Ukrainian Children Share Hopes and Dreams at Northampton Art Exhibition

A Northampton library hosts a moving exhibition that gives a voice to Ukrainian children affected by the war. Faces of the Ukrainian Dream gathers art and personal notes drawn by youngsters far from home, sharing loss, resilience, and aspiration.

The show is staged at Northampton Central Library and organized by the Northampton branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain as part of an international project to highlight stories of loss, courage, and hope.

Solomiia Blaghitko, one of the organizers, described the display as being about the children themselves, with a short film adding another personal layer to their voices.

Voices and performances

At the opening, 14-year-old Kvitka performed two songs linked to Ukrainian children, including a track about freedom and life. She explained that she no longer had the life she once valued; before the war she enjoyed close friends, a favorite school, and a loving home. After the invasion, she moved to a new country, lost contact with friends, and longs to return home. In the future, she hopes to reunite with her family and dog and simply live her life again.

Kvitka's younger brother, Luka, nine, features in a film titled Ivanko's Childhood that is being screened as part of the event. He said it was fun and he enjoyed making new friends, and he urged viewers to follow their dreams.

Organiser Blaghitko added that the aim is to showcase drawings from Ukrainian children who are currently living through conflict. The works express their dreams and emotions, and the children are honoured to present the exhibition from thousands of kilometres away from home. The event coincides with World Children's Day and runs until Monday, 24 November.

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Key Takeaways

• Northampton Central Library hosts an art exhibition featuring drawings and stories from Ukrainian children affected by war.
• The project highlights loss, resilience, and hope through art and film as part of an international effort.
• Performances by 14-year-old Kvitka and a screening of Luka's film Ivanko's Childhood bring personal voices to the event.
• The exhibition runs through November 24, aligning with World Children's Day.
• The aim is to connect distant experiences with local audiences and raise awareness about displaced children.

Expert comment

Expert view: The display humanizes displacement and resilience through art, helping local audiences understand the refugee experience. Dr. Elena Petrov, a child psychologist and educator, notes such projects can offer hope and a sense of connection for families and communities.

Summary

The Northampton exhibition turns distant conflict into personal portraits drawn by Ukrainian children, making the impact of war tangible for locals. Through drawings, songs, and a short film, the event shines a light on resilience, loss, and the hope of returning home. Organizers emphasize that sharing these stories helps foster empathy and international solidarity, especially on World Children's Day.

Art has the power to bridge borders by turning distant conflict into personal stories, a fact the Northampton exhibition proves with every child’s drawing and song. BBC News

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