Art that heals: How art helps children cope with war thanks to the EU’s support

Art helps to distract from experiences, find oneself, and express emotions. This is especially important for children, as creativity becomes a therapeutic tool that allows them to overcome traumatic experiences.

New space for revealing creative potential

Founded in 1954, Myrhorod Art School named after A. Kolomiyets celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. In July 2023, the school moved to a new place – a 110-year-old building. Thanks to funding from the European Union, it underwent a major renovation while preserving its historic facade.

"Every time I passed this building, I saw it falling into ruins. I was desperate because I have so many memories associated with it, as I used to study here. The building was in disrepair, so we did not believe it would be possible to renovate it, as it would require a lot of money. Now it has been renovated, and it's a wonderful place to work," says Lyudmyla Oksonenko, the school's principal and guitar teacher of 32 years.

The building's facade, which is of historical value, was preserved during the reconstruction. The walls were insulated from the inside, and the roof was restored. As part of the overhaul, the premises were redesigned: large classrooms were divided into smaller ones for individual lessons, and all communications systems – water supply, lighting, electricity, ventilation – were replaced and also a fire alarm system was installed. The building is now inclusive for people with disabilities: an elevator, ramps, tactile tiles and special handrails in the toilets were installed.

"Art is important, and we see how it helps children overcome the psychological challenges of wartime. This building has become a bright space for the growth of our students, and we have 360 of them. Among them, 20 are internally displaced children, who are extremely active and often choose several creative directions," adds Lyudmyla Oksonenko.

New city, new school and new friends

Sisters Stefaniya and Sofia Varzakovy have been studying at the Myrhorod School of Arts for over two years. When the full-scale invasion began, they moved to Myrhorod with their family from Kharkiv.

Up until February 2022, the girls studied at an art school in their hometown. However, after the move, they didn’t even want to think about continuing their studies. They say they were depressed because their life they once knew was now in the past.

The sounds of explosions, broken glass, and car alarms they heard on 24 February will remain in their memory forever. The girls recall feeling fear and despair. Sofia admits that she has almost no recollection of the events of that time, only remembering being unwell.

Stefania is now 16 years old, studying at an art school simultaneously in two musical directions—piano and vocals – as well as taking additional accordion lessons and independently learning how to play the flute and guitar.

"We were initially worried – it was a new step for us. But this school has now become our second home"

"From now on, music is an inseparable part of my life. It calms me down, even when I play my own songs. In such moments, I forget about the war and everything bad going on in Ukraine," says Stefaniya Varzakova.

The younger Sofia, who is 13 years old, chose four different specialities: piano, vocals, accordion, and fine arts.

"Here, I felt calm and right away found new friends; they welcomed me very warmly. Music lessons help me"

"When I play the piano or sing, I have the strength to move on and distract myself from the problems in my life. I try to organise my time so that I have time to do everything because I like it," says Sofia.

The support of their families helped the girls return to their usual lives and resume their music lessons. Their care and support have become a reliable pillar of support for Stefaniya and Sofia. The girls say they value their family above anything else, in particular, because they listen to their wishes.

"In these difficult times, we stay positive because our family supports us. I am lucky to have my sister because we are friends and always help each other. When I feel bad, it also helps to listen to music, and when I play it, I feel instant relief," said Stefaniya Varzakova.

The girls began their music lessons in the old building of the Myrhorod School of Arts and recall being pleasantly surprised by the newly renovated building to which the school moved.

"Most of us were delighted that our school would move to a new building, but some had their hearts set on the old building, so we were sceptical. However, I saw great prospects for our development. And indeed, in August 2023, when everything was ready for the start of the school year, everyone gasped: parents, teachers, and children. Everyone was shocked when they first came here," recalls principal of the school Lyudmyla Oksonenko.

Liudmyla says that now that the school is in such a beautiful building, they have started to receive many cooperation offers, including from other art institutions. They plan to hold concerts and festivals with a large audience and improve the school grounds. They are also considering opening new directions of study, including theatre (stage) art. Just like the rest of the country, the two girls are waiting for a soon-to-be victory to implement these and many other plans.

Future through children's eyes

Stefaniya and Sofia dream of a peaceful future in which they can live between two cities: Kharkiv, their hometown, and Myrhorod, which has become their second home. Stefaniya plans to pursue a career in music, while Sofia is considering a career as a doctor, but is confident that art will remain an integral part of her self-development. For them, art is a way to dream and make plans for the future.

On 24 October 2024, with the support of the European Investment Bank, artist Jenya Polosina held an online workshop for students of the Myrhorod Art School named after Anatoly Kolomiyets. The children had the opportunity to fantasise about Ukraine's future and draw how they see our country in 100 years. The children's drawings were used as the basis for creating unique postcards.

Partnership for recovery

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has allocated €640 million under three recovery programmes to rebuild critical infrastructure in communities affected by the hostilities and that have hosted large numbers of IDPs. The three programmes restore healthcare and educational facilities across the country, repair heating and water supply systems, and provide social housing.

Thanks to the synergy of the EIB, the EU Delegation to Ukraine, UNDP, the Government of Ukraine, in particular the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories and the Ministry of Finance, as well as local authorities, the communities are gradually rebuilding and modernising their important social infrastructure.

In Poltava Oblast, 31 facilities have already been renovated or are under reconstruction under the programmes with a total value of €68 million.

In these difficult times, the restored buildings provide residents with basic needs and high-quality services, all while unlocking the communities' potential and becoming a foundation for their development and strengthening.

_{*as of November 2024}