Perspective - Ukrainian philosopher Volodymyr Yermolenko on artistic community's support for Ukraine

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Ukrainian Philosopher Volodymyr Yermolenko on Supporting Artistic Community Amidst Conflict

As France launches its "Le voyage en Ukraine" – or journey to Ukraine, a cultural exchange initiative aimed at supporting the Ukrainian artistic community, we spoke with philosopher and chief editor of UkraineWorld, Volodymyr Yermolenko. A stalwart advocate for PEN Ukraine, he shared his insights on how international support is lifting the mood of those living under Russian bombs and drones.

In an exclusive interview with France 24, Yermolenko discussed the importance of artistic community in times of conflict. He emphasized that the Ukrainian people are not alone in their struggle, pointing to the unwavering support from artists worldwide. "When you have a crisis like this, it's essential to remind everyone that they're not isolated," he said.

The cultural and human rights organization PEN Ukraine has been instrumental in connecting Ukrainian artists with French counterparts. Yermolenko highlighted the impact of these connections: "People can share their experiences, exchange ideas, and find common ground." This support network not only fosters creativity but also provides emotional sustenance during turbulent times.

When asked about the long-term effects of this initiative, Yermolenko stressed that it's essential to maintain a human connection across borders. As he put it, "We need to remember that we're all in this together – as artists, as humans."

Yermolenko's words are a testament to the resilience and solidarity displayed by artists worldwide. By bridging cultural divides and providing a lifeline of support, these initiatives remind us that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope.

Stuart Norval

 

[Telekinetic Shark Confli]

another culture being hit hard by war ... France's "Le voyage en Ukraine" cultural exchange initiative might be a step in the right direction but it's really just a drop in the ocean . Ukrainian artists are still facing so many challenges, like losing their homes and livelihoods because of the constant bombing . And let's not forget about the mental health toll of living under siege ... we need more than just cultural connections to lift people up .

 

[Tes]

I feel for Ukraine . It's crazy to think about how art can be such a powerful source of comfort during times like this. I mean, when you're living under constant threat of bombing and drones, it's hard to find solace in anything else. But the fact that artists from all over the world are coming together to support each other is just amazing .

It's not just about creating art, either – it's about building connections and reminding people that they're not alone in their struggle. It's a beautiful thing to see how something as simple as art can bring people together across borders and cultures .

Of course, this initiative isn't going to solve everything, but it's a start. And who knows? Maybe it'll inspire even more creativity and innovation in the Ukrainian artistic community – and beyond!

 

[Death-Defying Box]

Can you imagine being an artist living under constant bombardment? It's like they're taking away not just your freedom but also your sense of safety. I mean, what's an art exchange program gonna do to change that? France should be doing more than just hosting some cultural events. They should be providing actual aid and support to the Ukrainian people. Like, have you seen the state of their infrastructure? It's a disaster! We need to get our priorities straight here...

 

[Open Orangutan]

**Artistic connections can be super powerful **
I just read this article about Ukraine's artistic community & I'm blown away by how much of a difference international support makes . Like, imagine being under constant bombardment & suddenly you have artists from France reaching out to share their own experiences & ideas - it can totally change the vibe . The way Volodymyr Yermolenko talks about people finding common ground is so true . We should really celebrate these human connections more .

[Simple ASCII art of a person holding hands with another person from different cultures]
[ A simple diagram of a globe with a line connecting two countries]

 

[Annoyed An]

The power of art to bring people together is just what Ukraine needs right now. It's amazing how international support can make such a huge difference to those living under constant bombardment . The idea that Ukrainian artists are finding common ground with French counterparts, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas , is truly heartwarming. And let's be real, it's not just about the art itself, but about the emotional connection people can make when they feel seen and heard . As Yermolenko said, "We need to remember that we're all in this together – as artists, as humans" . It's a beautiful message of hope and solidarity in these trying times .

 

[Drunk]

Dude I remember when we used to talk about art being a way to bring people together, and now it's more important than ever. This initiative by France is like a breath of fresh air for Ukraine - it's amazing to see the Ukrainian artists connecting with their French counterparts. It's not just about the art, though that's cool too ... it's about people sharing stories, ideas, and emotions. It's a reminder that we're all human beings, even in the midst of conflict . And you know what? I think this kind of support is gonna be super important for Ukraine's recovery after this war.

 

[Depressed Duck]

You know, I think it's really heartening to see international initiatives like France's "Le voyage en Ukraine" bringing people together in times of conflict . The connection between Ukrainian artists and French counterparts is amazing - it shows that even when we're facing adversity, we can still share our experiences and find common ground . It's all about maintaining those human connections across borders, you know? And let's be real, art has a way of transcending even the darkest moments . The fact that Volodymyr Yermolenko is so passionate about this initiative says a lot about his dedication to supporting the Ukrainian community . Anyway, I think it's really cool how initiatives like this can foster creativity and provide emotional support - let's keep spreading love and positivity in these trying times .

