The first private museum of contemporary Ukrainian art consistently develops its work with children, having launched an annual online children’s drawing contest in 2024. The initiative is designed to support young artists, open a space for self-expression for them, and at the same time — form a deeper connection with the culture, traditions, and contemporary artistic context of Ukraine.
The Museum founder and philanthropist Serhiy Tsiupko defines this work as one of the key areas:
“To awaken interest in creativity, a thirst for knowledge, history, and the beliefs of one’s native country — this is our goal and the most important task of the contest”
The Beginning of a Tradition: The 2024 Contest
The first contest, “I Paint Ukraine — Peaceful and Free!,” brought together children aged 9 to 13 around a theme that resonates with everyone. Through drawing, participants conveyed their own vision of the country, their dreams, and their feelings.
The initiative was implemented by the Museum with the support of the Serhiy Tsiupko Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Kyiv Jewelry Factory (KUZ). Valuable gifts were provided for the contest winners, including modern gadgets that support the further development and education of children. Participants in the People’s Choice category received a special award. This approach allowed not only for the recognition of the best works but also provided additional motivation for children to be creative and participate in similar initiatives.
The contest not only discovered new names but also became an important experience in interacting with the young audience. The best works were presented in the Museum’s exhibition space and on its official online resources, allowing young authors to feel like part of a professional artistic environment.
Continuation in 2026: A New Theme and Expanded Opportunities
In 2026, the Museum continued the initiative by proposing a new theme — “Easter Holidays Through the Eyes of Children.” Turning to traditions, symbols, and family customs became a logical development of previous experience and, at the same time, a new meaningful step.
“National traditions, knowledge of rituals and symbols are established in childhood,” emphasizes Serhiy Tsiupko.
As in previous years, the contest is implemented in close cooperation with the Museum’s partners, who traditionally participate in forming the prize fund and supporting the initiative. It is through this interaction that it is possible not only to honor the winners but also to create additional opportunities for the encouragement of children’s creativity and its development.
Special attention this year is paid to openness and inclusion: the contest includes a separate category for children with special educational needs, allowing for broader participation and creating additional opportunities for creative expression.
The winners of the contest will be honored with awards, and their works will have the opportunity to be presented in the Museum’s exhibition space — as part of its exhibition activities — and will also be published on online resources.
Response and Continuation: More Than a Contest
The significant interest in the contest “Easter Holidays Through the Eyes of Children” and the deep emotional response from participants became the basis for extending the submission period until April 10. The works already received testify to the sincerity of the children’s vision and their ability to convey complex meanings simply and honestly.
“Art has a special power — it helps a person talk about the most important things even when words are lacking,” notes Serhiy Tsiupko.
The contest is gradually moving beyond the competition format, turning into a space for dialogue between generations, where the children’s perspective opens up new meanings for adults.
“Sometimes it is precisely the child’s perspective that helps us, adults, see what is most important.”
Partnership and Responsibility
The implementation of the contest was made possible thanks to the support of the Serhiy Tsiupko Charitable Foundation and the partnership participation of the Kyiv Jewelry Factory. Such cooperation is an example of combining the efforts of business, charity, and a cultural institution to achieve a common goal — supporting children’s creativity and developing the artistic environment.
“Philanthropy is an expression of responsibility both in the present and to future generations,” underlines Serhiy Tsiupko.
Thanks to this interaction, not only are the conditions for holding the contest created, but also a wider space of opportunities for children — a space where their talent can be noticed, supported, and presented. Such a partnership forms a stable foundation for the development of cultural initiatives and the support of the younger generation, uniting different environments around common values and long-term cultural landmarks.
Looking into the Future
The Museum plans to continue developing the children’s drawing contest as a regular initiative that contributes to the formation of a creative personality, the preservation of traditions, and the development of cultural dialogue.
“The future of Ukraine lies in the upbringing and support of creative youth” – Serhiy Viktorovych Tsiupko
This project is not only about art but also about trust in the new generation, its ability to feel, comprehend, and create — shaping the cultural space of Ukraine today and tomorrow.