SHOWING SOLIDARITY WITH UKRAINE
In May 2023, Liverpool hosted the 67th edition of the Eurovision song contest and of course, the city made this year’s event a Eurovision like no other. Yet the overarching element that made Eurovision 2023 so different, was that Liverpool were hosting on behalf of Ukraine, who were unable to host the event due to ongoing Russian invasion.
This created an instant deep connection between our city and Ukraine. Liverpool was left with the task of tying together the cultural identity of both nations; creating an event filled with joy and creative expression, whilst also acknowledging the atrocities occurring in Ukraine. A challenging feat some may say, but nonetheless the city pulled off a uniquely poignant and impactful event. The impact of which, was not felt greater than by the Ukrainian creative community within Liverpool.
I spoke with Ukrainian-born Natasha Chernyshova, lead singer of local Punk trio Bleach Brain. She played an active part in the music scene of her hometown, Kharkiv, before moving to the UK when she was 15. Coincidentally, Kharkiv was set to be the host city for Eurovision before the war began. Although facing mixed feelings due to the circumstances of the event, Tash described Eurovision as a special time: “It was actually surreal because I always wanted my hometown to host Eurovision, and then Liverpool did. My friends got to experience where I’m from without endangering their lives, which felt really special and was probably the best time I’ve had here. I went to the Invisible Wind Factory where there were a lot of Ukrainians, so I got to speak Ukrainian, which was nice. Then I went to see Go A in Hangar 34, where there were a lot of English people singing the lyrics to Ukrainian songs. I just felt really proud to be Ukrainian”.
However, the local and national recognition for the ongoing atrocities in Ukraine is fading. Although the recent Liverpool Calling conference, the Ukrainian Peace Garden in the Baltic Triangle and the River Of Light art installation are echoing support, the war is away from the headlines. Therefore, it has become the aim of many Ukrainian locals to reinforce that the effect on the nation has not lessened.
Lisa Tivonenko, bassist in local Rock and Roll outfit Deshine, arrived in Liverpool just two months ago. Having initially fled Ukraine to Canada before heading to Liverpool, it was the city’s rich musical heritage that brought her here. You may often see Lisa busking on Bold Street or Church Street, with the flag of her home nation providing her backdrop: “I’ve been here for two months and I’m kinda sad that Ukrainians are not going out. They’re not doing meetings or protests; they’re not showing themselves and I cannot see our flags. The only thing I’ve seen is a Eurovision poster and that’s it. I busk with the Ukrainian flag behind me because I want people to remember that the war is still going on. I want people to help us because we really, really need it”.
As a city, Liverpool has always prided itself on social justice and inclusivity. We can take pride in honouring Ukrainian culture through Eurovision, whilst Putin attempts to destroy it. We can play our part by welcoming Ukrainian nationals into our city and artistic community; however a key message still stands: The war is not over, and Ukrainian people continue to suffer. We can use art, music and culture to connect in ways that would otherwise be impossible, but we must also continue to raise awareness. If you want to make a difference, here are some ways you can help:
- Donate to the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation
- Host Ukrainian refugees
- Hire Ukrainians who have lost their jobs
- Sign petitions to increase support for Ukraine
- Donate to Children in Ukraine
More work by James Booton here.
Written by James Booton (he/him)
