The exhibition “Resilience Formula” is open at the M17 CAC!

On October 31, the M17 Contemporary Art Center hosted the opening of the second part of the project “Resilience Formula” as part of the 16th Platform for Cultural Initiatives “New Directions.”

The exhibition project unfolds across three organizing institutions: the first stage began on October 25 at the Modern Art Research Institute, the second exhibition opened at the M17 Contemporary Art Center on October 31, and the third will open on November 14 at the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine. Each of the three venues has its own unique list of participants and a curated selection of artworks.

The opening at M17 was attended by over 500 guests, including project participants, artists, art enthusiasts, and art patrons.

The project aims to explore, through artistic visions, the story of adaptation and resilience of Ukrainian society in the face of war, and how Ukrainians find the strength to continue the fight each day, despite all challenges.

“Today, it is essential to reflect on the resilience that has already been forged in Ukraine in the 11th year of war and to understand what exactly makes us stronger. At the same time, the artworks presented in the project not only relate to the main theme but also create a space for discovering additional, yet unrevealed meanings.” – Andriy Sydorenko, Curator of the exhibition project “Resilience Formula”

“Each institution’s exhibition presents a unique focus within the overarching project. At M17, the display centers around the idea of adaptation in these challenging times: maintaining the motivation to pursue one’s work every day, supporting the country and each other. At the same time, each artwork is a personal reflection of the artist, inviting discussion and interpretation.” – Iryna Yatsyk, Curator of the exhibition project “Resilience Formula”

“Everyone has their own ‘formula of resilience.’ In this project, we explore how, through art and creative practices, artists find the strength to continue working and creating.” – Natalia Shpytkovska, Director and “Resilience Formula” Project Manager from the M17 CAC

Can a universal formula for inner strength be discovered, one that enables people to endure in the face of adversity? There are countless examples of individuals who not only recover swiftly from stressful situations but also harness these experiences as sources for self-improvement and the attainment of new levels of personal growth. This phenomenon, known as resilience, has become the focus of contemporary research across various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, ecology, and economics. Resilience manifests itself not only in the ability to survive but also to adapt to changes, discover new resources and opportunities, and maintain optimism and hope even in the most challenging circumstances.

On an individual level, resilience aids in preserving mental health, fostering emotional stability, and finding ways to recover from stress or trauma. On a collective level, it supports unity and the pursuit of shared higher goals.

The exhibition follows a nationwide Open Call, which attracted over 450 submissions. 45 artists from various regions of Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian artists currently living abroad, were selected to participate in the edition at M17. Many of the works will be exhibited in Kyiv for the first time.

Learn more about the project here.

Opening hours of the M17 CAC:

Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00-20:00 (Monday is closed)

Address: 102-104 V. Antonovycha St., Kyiv, Ukraine

Organised by M17 Contemporary Art Center, the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, Modern Art Research Institute.

Partner: Adamovskiy Foundation

Curators: Andriy Sydorenko, Iryna Yatsyk

Director of the M17 CAC – Natalia Shpytkovska