“The Light Does Not Fade”: A photo exhibition on community recovery, which has already impressed the European Parliament, was presented in Kyiv
14 January 15:23
On December 5 in Kyiv, during the 14th Civil Society Forum, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially opened the documentary photo exhibition“The Lights StayOn.”
Inspired by Belgian artist René Magritte’s work “The State of Vigil” (L’État de veille), the exhibition features 15 photographs and stories of Ukrainian men and women rebuilding their lives. Each photograph captures the essence of the EU and UNDP’s cooperation: helping communities not only survive the hardships of war but also 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 very 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 embark on a tour of 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 tangible results: the restoration of medical services, support for local initiatives, and assistance to communities in rebuilding. 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.”
Auke Lottma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the human dimension of the exhibition: “Every photograph here tells a story of resilience—of teachers, medical workers, volunteers, and community leaders who refuse to succumb 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 in Ukraine
For reference
The exhibition’s visual concept is inspired by René Magritte’s surrealist images, where glowing windows float among the clouds—a metaphor for presence amidst absence. In the exhibition, this image takes on new meaning: for Ukrainians, the illuminated windows symbolize destroyed buildings where there are no walls, and through the broken panes, only the open sky is visible.
The exhibition is organized with financial support from 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.
