dccc statement

Dnipro Center for Contemporary Culture is proud to be a Ukrainian cultural institution. We want to keep living in a free country with the freedom of speech and choice, make our own contribution to the development of democratic values, creating important cultural projects in Ukraine.

On 24th of February, we ceased our physical activity and canceled all planned activities. On this very day at 5 a.m. Ukraine woke up because of explosions. Our country was attacked by russia. People in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and other cities have to literally live in bomb shelters because of the constant shelling not only of military infrastructure but also of civilian objects. The russian authorities and the army ignore international humanitarian law by attacking schools, hospitals, and residential areas. People who lived a normal life a few months ago are now living in basements sometimes without water, food, or the possibility of evacuation to a safe place. 

DCCC is first of all about culture: how to live together, how to respect each other, how to build a civil society, how to perceive the world, and how to make it beautiful with collective efforts. We believe that culture is not possible behind politics. As an institution, we support the boycott of russian art in general and individual artists. The culture which for a long time acted from the imperialistic positions of the "big brother", despised everything Ukrainian, allowed the strengthening of authoritarian positions, and thus contributed to the war in Ukraine; this culture now has no right to be represented in international projects, collaborations, exhibitions or discussions. 

We would like to thank all the defenders of our country, who are fighting for the borders of our country day and night. Without you, there would be no Ukrainian culture, no freedom, no democracy. We also thank the world community for the support of Ukraine: financial, humanitarian and defense aid, street protests, the shelters for Ukrainians, who were forced to leave their homes, and the spreading of truthful information about russia's crimes. 

Together we will win and rebuild a new country!