“The Light Does Not Fade”: A photo exhibition on community restoration, which has already impressed the European Parliament, was presented in Kyiv.
14 January 15:23
On December 5, during the XIV Civil Society Forum in Kyiv, the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) officially opened the documentary photo exhibition “The Lights Stay On.”
Inspired by Belgian artist René Magritte’s work “The State of Wakefulness” (L’État de veille), the exhibition presents 15 photographs and stories of Ukrainian men and women who are rebuilding their lives. Each photograph reflects the essence of EU-UNDP cooperation: helping communities not only to survive the hardships of war, but also to actively rebuild, develop, and keep the lights on in homes, schools, and hospitals.
The exhibition launched in September 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium — at the heart of European democracy. The physical exhibition was complemented by a digital campaign at Brussels Airport, which received 4.7 million views. In early 2026, the exhibition will tour the regions of Ukraine where EU4Recovery, the flagship partnership between the EU and UNDP, is being implemented.
Stefan Schloening, Head of Cooperation Programs at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasized the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and development: “Each story shows how joint efforts translate into real results: restoring medical services, supporting local initiatives, and helping communities rebuild. The illuminated ‘windows’ of this exhibition are a beacon of hope and a symbol of our shared vision of a strong, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine.”
UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lotma emphasized the human dimension of the exhibition: “Every photograph here tells a story of resilience — of teachers, doctors, volunteers, and community leaders who refuse to give in to darkness. Working side by side with the EU, we strive to empower communities to build a better future. This exhibition honors their efforts and reminds us that the foundation of true recovery is people — their courage and humanity, which light the way forward.”
Photo: Stas Kartashov / UNDP Ukraine
For reference
The visual concept of the exhibition is inspired by the surrealist images of René Magritte, where shining windows float among the clouds — a metaphor for presence amid absence. In the exhibition, this image takes on new meaning: for Ukrainians, the illuminated windows symbolize destroyed buildings with no walls, where only the open sky can be seen through the broken windows.
The exhibition is organized with the financial support of the EU and UNDP. The stories and photographs were prepared in collaboration with The Ukrainians Media, and the creative concept was developed by the Authera agency.
