Trajectory of integration:
pixel creativity

The project aims to develop a pathway through which the creative work of veterans and active servicemembers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine can be integrated into the European cultural space. The project “Trajectory of Integration: Pixel Creativity” seeks to identify a functional, adaptable, and accessible approach to presenting the artistic work of veterans, active servicemembers, and the creative legacy of fallen defenders of Ukraine within the European cultural context. Its goal is to strengthen intercultural connections and position Ukrainian creative practices as a reference point of resilience in times of war. The Russian-Ukrainian war has generated a unique cultural phenomenon. Creative practice among servicemembers has become widespread due to the significant presence of cultural professionals within the Armed Forces, as well as the specific nature of this war, where technological systems — particularly unmanned systems — play a central role. The scale of artistic activity within the military community is arguably unprecedented in the history of warfare. Following the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s cultural sector responded rapidly. Many representatives of creative professions were among the first to join the Defence Forces. Naturally, many of them continued their artistic practice while serving — in brief moments between tasks, in field conditions, under constant pressure — sustained by discipline, necessity, and belief in the power of art. Much of this work remains unseen. Fragments are preserved in notebooks and personal archives, some appear sporadically on social media, but a significant portion never leaves the private space of its authors. At the same time, this body of work already constitutes an important cultural record — a form of witnessing, a way of processing experience, and a means of maintaining psychological balance under extreme conditions. It is both a cultural asset and a testament to resilience. The project does not aim to transform wartime experience into an art product. We do not create on behalf of authors, nor do we impose formats. Our focus is on identifying pathways through which existing work can be preserved, presented, heard, and integrated into Ukrainian and European cultural spaces without loss of authorship and without exploitation of traumatic experience. Within the project, we study historical precedents from previous wars, analyse existing cases of integrating Ukrainian military artists into cultural contexts, build connections with the European cultural sector, and explore sustainable entry points into the cultural ecosystems of Creative Europe countries. The long-term outcome of “Trajectory of Integration: Pixel Creativity” will be the development of a grant programme planned for implementation in 2027–2028. The title “Pixel Creativity” refers to the idea of fragmentation. Individual works, authors, and stories may appear minor in isolation, but together they form a coherent cultural field. Working with these fragments — interpreting, contextualising, and presenting them responsibly — is central to the project. The project considers a wide range of possible formats for future interaction and representation of Ukrainian military creativity in Europe. These may include international exhibitions, publishing projects, translations, theatre and film productions, music releases, residencies, and digital platforms. The specific formats are not predefined and will be developed through dialogue between servicemembers and veterans, Ukrainian cultural actors, and European partners. At the initial stage, the project focuses on building relationships with the target group, collecting perspectives, identifying needs, and addressing ethical risks. It is essential for us to take into account the voices of servicemembers and their boundaries: where ethical lines lie, which formats are appropriate, what may cause harm, and how to avoid simplification or romanticisation of war. We recognise that the creative work of servicemembers and veterans is both a cultural resource and a sensitive, living part of contemporary Ukrainian experience, as well as a powerful example of resilience. It requires time, attention, responsibility, and care. “Trajectory of Integration: Pixel Creativity” is a long-term process aimed at preserving, understanding, and integrating this unique cultural phenomenon into the broader European context.