SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, the Syracuse community has made contributions to Ukraine. This has come in the form of monetary donations, along with supplies, but the latest event in the area brings a unique flare.
The Everson Museum of Art hosted a screening of Ukrainian short films on Thursday evening from the group Freefilmers; a Mariupol based film group that focuses on experimental film.
“Ukrainian culture is very modern, very contemporary,” said Sam Veremchuk.
Veremchuk works as the visitor experiences coordinator at the Everson Museum, and is also Ukrainian born. As someone who still had family and friends in the Northwest city of Rivne, Veremchuk emphasized the importance of educating the public on Ukrainian culture.
“It’s not just the folksy embroideries and painted eggs. If people know about Ukrainian art that’s what they associate it with. This is a very modern avante-garde scene,” said Veremchuk.
The latest screening is just one of multiple efforts the Everson museum has made towards aiding Ukrainians. The museum received two large carloads full of basic supplies such as baby food, diapers and medical supplies.
Thursday’s event attempts to expand on that by providing direct, financial aid that’ll be sent to members of the Freefilmers organization. Upon receiving funds, individuals will buy supplies in Poland, and bring them towards the Eastern front of Ukraine.
Veremchuk is impresse, saying, “It’s been a very good reaction, strong reaction. I think American’s are very generous.”
While the support is both much needed, and appreciated, Veremchuk also cited the fact that American’s should be educating themselves on the war more.
“I think American’s here just need more information on what is needed,” said Veremchuk.
That’s why events like Thursday’s are so important not only to aid in the ongoing war in Ukraine, but to also educate the local Syracuse community on who these people are.
Katya Bratslavsky is a board member at the Everson Museum of Art who has been selling her art to support Ukrainians.
Director of Communications at the Everson Museum of Art Kristin Sheeahn estimated Bratslavsky’s proceeds at over $100,000.
“Their efforts are definitely worth following, and the Everson will support them however we can,” Sheeahn said.
The Everson Museum of Art made it clear it will continue to focus its effort on how to support Ukraine, because for people like Veremchuk, the local support means the world.
