Ukrainian Stories and the Merseyside Connection: New exhibition shares untold stories of Ukrainian refugees

Ukrainian Stories and the Merseyside Connection is a new exhibition opening at Liverpool Central Library which will give a voice to Ukrainian refugees who sought sanctuary in Merseyside following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

‘Ukrainian Stories and the Merseyside Connection’ is a free public exhibition running from Tuesday 17 to Wednesday 25 June, capturing the lived experiences of Ukrainians who fled the war and built new lives in the Liverpool City Region. It also highlights the vital role played by host families, community volunteers, and local organisations in providing welcome and support.

Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, and developed by Liverpool-based arts organisation Whispered Tales, these powerful stories will be permanently archived in the Liverpool Record Office’s digital collection, preserving a vital chapter in the city’s social history.

Visitors to Central Library will see a display of Ukrainian-style apartment blocks in the main atrium. A large screen built into one of the towers, showing short films of Ukrainians reflecting about personal stories of displacement, loss, hope and belonging will also be showcased.

The exhibition explores the reality of forced migration, while celebrating the compassion, solidarity and resilience that defines Liverpool’s proud history as a City of Sanctuary.

Liverpool is currently home to hundreds of Ukrainian individuals and families who have arrived through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Since March 2022, Liverpool City Council has worked closely with partners across the region to provide housing, employment, education, and wellbeing support.

This project builds on the city’s wider support for Ukraine. In 2023, Liverpool hosted the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, showcasing Ukrainian culture through a city-wide programme of events and community projects, including the opening of a Peace Garden in the Baltic Triangle.

This exhibition is part of a wider commitment to ensuring refugee voices are heard, respected, and remembered.

Exhibition details:

• Venue: Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, L3 8EW
• Dates: 17 to 25 June
• Time: Mon–Fri: 9am–8pm | Sat: 9am–5pm
• Free entry

Cllr Hetty Wood, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing said:

“Liverpool has always been a welcoming city for all, and this exhibition reflects our deep commitment to continue to be a city of sanctuary.

“These stories are powerful, and they remind us of both the trauma of conflict and the importance of community.

 “I encourage everyone to visit and reflect on the strength and humanity shown by both refugees and those who welcomed them and the difference we can all make when we show compassion and solidarity.”

Esther Simpson, Co-Artistic Director Whispered Tales, said:

“This exhibition is the culmination of a significant oral history project.  

“During the interview process, I have been overwhelmed by the resilience shown by the Ukrainian community, but also the compassion and generosity shown by the people of Merseyside who have opened up their homes and their hearts to welcome them.” 

Olena Hrabchak, a Ukrainian Refugee said:

“Being able to record my story as part of this project has been so important to myself and our community and to know the interviews will be preserved in the Liverpool record office for future generations gives us such strength”.

Keep up to date with what’s on at Liverpool Central Library here.

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