In Bergamo the history of Ukraine saved by Wikipedia volunteers

The impact of the conflict on Ukrainian historical memory can be quantified in over two thousand cultural objects damaged or destroyed. These include priceless sites such as the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, the Ivankiv Museum and strategic structures such as the Kakhovka Dam. Natural heritage has also suffered heavy blows, with around 30% of protected areas involved in military operations or occupations, including the Askania-Nova Nature Reserve. In this context, free photography ceases to be a simple aesthetic documentation to transform itself into a digital preservation tool, capable of handing over to future generations the essence of monuments and landscapes that risk disappearing.

The project reflects the resilience of the Ukrainian community of Wikipedia volunteers, who continue to produce quality content despite the operational difficulties imposed by the war. The collaboration between the two countries, also supported by the patronage of the Consulate General of Ukraine, underlines how the values ​​of open knowledge can overcome national borders and war contingencies. Through this exhibition, the images become a collective testimony that combines the beauty of the landscapes with the wounds of the news, offering the Italian public a direct perspective on the work of safeguarding historical memory carried out by global volunteers.