Myroslava GANYUSHKINA, Ukraine
PROJECT: Restoration of de-occupied territories, with the interaction of ecologists, artists, urbanists, journalists and representatives of local communities

Myroslava works on projects that unite different sectors of society, applying her experience in developing conceptions of art, media strategies, and coordination of international partnerships.

As a chairwoman of the NGO ‘ArtPole Agency’ Myroslava coordinates the creation of innovative projects in collaboration with artists from Ukraine and other countries. The main focus of her activities is transmedial and site-specific art projects. She also invites translators, cultural anthropologists, philosophers, urbanists, and ecologists to work together, creating an environment for each project.

Myroslava holds a Master’s degree from the Institute of Journalism at Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University.  After graduation from the University she repeatedly participated in study tours related to ecology journalism, art and science art, and the development of international relations in specific areas of Poland, Sweden, France, Germany.

“Soon, Ukrainian cities will be restored by architects and designers from different cities and countries. It is important that they take into account the opinions and wishes of local residents. Because it is the memory of the environments of our existence. We hope that our work started in Irpin in 2022 with support of European Union will help in cooperation for other communities.” – Myroslava GANYUSHKINA

Restoration of de-occupied territories, with the interaction of ecologists, artists, urbanists, journalists and representatives of local communities

Fellowship Summary: Creating and promoting recommendations for restoration of de-occupied territories based on real-life examples from Irpin, Chernihiv, Kherson; and in consultations with experts and stakeholders: ecologists, artists, urbanists, journalists, representatives of local communities, etc.

Myroslava project, Chronicles of Recovery, brought together an inspiring community of artists, ecologists, psychologists, urbanists, and communicators who explore how working with plants can support emotional and social recovery in times of war. The initiative emerged from the idea that interaction with nature – planting, growing, observing – can help people process trauma and reconnect with life amidst destruction.

Building on the experience of ArtPole Agency’s earlier work in de-occupied Irpin supported within our #StandWithUkraine Call in 2022, the project evolved into a collaborative network spanning de-occupied Irpin and Bucha, Kherson, Kyiv, and beyond. Experts from diverse fields came together through meetings, research trips, and joint discussions to share practices of ecological restoration and community care.

A key result of the project is the bilingual online platform Chronicles of Recovery – a living archive of stories, practical advice, and connections. It documents experiences collected during expert meetings and field visits, showcasing how communities are rebuilding not only physical spaces but also emotional resilience.

“The materials we collected aim to give something practical,” says Myroslava. “But also something that helps to pause, find like-minded people, and look at things from another perspective – something that makes it easier to move forward.”

The community formed during the Fellowship continues to grow. Its members are developing new collaborations, from eco-construction initiatives to rehabilitation projects for veterans, and contributing to international discussions on soil regeneration and biochar technology. Through Chronicles of Recovery, Myroslava’s project plants not only seeds in the ground but also seeds of healing, solidarity, and hope.

“It’s difficult to go to a de-occupied city and just document how people live there. I want to help.” Interview with Myroslava Ganyushkina in ELLE (in Ukrainian)

 

Fellowship Programs 2022
Country Ukraine
Areas of Interest Advocacy
Awareness raising
Topics Environment & climate change
Responding to communities’ urgent needs
Project duration February - August 2023

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