In October, a landmark cultural event took place in Rome, made possible by the collaboration between the Kozytskyi Charity Foundation and the Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See (Vatican). The exhibitions of three Ukrainian artists were held at Villa Magistrale, the official residence of the Sovereign Order of Malta, a location that opens to the public only twice a year.

The event, which took place on October 21, coincided with a conference marking the 15th anniversary of the friendship between Ukraine and the Order of Malta, titled “The Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine During the War and the Support of the Order of Malta.”

The choice of venue was highly symbolic. As Khrystyna Beregovska, the Foundation’s art director, explained: “Villa Magistrale is unique in that, from this location, you can see three countries at once: standing on the territory of the Order of Malta, you are physically in Italy, while viewing the Vatican.” This prestigious site is rarely used for art events, and as Beregovska noted, this was the first time Ukrainian artists exhibited there. On this occasion, the works of three Ukrainian creators were presented: Mariupol photographer Stanislav Ivanov, Mykolaiv painter Dmytro Moldavanov, and Lviv artist Mykola Stupinskyi.

“We showcased the exhibition ‘Mariupol. Lost Greatness,’ which featured a series of artistic photographs depicting monumental mosaics of Mariupol destroyed by Russian forces, as well as the painting and graphic art exhibition titled ‘Dangerous/Safe’ by Ukrainian artists Mykola Stupinskyi and Dmytro Moldavanov,” Khrystyna shared. She emphasized that the aim of the exhibitions was not only to introduce the diplomatic community to Ukrainian art and the realities that artists face during the war but also to highlight the mental health challenges facing Ukrainians. In particular, staff and volunteers of the Order of Malta work with women who have lost their husbands in the war and with the wives of prisoners, providing psychological support to children.

The private event was attended by over 250 guests, including dozens of foreign diplomats, clergy, and politicians.