INDEX Ukraine launches cultural fellowship for active servicemembers

The Ukrainian Institute for Documentation and Exchange (INDEX) has initiated a new fellowship programme for active members of the Ukrainian Defence Forces. This initiative aims to support cultural projects that capture the experiences of the Russo-Ukrainian war, a conflict that has profoundly impacted the lives of millions of Ukrainians and altered the landscape of cultural production.

Historians, activists, and veterans who have served in the Defence Forces have frequently had to suspend their professional and creative work due to the demands of military service. However, this unique perspective offers invaluable insight into the war, encompassing not only combat but also the transition to military life, unit dynamics, daily routines, and the region's linguistic, social, and regional diversity.

By providing a platform and professional support, INDEX seeks to amplify these voices and perspectives, which are often underrepresented in Ukrainian society.

The fellowship offers a monthly stipend of €1,300 for two months, access to sports or psychotherapy sessions, and expert guidance in project development. This support aims to help participants maintain their creative and intellectual work within the military environment, where time and financial resources are constrained. By fostering a new cultural and social force within the military, INDEX hopes to enrich Ukrainian society with diverse perspectives and ensure that the war's impact is recorded and understood from both within and outside of civilian life.