Ukraine’s “1,000 Springs” Initiative: Supporting Cultural Heritage Amidst War
On August 20, 2026, the “The Future Remembers” light installation illuminated the iconic Mother Ukraine Monument in Kyiv, serving as a poignant reminder of Ukraine’s enduring cultural identity amid ongoing conflict.
As Russia’s aggression threatens Ukraine’s cultural heritage, the Ukrainian government is stepping up support for its artists. A key initiative, “Tysiachovesna” (or “1,000 Springs”), proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in fall 2025, allocates Hr 4 billion (approximately $76.7 million) from the state budget to develop 1,000 hours of Ukrainian-language content.
Launched by the Ministry of Culture earlier this spring, “1,000 Springs” aims not only to sustain cultural activities but also to enhance the visibility of Ukrainian-language works while diminishing the influence of Russian-language content. The initiative seeks to tell more stories about Ukraine from a local perspective and foster creativity among artists.
Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna emphasized the importance of promoting Ukrainian culture as a national priority, framing it as an essential economic driver. In an interview, she remarked that culture must be recognized as more than entertainment.
Navigating the Judging Process
The initiative’s website invites proposals across diverse subjects, including Ukrainian history, folklore, and current wartime experiences. Artists faced three review stages, culminating in expert evaluations by August 19. However, the judging process was scrutinized for its criteria and potential biases.
Filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk raised concerns about the categorical mismatches in project submissions, questioning the feasibility of fairly assessing materials ranging from children’s films to adult documentaries within the same category.
The judging panels included individuals familiar with the projects and those encountering them for the first time, leading Tsilyk to worry that nuanced works might be overlooked during the brief presentation times allocated.
Competition Outcomes and Future Directions
Overall, 92 projects were selected in the “Feature Film and TV” category from 404 proposals, with varying acceptance rates across categories such as music, documentary, and visual arts. Although the Ministry of Culture implemented measures to address potential conflict of interest, questions about its efficacy lingered.
Looking ahead, writer Oksana Moroz advocated for improved focus on promotion and distribution in future competitions. Many applicants failed to adequately discuss their outreach strategies, which left doubts about their projected viewership.
Moroz suggested creating an online school to better equip future applicants with essential skills encompassing project planning, distribution, and the significance of their cultural contributions.
The concept of providing educational support isn’t new; similar initiatives exist in state-organized programs like Translate Ukraine, which aids publishers in translating Ukrainian books for a global audience.
As stakeholders reflect on the inaugural “1,000 Springs,” there is a clear desire for the initiative to evolve. Zelensky highlighted its potential to become a national tradition, asserting the need for sustained cultural investment from the government for the coming years.
