“Notes of Support”: cultural institutions in Rivne region communities uplift the military

What is the problem?

In times of war, one of the most crucial tasks is to support the morale and emotional well-being of those defending the home front from the aggressor. Military personnel give their all and are under constant pressure, making emotional exhaustion common among them. This, in turn, impacts their ability to carry out their duties effectively.

What is the solution?

The Rivne Regional Center of Folk Art has launched the cultural and artistic project Notes of Support to provide moral support to the soldiers. As part of this initiative, the center organizes performances by amateur folklore groups at military units and hospitals throughout the region.

How does it work?

Maintain emotional stability

The Rivne Regional Center of Folk Art has been coordinating the activities of amateur groups in the Rivne Region for many years. The center cooperates with all folk and exemplary ensembles operating in each of the 64 communities of the Rivne region.

"Ukrainian culture has always been a source of national ideology, a place where our values ​​and patriotism were formed. Therefore, the involvement of the artistic community in supporting the fighting spirit of the military has become a priority for us," says the director of the institution, Iryna Rachkovska-Bakovetska.

So when the idea arose in the center to organize a series of charity concerts to support the military, they immediately turned to the communities of the region with a request to respond to those who have the opportunity to participate in the project. The initiative was supported by more than 20 groups of the region. The response was so active that the performance schedule was formed long in advance. The repertoire of the concerts was decided immediately — these are patriotic works, civic lyrics, and Ukrainian folk songs.

"We realized that a powerful project was unfolding before our eyes. By the end of 2024, we aim to organize monthly charity concerts at locations where military personnel are stationed or staying in the Rivne region," says Rachkovska-Bakovetska.

She adds that their institution collaborates not only with groups but also with masters of folk art, traditional culture bearers, musicians, writers, and other artists. Each month, the folk art center assembles groups that feature performances by both ensembles and individual artists, creating full concerts lasting around two hours.

History shows numerous examples of concert brigades, art groups, and theater and film artists visiting the front lines to boost the fighting spirit of the military. These performances played a crucial role in strengthening faith in victory, providing psychological relief, and maintaining a connection with home. They supported a sense of collectivism and restored normalcy. Today, Ukrainian show business stars continue to offer emotional support to defenders. In Rivne, they believe in supporting all military personnel—those on the front lines, those serving across Ukraine, those recuperating, and those just starting their service.

The project organizer is confident that this initiative has the potential to be expanded to other regions of Ukraine. Art centers should collaborate with local self-government bodies and regional leaders to foster dialogue and highlight the importance of cultural support for the military. The war is fought not just for territory, but for values, national identity, and consciousness.

Rachkovska-Bakovetska notes that local authorities will support such initiatives and facilitate communication with military units and hospitals, where cultural and artistic activities can help support our defenders.

Will it definitely work?

In the Rivne region, the initiative has received backing from the regional council, but the real driving force is the commitment and motivation of the cultural institution itself.

"We assessed our resources and determined that we have everything needed for the project—both creative potential and organizational capability," says the head of the regional folk art center with pride.

On August 18, the first concert was held at a military unit in the Rivne region, featuring the Ukrainian song ensemble "Colors of Polissia" and soloists from the "Perlyna Polissia" culture and leisure center of the Volodymyretsk settlement council.

"There were many soldiers at the concert, eager for some emotional relief. The applause was heartfelt, and we are very pleased with the outcome," shared Rachkovska-Bakovetska. The next concert took place on September 8, and the director of the center emphasizes that the project will continue regularly, not only through the end of the year but into 2025 as well.

Even more useful solutions!

"For me, as the initiator, organizer, and head of the institution behind the 'Notes of Support' project, this initiative holds special significance. On one hand, it serves to promote the Ukrainian cause among the military, veterans, and those joining the Armed Forces to defend Ukraine's independence and identity," Rachkovska-Bakovetska continues. "At the same time, it highlights the crucial role our soldiers play. From personal experience, I know how some can lose sight of the purpose behind their struggle, and this loss of faith is one of the greatest obstacles to Ukraine's victory. That's why providing moral support is essential. I am absolutely convinced that culture plays a vital role today, and that it is the driving force behind Ukrainian ideology." 

The director of the Rivne Regional Center of Folk Art, who is also an artist, writer, and researcher of traditional folk culture, is deeply involved in volunteer work. She created and leads the public initiative "Culture of Memory Through Traditions and Art," which engages with the families of fallen soldiers. This initiative includes cultural and artistic events focused on promoting the culture of memory and commemorative activities. For instance, on Embroidery Day, Rachkovska-Bakovetska organized an exhibition-performance showcasing embroidered shirts dedicated to 23 fallen soldiers from the Rivne region.

Another notable project is "Memorial Bread: Bread That Is Eaten After Death," which involved mothers and wives of fallen soldiers. This event honored the victims of both the Holodomor and Russia's military aggression.

"The more I immerse myself in my work, the more I appreciate how special, unique, and distinctive Ukraine is—our values, traditions, and language. Culture is what defines us as a people. We must believe in this idea, promote it, and advance it as part of our collective victory. Each of us has a role to play in advancing Ukraine towards national revival and the full realization of our identity as a nation," Rachkovska-Bakovetska emphasizes.