Support Ukraine: Buying Local Books and Art

As the global community continues to grapple with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, we must explore all avenues to offer help. One of the most impactful ways to support Ukraine, aside from military aid and other material resources, is by purchasing Ukrainian books and artworks. This not only provides immediate financial support to local creators but also helps preserve Ukrainian culture and history in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

Why Support Ukrainian Books?

Buying Ukrainian books is a powerful way to support the local economy and help maintain cultural heritage. The ongoing war has caused significant damage to cultural institutions and infrastructure in Ukraine, making it even more crucial to support local authors and artists.

For instance, a site housing excellent science fiction authors from Kharkiv, a city now heavily bombed, offers ebooks and audio books for a mere 60 gryvnas (about 15 euros). This price is laughably low considering the dire conditions under which it operates. Supporting these resources might be the only bright spot amidst the destruction.

It's imperative to realize that Ukrainian cultural institutions, like printing houses, are also victims of this conflict. In Kharkiv, one of the largest printing houses, which printed a third of Ukrainian textbooks and numerous other books, was destroyed. Seven of its employees lost their lives. This destruction of cultural assets is tantamount to erasing significant parts of Ukrainian history and knowledge.

Beyond just buying, it's worth supporting local initiatives that aim to rebuild and restore cultural and historical treasures. Natalia, a resident of Vilnius, is working on restoring destroyed carpets from Mariupol's regional museum. She believes that each carpet she finishes symbolizes the end of the war. This is a poignant reminder of the resilience and hope that persist amidst hardship.

Supporting Ukrainian Authors and Artisans

Beyond books, supporting Ukrainian poets, artists, and writers is another essential form of aid. Poetry remains a crucial form of expression during times of conflict, offering a voice of resistance, resilience, and hope.

The message from Ukrainian writer Oleg Ladyzhensky, currently residing in Kharkiv, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict. His statement, "Just now Russian army hardly fired the centre of the city. Hitted Freedom square, Poetry square, Opera theatre somewhere else. People say Philharmonia too. We are alive," underscores the need for artistic expression as a form of defiance and survival.

There are numerous bookstores offering books from Ukrainian authors. Some notable ones include:

These bookstores are not just gathering places for literature but also bastions of hope and resistance in a time of crisis.

Conclusion

Buying Ukrainian books and supporting local artists is a tangible way to make a difference. By doing so, we are not only providing immediate financial support but also preserving Ukrainian culture and history. Supporting local creators under fire mirrors the essential human right to creative expression and dignity.

Therefore, let us commit to buying Ukrainian books and supporting local artists. Your actions today can help shape a brighter tomorrow for Ukraine.