On Saturday, August 22, the Rotary Centre for the Arts partnered with the organizers of War Up Close – VR Museum of War in Ukraine to present a free public exhibition in the RCA Atrium.
Held in the lead-up to Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24, the event commemorated the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence while offering visitors a powerful perspective on the ongoing war and its impact on Ukrainian communities.
Through virtual reality headsets, panoramic photography and drone footage, visitors were transported to cities, towns and villages damaged by the war. The immersive experience documented the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, museums and other community spaces, bringing a reality often viewed from a distance much closer to home.
“By bringing War Up Close to Kelowna, we wanted people to see and understand what Ukrainians continue to experience every day,” said event coordinator Olena Heichenko. “This exhibition is about preserving the truth, honouring the resilience of the Ukrainian people and reminding visitors of the importance of peace. We are grateful to the Rotary Centre for the Arts and the Okanagan community for welcoming this project and taking the time to engage with it.”
The event also featured Sunflower Dreams, an exhibition of artwork created by Ukrainian children displaced by the war. Filled with colour, hope and resilience, the works offered children an opportunity to express and process experiences of fear, loss and displacement through creativity.
Visitors also learned about Sustain Ukraine / Teachers of Kyiv, a student-led initiative supporting Ukrainian Forces and communities. Students have contributed by weaving camouflage netting, making helmet covers, operating a 3D-printing lab and helping repair and provide vehicles.
“The RCA was honoured to partner in bringing this important free community event to the wider Kelowna public,” said Colleen Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Rotary Centre for the Arts. “I was deeply moved by the exhibitions, particularly the themes expressed through the children’s artwork. The experience also highlighted the lasting impact that the destruction of cultural, historical, educational and community gathering places will have on the spirit and identity of cities across Ukraine. These are not simply buildings that have been lost; they are places where people learned, created, celebrated and connected with one another.”
For the RCA, supporting the event held particular meaning. One of our own team members, Maria, is from Ukraine, and many Ukrainian individuals and families have made their homes in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan. Hosting War Up Close provided an opportunity for our community to listen, learn and stand in solidarity with those affected by the war.
The exhibition has previously been presented in communities across Canada, the United States and Europe. Its Kelowna presentation was made possible through the support of the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Thompson Okanagan Branch, project partners and donors.
Thank you to Olena Heichenko and everyone involved in bringing this important exhibition to Kelowna, and to the community members who joined us in reflecting on the human consequences of war, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the enduring value of peace.
