Today, March 20, Mayor Andrii Sadovy held an online meeting with the head of the Austrian city of Graz, Elke Kar.
The parties talked about cooperation, in particular in the field of culture. Yes, it was about the project for the arrangement of the Art Library in Lviv.
The mayor of Lviv thanked Elka Kar for the support of Ukraine and Ukrainians who have found refuge in Graz since the beginning of the full-scale war. And also for help in arranging the library. He noted that culture is extremely important, and it is very difficult to win a war without it.
It should be noted that in January of this year the city of Graz formalized a project partnership with Lviv. In particular, a 3-year cooperation agreement was concluded for the development of the Art Library located on the street. Shota Rustaveli, 8. The first tranche for 2024 in the amount of 25,000 euros has already been received. With these funds, it is planned to complete restoration work, equip an exhibition hall, an office room for storing art books and other rooms, purchase books and hold a number of events. Also, over the course of three years, the cities will exchange experience in the fields of culture, architecture, urban planning and preservation of cultural heritage. As part of this project, a delegation from Graz plans to visit Lviv in the fall.
“Now many people are under various stresses. Culture helps people switch. The art library is one of the very popular hubs. When we talk about a cultural institution, we don’t talk about walls, but about the different meanings that rage inside, and where people meet each other to think, to collaborate. We believe in this energy of culture, which can give new energy for salvation”, said Lviv First Deputy Mayor Andriy Moskalenko, who was present at the meeting.
In addition, they talked about the possibility of studying Graz’s experience for the utility companies Lvivteploenergo and Lvivvodokanal. “The example of Graz in this area is very important for us. So we want to learn about your experience,” Andriy Sadovy said.
The mayor of Lviv also presented the UNBROKEN ecosystem, where people from all over Ukraine who suffered from Russian aggression are treated and rehabilitated. But he spoke about the UNBROKEN Cities initiative – the unification of cities from all over the world to support and develop rehabilitation in Ukraine.
The deputy mayor of Graz, Yudit Schwentner, who also participated in the meeting, noted that they are happy to cooperate with Lviv. “In the 1990s, I lived in Lviv for about a year and taught German at the university. I have good friends left in Lviv. That’s why I’m even more glad that we cooperate with you and can help and support you in some important areas,” said Judith Schwentner.
By the way, since the beginning of the Russian invasion, about three thousand Ukrainians received shelter in the city of Graz.