Project description:

Challenge: The main challenges were the psycho-emotional vulnerability of the families of the missing, especially women who have been searching for their relatives for years, and the difficult security situation. In Sumy, the building where the exhibition was planned was damaged during a missile strike, and in Mykolaiv and Dnipro, due to the constant threat of attacks, the publicity of the events had to be reduced. Despite this, the project successfully achieved all its goals.

Solution: During the implementation of the project “DE FACTO – STATUS WAR”, the planned press conferences in Dnipro and Mykolaiv were replaced by closed round tables with representatives of the National Police and Specialized Centers. The format was chosen due to the sensitivity of the topic, the need for confidentiality, and a safe environment, as well as for practical dialogue between families and state structures. Due to the threat of shelling, the exhibition was moved from Sumy to Dnipro, and the events were held in safer venues.

Result: The project “DE FACTO – STATUS WAR” held exhibitions, performances, and workshops in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Mykolaiv. Roundtables with the participation of families of the missing and police representatives were organized in each city, as well as a final press conference at Ukrinform. The project brought together artists, volunteers, military, and educators, giving visibility to the topic of missing defenders and support to families. The events promoted dialogue, solidarity, and new channels of communication with state structures.

Partners:

National Museum of Decorative Arts of Ukraine, Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, Police of Dnipropetrovsk Region (Main Department of the National Police), Specialized Center for Searching for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances of the Main Department of the National Police in Mykolaiv Region, United Specialized Center for Searching for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances in Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Luhansk Regions (the Main Department of the National Police), Mykolaiv Regional Palace of Culture,  Police of Mykolaiv Region (Main Department of the National Police), Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, Pechersk District State Administration in Kyiv, ADEF-Book Publishing House, NGO Support Center Atlant, Charitable Foundation Volunteer Battalion, NGO Center for Social Partnership ‘Perspective’, Community Initiative InfoVARTA, Association of Families of the Missing (36th Marine Brigade, 53rd Mechanized Brigade, 115th Mechanized Brigade, etc.), National Museum of Literature of Ukraine, NIAM Kyiv Fortress, Military Hospital (Kyiv), National University named after M. Dragomanov, News Agency Ukrinform, Printing services TRUTAPE, ETNA 1 Printing House, Public Broadcaster Suspilne: Mykolaiv, NGO Alfamedia, Assistance Fund 25 Sicheslav Airborne Brigade,  International Women’s Movement For Family Values.

Category: Social Change

Company: Tailors School

About the company: 

In 2025, the social and artistic project “DE FACTO – STATUS WAR” was launched and implemented in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Mykolaiv. The initiative combined exhibitions, roundtables, and workshops to draw attention to the topic of missing defenders. The main symbol was a 15×5.5 m flag of Ukraine with wishes from 300 people. The project demonstrated that art can be a tool for dialogue, healing, and a reminder of the shared responsibility for memory and justice.