Ukraine: Reborn. Exhibition opening

This unique exhibition explores how the natural world survives and recovers from the scars of war.

Exhibition Schedule and Location

Exhibition Dates: 24 April to 10 May 2026

Special Opening Event: 1 May 18:00 - 20.00 - Quad South Foyer

Venue: York St John University, Quad South Foyer

About the Project

Curated by Dr Kateryna Minakova, the exhibition is a collaborative project hosted by York Business School.

The display features evocative photography from across Ukraine, inspirational drawings along with moving poetry written by Professor Oz Hardwick, Dr. Amina Alyal and other contributing writers. Together, they document the environmental impact of the conflict from 2014 to the present day.

A Story of Environmental Resilience

The exhibition focuses on the beauty of Ukrainian landscapes now facing the reality of bombings and chemical contamination.

As light fights the darkness and spring follows winter, this collection shows both the cruelty of war and the enduring hope of the land. It serves as a call to action for all of us to protect and assist the Earth in its recovery.

For Dr Minakova, this project is deeply personal. Having lost her first friend to the war in 2014 and later arriving in the UK as a refugee, she has dedicated her work to helping people understand

Ukraine beyond the news. She now lives between the UK and Ukraine, where her family remains.

The exhibition brings together

- Poetry that captures our emotional ties to nature

- Photography documenting both devastation and hope

- Visual art

- Legal and ethical perspectives on environmental protection

- First‑hand experiences of life shaped by conflict

Explore More

Visitors can learn more about the protection of the environment through the lens of the European Parliament and Council directives on criminal law.

For a deeper look at the personal stories behind the images, you can follow the vlog of Kateryna Minakova regarding Dnipro on YouTube here https://youtube.com/@withekaterina?si=ridBNierkpqS9S3g.

This event is suitable for children aged 14 and above.

Events Access & Inclusivity

At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: [email protected] or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.

Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive.

As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views.

We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures.

Parking

There is no parking for any vehicles on site and ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7.

We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing [email protected].

Registering your details does not guarantee a space, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle.

Privacy Policy

York St John University will use the data you submit in Eventbrite for the purposes of administering this event. York St John University utilises third party software for data storage, tracking and analysis activity but your details will not be used by any of these third parties in order to contact you Any data you share with us will be used to help us improve your event experience and for event tracking and analysis activity within the University.

We will only send you important information and reminders related to the event you have booked unless you tell us otherwise. During the booking process, if you opt-in to receive emails about the latest events hosted and supported by York St John University, you consent to York St John University contacting you with relevant information.

If you no longer wish to hear from us you can opt-out at any time by changing your contact preferences via the link in emails you receive from us or by emailing [email protected].

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher York St John University