Kropyvnytskyi unveils Cultural Heritage of Mariupol project exhibits

The Kropyvnytskyi Art Museum has showcased exhibits from the "Cultural Heritage of Mariupol" project, featuring a model of the drama theater and paintings by Mariupol residents.

The Kirovohrad Regional Council reported this on Facebook.

What is the problem?

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces began their assault on Mariupol, launching air, sea, and land strikes. A notable war crime was the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theater, where thousands of civilians, including women and children, were sheltered from the attack.

A warning sign in large Russian letters, "CHILDREN," was placed on the square in front of the theater, but this did not stop the Russian pilots.

On March 16, the Russians dropped two air bombs on the drama theater building – as a result of this strike, more than 600 people died under the rubble.

What is the solution?

On the eve of the anniversary of the Russian bombing of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater in Mariupol, the "Cultural Heritage of Mariupol" exhibits were showcased at the Museum of Arts in Kropyvnytskyi. These included a model of the drama theater and paintings by Mariupol residents.

How does it work?

The model was created by Rivne artist Vitalii Vyskorko, a member of the public organization "History in Our Hands," which aims to recreate models of historical Ukrainian buildings destroyed by Russian forces.

The presented model completely repeats the architectural design of the Mariupol Theater in a ratio of 1:150.

In 2011, Vyskorko was involved in reconstructing the theater's facade. After its barbaric destruction, he decided to recreate the building in models. He made more than 50 models of the Mariupol Drama Theater, which are now presented in museums and exhibition grounds in various cities of Ukraine, France, Romania, Germany, and Spain as a reminder of the occupiers' crimes.

Also, as part of the presentation, guests had the opportunity to view paintings and drawings by Mariupol residents depicting the drama theater as they remembered it.

^{Photo: Facebook / Kirovohrad Regional Council}

The event was attended by:

• representatives of the creative and artistic community of the Kirovohrad region,
• representatives of the Center for Support of Internally Displaced and Evacuated Persons from the city of Mariupol and the Mariupol district,
• displaced persons from this city,
• as well as Mariupol residents – cadets of the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs.

For reference:

Ukrposhta has announced a new stamp issue, "City of Heroes: Mariupol," dedicated to the defenders of Mariupol and the civilians who perished due to Russian actions. The stamp will be released on March 14.