"Words in flame" — a traveling exhibition about libraries and publishers in wartime

In cooperation with the Artists Support Ukraine Foundation, we present the documentary exhibition "Words in Flame". This project testifies to the systemic destruction of Ukrainian libraries by Russia amid the full-scale war.

The photographs capture destroyed, burned, or looted libraries across Ukraine—from frontline villages to major cities. These visuals document not only the physical devastation but also the attempt to erase cultural memory, language, knowledge, and the self-identity of Ukrainians.

According to official data, as of July 2025, 214 libraries have been destroyed, 904 damaged, 561 lost all equipment, and 492 lost their entire book collections. Despite these losses, 211 libraries have already partially resumed operations, thanks to the support of local communities, volunteers, and charitable initiatives.

The project aims to support cultural institutions in Ukraine through public recognition of the tragedy, international solidarity, and charitable donations. Funds raised during the exhibitions will go toward assisting affected libraries in Ukraine. See the link to donations.

The exhibition is developed in a print-ready format, making it easy to implement anywhere in the world—in embassies, cultural centers, public spaces, universities, libraries, and schools. The exhibition includes 83 original photographs of destroyed publishing houses and libraries. It is available in Ukrainian and English, and all materials are provided free of charge.
 

All exhibition materials are available here: https://artistssupportukraine.today/eng/words-in-flame/
 

We invite diplomatic missions, cultural institutions, Ukrainian communities abroad, and all concerned individuals to host the exhibition and help share the truth about the war against Ukrainian culture.
 

The copyright to the works belongs to the authors.
If you wish to purchase the works, please contact: hello@port.agency
 

Organizers:
Library Country Charitable Foundation strengthens the capacity of Ukrainian libraries to respond to societal challenges for the development of human capital and the prosperity of the country. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Foundation has been documenting the consequences of Russia’s aggression against cultural institutions, providing assistance to affected libraries and their staff, informing the international community about the damage, and actively advocating for international support for Ukraine. https://livelibrary.com.ua/
 

Artists Support Ukraine is a foundation that unites Ukrainian and international artists, curators, cultural institutions, and civil society to support Ukraine during the full-scale war launched by Russia. The foundation was established and is run by the Port of Culture team, which works toward social change through contemporary art. We cooperate with donors and businesses to create cultural projects that promote human rights, ESG values, and sustainable development. https://port.agency/