Culture during wartime is not a luxury, nor is it something that can simply be postponed “until better times.” It helps people endure psychologically and spiritually, preserve their identity and remember who they are, says Viktor Hutsal, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine.
According to Hutsal, life during wartime has more than just a material dimension — security, everyday needs and assistance for those who need it. The spiritual dimension of human life is equally important.
Music, art and culture help society endure extraordinarily difficult times. They provide emotional support and prevent war from completely displacing normal life.
“There is one side — the material side, so to speak — but there is also another one: the spiritual side,” Viktor Hutsal says.
In his view, even during wartime people should not give up concerts, music, theatre or other cultural events. Culture is far more than entertainment. It strengthens inner resilience, brings people together and helps preserve national identity.
It is especially important not to allow war to reduce everyday life to fear, air-raid alerts and mere survival.
“We must live our lives to the fullest. A full life. No matter what happens,” the conductor says.
For NAONI, culture during wartime remains an important form of resilience — a way to support people through music, preserve Ukraine’s cultural traditions and demonstrate that Ukrainian culture continues not only to survive, but also to develop.
Culture is not something to be postponed until after victory. It is one of the things helping Ukrainians endure, preserve their identity and remember who they are.
