anna-Maria Kucherenko
Among the recipients of the gifts are children from Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia. The gifts—featuring toys, stamps, and stickers designed in Holzer's signature style—are intended to support and inspire the children, encouraging their creativity.
"We want children to grow up in love and safety," says Jenny Holzer, whose works often explore themes of war and violence.
Photo: UMCA / Nika Tretiak, Illia Zabolotnyi, Anna-Maria Kucherenko
Photo: UMCA / Nika Tretiak, Illia Zabolotnyi, Anna-Maria Kucherenko
During the project planning, adjustments were made due to the threat of Russian attacks. To ensure the children's safety, the original plan was modified so that they would receive their gifts in secure and reliable spaces.
Despite these challenges, the gifts will be distributed to children in front-line regions through World Central Kitchen's distribution points, bringing them moments of joy and hope during these difficult times.
It is worth noting that during a charity fair in Warsaw, organized as part of the "Holidays on the Line of Fire" campaign, 9,000 zlotys were raised to purchase gifts for Ukrainian children living in front-line areas.
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