Well that is the way of our Slavonic world – when something happens, it has dramatic and universal consequences. There is hardly a family anywhere that has not in some way been affected by the tragedies of the past century, of which Chernobyl, though unseen, was one the most tragic and evil. And of course the devastating events of recent weeks in Fukushima  -“the Island of Happiness” – have revealed once again how fragile and helpless we are in this world and that technological heaven can, in no time at all, turn into technological hell.

Still, a very real apocalypse, a “moral Chernobyl” remains in our hearts. No doubt everyone has “their own Chernobyl”. The pace of modern life, the voguish pragmatism of today and the indifference that has overwhelmed the world, leave no time for spiritual development and understanding of our mission in the intangible world. And to get away from our old habit of “act first, think later” we ought to pause and reflect.

We believe that non-commercial Art is an effective remedy to spiritual amnesia. 

In the memory of Chernobyl catastrophe we invite everybody to join the independent and non-commercial project and become a participant of the Cultural Marathon “Remember” which is to take place on April 22-28. Within the events, in some parts of Kiev, one can enjoy classical and jazz performers, documentary films, theatrical and street performances. You can see the full list of locations here.

The project objectives:

• to remember the tragedy and cause others to reflect on it 
• to provide fundraising in order to buy medical equipment for the UDSB “OHMATDET”, Hemato-Oncology and  Bone Marrow Transplantation Centre where  children from all regions of Ukraine, suffering from malignant blood diseases, are undergoing  medical treatment.

Basic principle of the project: to join on a voluntary basis, without any personal or corporate publicity.

Scale of the project: unlimited and dependent entirely on those of us who have joined.

How to join the Marathon:

• Inform us of your intention to support the Initiative “Remember”;
• Set up your own project or join an already-existing one within the Marathon; use the unifying symbol/logo of the project and our communication mechanisms with your own audience;
• Create a mechanism for fund raising in the area where you set up your project.
• Share information.

We will:

• Add your event/activity to the calendar of “Remember” projects 
• Provide you with symbols and project models of “Remember”
• Notify the media about your participation in the project and about your events within the project

They have already joined the marathon:

The Culture and Education Centre “Master Klass”, Kiev chamber orchestra “New Era  Orchestra”, the Theatre on Pechersk , the cinema production centre “SotaCinemaGroup”,  the jazz festival and producing centre “Jazz in Kiev”, the festival  RockSich and many others.

We appeal to you to remember a catastrophe which had global significance 25 years ago, but which also became a personal tragedy for all of us. We appeal to you to pause, reflect and listen to your own conscience, to the ‘Geiger counter’ within your heart, and to widen the territory of non-indifference.

 With respect, 

Participants of the Marathon.