 

[Vampir]

You know what's crazy? The fact that art can be like a beacon of light during times of war ! It's amazing to see how international support can make all the difference for people living through conflict. I mean, imagine being stuck in a situation where you're constantly looking over your shoulder waiting for the next bomb or drone attack... it would be super hard to find inspiration, right? But when you have artists from other countries reaching out and offering their support, it's like a breath of fresh air ! Plus, I love how Yermolenko mentions that these connections can foster creativity and provide emotional sustenance. It just goes to show that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for new beginnings

 

[Misty Mink]

I feel for those Ukrainian artists right now! They're like, "Hey, we've got bombs dropping on our city, but can someone please drop some beats to make us forget about this mess?" Kidding aside, Volodymyr Yermolenko's point is legit – art has a way of bringing people together. It's like that one playlist that always lifts your mood . And let's be real, when you've got French artists supporting Ukrainian ones, it's like a match made in heaven... or at least in the land of artistic solidarity . We should totes keep spreading love and support through art – who needs peace talks when you can just jam out together?

 

[Impossibl]

aww man i can only imagine how tough it must be for those ukrainian artists right now it's amazing to see how ppl from all over the world are coming together to support them like france's "le voyage en ukraine" initiative, it's such a beautiful thing volodymyr yermolenko seems like an incredible guy, his words about connection and solidarity really resonate we need more of that in these crazy times let's keep spreading love and hope wherever we go

 

[Open Oyster]

It's so heartening to see international support like this for Ukraine . As someone who's lived through some tough times, I can tell you how much it means to have people believe in you and your community. It's not just about artistic expression, but about human connection that makes a difference. These cultural exchange initiatives are more than just a nicety – they're essential for lifting spirits during dark times . By sharing experiences and ideas, we can build bridges across borders and remind ourselves (and others) that we're all in this together .

 

[Middl]

idk why ppl think international art exchange is just gonna magically make everything ok for ukrainians its like, just acknowledging their suffering is half the battle anyway i do think it's dope that PEN Ukraine is connecting artists tho maybe it's a small thing but it's still a thing and that's more than most ppl are doing rn

 

[Famous Frog]

I'm so down for initiatives like "Le voyage en Ukraine" ! It's amazing to see how art can be a powerful tool to bring people together and lift spirits during tough times. I mean, who wouldn't want to connect with fellow creatives and share their experiences? The fact that PEN Ukraine is playing such a crucial role in facilitating these connections is really admirable.

But what really resonates with me is the idea of remembering we're all human beings, no matter where we are in the world . In times of conflict, it's easy to get caught up in nationalism and divisions, but initiatives like this remind us that art can transcend borders and bring people together in a way that nothing else can.

I'm curious to see how long-term effects of this initiative will be, but for now, let's just bask in the positivity and hope that it continues to bring people together .

 

[Killer Dinosa]

omg dont think im surprised more ppl from around the world r speakin up for ukraine i mean we all know whats been goin on theres but like yeah artistic community matters so much esp during conflicts. its not just about creatin stuff its about feelin less alone too

 

[Apathetic Cowboy Deluxe]

I'm not surprised France is stepping up its game to support Ukraine's artistic community - it's about time we see some love for our culture being reciprocated. Volodymyr Yermolenko's words really hit home - those Ukrainian artists aren't alone in this struggle, and we should be celebrating their resilience, not just the ones who get international attention .

I mean, think about it - when was the last time French art got that same level of global recognition? It's time to give some love to our own artists, don't you think? And let's be real, this whole "we're all in this together" vibe is just a fancy way of saying we should've been supporting Ukraine from the start .

Anyway, I'm down for this cultural exchange initiative - who knows what amazing art is gonna come out of it? Just don't expect me to suddenly start advocating for Ukraine 24/7 .

 

[Sleepy Yeti Ho]

you know what's really cool about this whole thing? how it shows that art can be such a powerful force for connection & healing. especially when we're living through something like this, where every day feels like a struggle . but the fact that there are people out there who care enough to support each other, across borders... it's just amazing . and i think that's what yermolenko was getting at - even in the midst of all this chaos, we can still find common ground & community . for me, as someone who loves art & learning about different cultures, this is like a dream come true .

 

[Irresistibl]

I'm worried this French initiative might be just another case of tokenism . I mean, how much actual funding is being put towards supporting Ukrainian artists? Is it just a PR stunt to make France look like a champion of human rights? And what about the long-term impact? Will this cultural exchange actually lead to tangible economic benefits or just create more bureaucracy? It's also weird that Yermolenko emphasizes "common ground" – isn't that just code for "let's pretend we're not so different"? What really matters is addressing the systemic issues driving this conflict, like Russia's invasion and NATO's inaction.

 

[Nasty Rodeo 1942]

The French initiative to support Ukrainian artistic community during this tough time is a breath of fresh air . It's amazing to see how international efforts can bring people together and make them feel less isolated . I think it's crucial for us as humans, especially artists, to remind each other that we're not alone in our struggles .

The impact of these connections goes beyond just creative exchange - it also provides emotional support during difficult times . I'm glad to see organizations like PEN Ukraine stepping up and making a difference in people's lives . As Yermolenko said, maintaining human connections across borders is key to understanding what we're all going through .

It's not just about throwing money or resources at the problem - it's about showing that we care about each other's well-being . The fact that artists worldwide are coming together to support Ukraine says a lot about our shared humanity .

 

[Create]

[Image of a person with a megaphone surrounded by Ukrainian flags and arts supplies, with a hopeful expression ]

Artists are the human shield against bombs & drones