Art in danger: Heroes of Ukraine save cultural heritage

Art in danger: Heroes of Ukraine save cultural heritage

In the middle of the devastating horrors of the war, the people of Ukraine stand up to protect their most valuable treasures - the art! The gripping podcast series "Die KunStretter" brings shocking stories to light that show us how deeply the passion for cultural heritage is anchored in the Ukrainian soul.

The brilliant Deutschlandfunk culture journalist Elena Gorgis is behind this six-episode extensive masterpiece. As early as the spring of 2022, when the bombs over Ukraine fell, she learned about the destruction of the museum in the small town of Iwankiw. The works of art by one of the most famous Ukrainian artists are transformed into ashes. But hope dies last: A brave museum attendant and his wife risk everything and save 14 pictures from the devastating flames! They are by no means the only heroes of this story.

art as an elixir of life

In times of great need, the human spirit grows beyond itself. Art experts and museum employees do incredible things to preserve the cultural heritage. Example pleasant? The director of the museum in Odessa, Ihor Poronyk, acts at lightning speed: Immediately after the Russian attack, he promotes the most valuable parts of his collection to the West, to LWIW! But here the works of art are stacked in overcrowded cellars, the rescue is far from being in sight. The podcast shows the moving journey of these pictures to the venerable Berlin Gemäldegalerie.

After the Russian army has withdrawn from Cherson, there are only empty depots in the Regional Art Museum. The desperate search for thousands of works of art begins - an art streak of historical dimensions that in the shade.

an incomparable struggle for identity

But what is really behind all these remarkable heroic deeds? Does Russia intentionally destroy the culture of Ukraine? And why do people take such risks to protect their art? These pressing questions guide the captivating research by Gorgis. In empty museums and secret basement rooms in Ukraine, the journalists collect moving stories of people who explain the deeper importance of their cultural treasures and monuments - they are more than just works of art; You are the pulsating expression of your Ukrainian identity!

From October 22nd, the sixth-part podcast series "Die Kunstetters" can be heard in the "DLF Documentary" podcast-wherever there are podcasts. And that's not all! Deutschlandfunk Kultur radiates a new episode of "Die KunStRETTER" on the program "The Reportage" every Sunday at 12.30 p.m.

don't miss the chance to witness this emotional struggle for the cultural heritage of Ukraine!