How Czech Republic Plans to Safeguard Ukrainian Cultural Heritage
The Russian war poses a threat to Ukraine’s cultural heritage, with monuments, museums, and archives being targeted. Cultural institutions in the Czech Republic aim to assist Ukraine in preserving its cultural heritage.
Mobile Workstations in Trucks to Assist in Protection of Ukrainian Cultural Heritage
Czech Republic plans to send a unique mobile workstation in the form of a truck to Ukraine. This will enable them to intervene quickly and effectively on-site, helping prevent further damage to cultural assets, as explained by Tomas Foltyn, the director of the Czech National Library.
Czech Republic Donates Funds to Support Preservation of Ukrainian Cultural Heritage
Czech Republic intends to establish two such trucks, already securing financing for the first one. The primary focus in this truck will be the conservation of documents. Czech major donors and foundations have collectively raised nearly €500,000 for this initiative.
Second Truck to Digitize Ukrainian Printed Cultural Heritage
The second truck will be dedicated to the digitization of printed cultural heritage. The private “Foundation Fund for Ukraine” is currently organizing a fundraising campaign for this purpose. Usually, the fund collects donations for weapons or humanitarian aid for Ukraine, but this time, it is dedicated to supporting the preservation of cultural heritage.
Support from International Council of Museums and Ukrainian Experts
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is also providing expertise and support. However, the mobile workstations will primarily employ Ukrainian professionals. According to Nadija Malovana from the Ukrainian Embassy in Prague, Russian troops have already damaged 853 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine, including churches, museums, libraries, archives, monuments, and theaters.
Russian Army’s Attack on Ukrainian Cultural Objects Continues
Russian soldiers have broken into museums and stolen rare paintings, sculptures, and valuable Christian icons. According to Ukrainian authorities, around 2,000 artworks have been stolen, and hundreds more have been irreversibly destroyed. The general director of the Czech Philharmonic, David Marecek, emphasizes the systematic nature of these attacks and advocates for the fundraising campaign, stating that if Russia did not believe it could violate the identity of the Ukrainian nation, it would not destroy their cultural monuments.
The Importance of Cultural Support in Times of Crisis
The dire situation emphasizes the importance of culture. David Marecek stresses the need for assistance, stating that in times of crisis, it becomes evident just how crucial culture is. He believes there should be no debate about supporting culture and that it is crucial to help wherever possible.