Cultural world marks one year of war in Ukraine

On the night of February 23-24, 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. Over the past year, the cultural world has mobilized extensively, from resignations of prominent figures at the Hermitage, VAC Foundation, and Vseucrainavolod Meyerhold Theatre, to Russia's exclusion from the 2022 Venice Biennale, performances by street artist JR, and works by Banksy. Now, at the one-year mark, numerous initiatives continue to show support. UNESCO released a report summarizing its emergency measures in culture, education, and communication, mobilizing over $20 million from member states and partners, with an additional $10 million from February 2023. UNESCO also inscribed Odesa on the World Heritage List. The Undeniable Street View project, led by photojournalist Mykola Omelchenko and a team of Ukrainian organizations, offers over 100 km of raw street view footage showing destruction of residential buildings and non-military targets, with civilian deaths reaching 7,000 by February 2023. On February 24, 2023, from 6 PM to midnight, the Colosseum in Rome will be lit in yellow and blue, Ukraine's flag colors, ordered by Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, following similar gestures at the Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, and European Parliament.