For a full overview, please visit https://slide.ukrainedefenders.org

Ukraine Defenders has initiated a new project to draw attention to Russian war crimes in Ukraine.  Ukraine Defenders worked together with a local apartment complex in the city of Irpin, just outside of Kyiv.  Irpin was the site of horrific acts of barbary by Russian soldiers executing the will of the Russian people and their leader Vladimir Putin.  During Russia's assault on the civilians of Irpin, rockets, bombs, artillery, and small arms fire were directed at civilian housing to include a playground at this apartment complex.  Ukraine Defenders removed a damaged children's slide from the playground in order to bring voice to the voiceless. 

For the project, we engaged famous contemporary artist Robert Kusmirowski (Polish) and Barbara Wybacz at the Centre for Intercultural Creative Initiatives CROSSROADS, who will help us display the slide at the Open City Festival of Art in Public Space in Lublin, Poland on October 1 - October 31, 2022.  Robert Kusmirowski (born 1973) is a Polish contemporary artist whose work includes sculpture, installations, performance, and photography.  His work uses reconstruction of historical artefacts and settings to examine and manipulate historical themes.  He lives and works in Lublin. (wikipedia)

Open City is one of the most influential events showcasing contemporary art and the largest exhibition in eastern Poland.  The Festival is based on the concept through the act of releasing art from the confines of institutionalized exhibition space for the benefit of the changing city’s surroundings.  Each year the invited artists publicly display their works for the evaluation and reflection of Lublin residents and its tourists. By being exposed not only to the fleeting emotions of the passersby but also to the different weather conditions, the artworks become inscribed in both historical context and the modern problems of Lublin as urban center.  They become a living commentary and a chapter in the city’s historical narrative.

This slide has inspired many with whom we’ve talked about this project.  It’s a very powerful piece. The world must see this slide and learn about Russia’s crimes.  Our primary goals are to raise awareness about Russian war crimes in Ukraine and to raise money to rebuild the original playground and secondly, to continue raising funds to provide medical aid.  Follow the link on the graphic in order to visit the page in English.