Solutions to win: Kyiv bookstore hosts charity festival to raise funds for anti-aircraft defense equipment
Афіші програми вихідних з Сенсом. Колаж: “Рубрика”
Rubryka spoke with Nadiia Vovk, the "Sens" bookstore program director on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv, about the upcoming charity cultural festival slated for August 17-18. Admission to the event is free, and participation will help Ukraine's defenders
What is the problem?
In these trying times, people must unite and show their support for one another, collaborate, and innovate, as well as continue donating to Ukrainian defenders, who have valiantly defended the Ukrainian territory from Russian aggression for two and a half years.
What is the solution?
The "Weekends with Sense" charity festival will occur this weekend on Khreschatyk Street. For those living in Kyiv and visitors to the city, the "Sens" bookstore has collaborated with the "Hurkit" foundation to raise 7,100,000 Ukrainian hryvnia for the MECHATRONICS mobile air defense system for the 101st Air Defense Brigade. They have created a cultural and interactive program, including discussions with influential figures, a volunteering initiative, various workshops, and live music performances.
When: August 17-18, from 12:00 to 20:00;
Where: "Sens" bookstore, 34 Khreshchatyk Street;
Admission to the event is free. Attendees are welcome to donate to participate in the activities. All proceeds will support the fundraisers of the "Sens" bookstore and the Hurkit charity foundation.
How does it work?
The interior of the "Sens" bookstore. Photo from the archive of the bookstore
"The upstairs of the "Sens" bookstore on Khreshchatyk will feature a variety of books from specialized publishers, homegrown brands, and charitable organizations and foundations. Over two days, the participants will engage in meaningful discussions, draw inspiration, and build stronger connections. Spending a weekend at "Sens" means immersing oneself in conversations about Ukrainian literature and culture on the bustling streets of the country, with an invitation for all to join in," organizers present the event.
According to Nadiia Vovk, the bookstore has hosted various cultural events for the past six months. They have now decided to organize a complete festival on the premises, where people can spend an entire day immersed in books so that guests can:
- engage with niche publishers and local brands,
- discover new ideas,
- connect with charity and volunteer projects,
- and attend engaging lectures and discussions.
Moreover, the bookstore is raising over 7 million for air defense systems, which is why the festival is for a charitable cause.
"When we launched the "Sens" bookstore on Khreshchatyk Street, our goal was for it to become the hub of cultural activity in the heart of Kyiv. We envisioned it as a meeting place for creative individuals and a platform for exchanging ideas. To achieve this, we partnered with publishers, figures, brands, and organizations that align with our values, and together, we created "Weekend with Sense,"Nadiia Vovk says.
What's in the program?
The festival welcomes anyone who wants to spend their weekend surrounded by books in a community of like-minded individuals. It's open to both friends of the "Sens" bookstore and those interested in getting to know the bookstore.
The festival lineup is jam-packed: it features homegrown businesses, live music, cultural activities, volunteer groups, and, of course, books.
"Since "Sens" on Khreschatyk already has a vast assortment, at the festival, we decided to focus on niche publishing houses. Festival guests will be able to find publications that appear less often in the tops and recommendations but are no less valuable and interesting. It will also be cool a selection of books in English," Nadiia Vovk shares.
On both evenings, Anastasiia Yevdokymova, a literary critic and editor-in-chief of "Sensor" media, will lead a discussion about books, which special guests, including Serhiy Chirkov and Anna Kochehura, will join. Afterward, there will be live music performances – on Saturday, by the MOVA group, specializing in Ukrainian retro music from the 1960s and 80s, and on Sunday, by the ShchukaRyba ethnic group.
Other festival participants include Dyka Kvitkarnia, whose experts will create beautiful bouquets in exchange for donations. Brand names such as VOSKOVA, CRUMB, byMe, Ne Khushtka, and Neon Center will also add to the festivities. The "Sense" weekend will also be enriched by the presence of the "Hurkit" foundation, the volunteer group "Cave Cats," and the charity projects "How are you, brother?" and "NoWasteUkraine."
Lectures and master classes will take place here. Photo from the archive of the bookstore
What can be learned at the festival?
As part of the festival, on August 17th, the "Art and I" calligraphy school and calligrapher Veronika Chebanyk will host a master class on "Ukrainian cursive script." This will be a great chance to learn about the history of Ukrainian letters and the cursive script, its significance in Ukrainian culture, and why it is being revitalized today.
On the same day, the "Pecherski Kotyky" organization will teach guests how to weave helmets and camouflage kikimora.
The festival organizers firmly believe in drawing inspiration from others' experiences. As such, the festival will feature several lectures. On August 17, Bohdana Neborak will discuss building a home library, while on August 18, the creators of the Ukrainian brand ByMe will share their brand's values, artistic inspiration, and incorporation of literary figures into their work.
Will it work for sure?
The organizers have announced that the festival will allow people to connect, engage in meaningful discussions, and find inspiration. Progress in the cultural realm cannot occur without sufficient opportunities for communication and interaction.
"We fully support the slogan "Culture in time," especially since art and culture can be converted into very real weapons," Nadiia Vovk emphasizes.
So, during the festival, organizers will raise funds to boost the collection for the 101st Air Defense Brigade's newest air defense system. There will be various activities that one can participate in by making a donation to the collection.
The organizers say: "For us, the festival at the "Sens" bookstore on Khreschatyk signifies the revival of literary activity on the country's main street. This is our goal and our dedication."
For reference:
The MECHATRONICS mobile air defense system comprises a mobile pickup platform and a robotic fire control module. It utilizes high–precision, high-speed machine guns controlled by an intelligent system that automatically identifies, tracks, and takes down air targets. Additionally, the firearms have real-time guidance with unparalleled accuracy. The result is the ability to shoot down moving air defense targets with sniper-like precision.
It should be noted that the "Sens on Khreschatyk" bookstore in Kyiv has set up a special section in honor of Iryna Tsybukh, a renowned volunteer of the "Hospitaliers" medical battalion.
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