Art has a special power — it helps a person speak about the most important things even when words are not enough. This is especially true for children, for whom creativity often becomes the most sincere language of feelings. That is why supporting children’s creativity is one of the important areas of my philanthropic activity.
Several years ago, the First Private Museum of Ukrainian Contemporary Art, with the support of the Serhiy Tsiupko Charity Fund, held a children’s drawing competition titled “I Draw Ukraine – Peaceful and Free!”. At the time, we did not even expect such a strong response. The museum received more than a thousand works from different parts of Ukraine.
Each of these drawings was special. Children depicted Ukraine as they dream of seeing it: peaceful, bright, filled with light and hope. The works contained a lot of colour, symbols and imagination, but most importantly, they radiated sincerity. While reviewing these drawings together with the museum team, we experienced genuine emotional pleasure. It was a moment when you realise how deeply children feel the world around them and how strongly they want their country to be happy.
This experience inspired us to continue the tradition of children’s creative competitions.
In 2026, the First Private Museum of Ukrainian Contemporary Art announced a new children’s drawing competition, this time dedicated to the theme of Easter — one of the most important holidays in our cultural tradition.
We invited children to explore the theme of festive symbols, folk customs and family traditions associated with Easter. For some, this might mean pysanky (painted Easter eggs), for others — a festive Easter basket, and for many — family warmth, the spring rebirth of nature, or an atmosphere of shared joy.
It is important to us that this competition is open to all children. That is why this year we have introduced a separate category for participants with special educational needs. Three prize places will be awarded in this category, because every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves and feel supported.
I am convinced that in times of war, creativity takes on special significance for children. Through drawing, they can express their experiences, dreams and hopes. Sometimes one child’s drawing can say more than long conversations.
That is why it is so important to create opportunities where children can create, fantasise and feel that their voice matters.
For me, philanthropy in the fields of culture and education is not just support for individual projects. It is an investment in the future. After all, it is through culture, art and creativity that the worldview of the new generation is formed.
The First Private Museum of Ukrainian Contemporary Art aims not only to preserve and promote art, but also to create a space for the development of young talents. That is why the children’s drawing competition is an important part of the museum’s activities.
We strive for children to feel they are part of a larger creative process, to see that their works can be exhibited in gallery spaces and resonate with audiences.
This year’s competition also provides valuable prizes for the winners. The first-place winner will receive an Apple iPad, second and third places will be awarded modern mobile phones. Participants who take 4th to 10th places will receive jewellery awards from our long-term partner — the Kyiv Jewellery Factory.
In addition, twenty of the best works will be awarded diplomas. The winning drawings will be exhibited in the halls of the First Private Museum of Ukrainian Contemporary Art and will also be featured on the museum’s Facebook page.
I am convinced that every child’s drawing is a small story about the world children want to see. These works contain sincerity, faith and a pure aspiration for goodness.
Sometimes it is the child’s perspective that helps us adults see what is most important — that despite all difficulties, life goes on, and the future is being created today.
That is why supporting children’s creativity means supporting the future of Ukraine.