From September 12 to 14, Toronto welcomed the 29th Ukrainian Bloor Festival — an annual celebration that gathers thousands of visitors to experience the richness of Ukrainian traditions, from folk art and dance to cuisine and visual arts.

This year, the centerpiece of the festival was the presentation of the unique art project “PROJECT 24”, created by People’s Artist of Ukraine Volodymyr Kozyuk in collaboration with five artists from across Ukraine. The initiative was made possible by the Kozytskyi Charity Foundation within the framework of the “We and World” project, at the invitation of festival founder Yuriy Klufas.

The 24 monumental canvases reflect the tragic yet defining moments of Ukraine’s struggle, resistance, and resilience during the full-scale war. The open-air exhibition drew more than 7,000 visitors — 90% of them foreigners — who, through art, were able to feel the strength and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

The opening of PROJECT 24 was marked by an important moment: among the guests was Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who invited the exhibition to City Hall, where it will be seen by politicians, diplomats, and cultural leaders. By the festival’s close, proposals had already been received to showcase the project in different provinces of Canada and in six U.S. cities.

PROJECT 24 is art that embodies memory and strength. It is the voice of Ukraine resonating across the world, reminding everyone of the nation’s resilience and the importance of preserving heritage even in the darkest times.