Presentation of the Research Component of the “Networks of Support” Project

We invite you to the presentation of a special issue of the "autoportret" journal and a discussion on critical infrastructure research in wartime.

During Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, critical infrastructure has become not only one of the main targets for destruction by the enemy, but also the basis of the country's resilience. However, due to security considerations, the possibilities of researching this topic are limited. The media cherish the images of indomitable heroes and supermen, which meets the public demand, but does not allow capturing the multifaceted nature of this topic.

During the event, historians Iryna Sklokina, Kateryna Filonova, and Valentyna Shevchenko will share their experience in collecting oral interviews, photos, and included observations. Together, we will try to consider the possibilities of studying, archiving, and public understanding of the role of infrastructure, including energy, water and gas supply, communication networks, the State Emergency Service, physical rehabilitation infrastructure, and cultural heritage preservation institutions. The discussion will also include representatives of the companies that provided the researchers with their testimonies.

The event presents the results of the Ukrainian-Polish cooperation project "Support Networks: Critical Infrastructure in Wartime" implemented in cooperation between the Center for Urban History and the National Institute of Urbanism and Architecture (Warsaw).

The international project "Networks of Support" is funded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland as part of the "Inspiring Culture" program.

Project is co-orginized by

• National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Warsaw;
• Center for Urban History, Lviv;

Project partners

• VI PER Gallery, Prague;
• Ukrainian Association "Vitsche", Berlin

Project strategic local partners

• Polish Institute in Prague;
• Polish Institute in Kyiv;
• Pilecki Institute Berlin

Credits

Cover Image: Replacement of gas pipes after damage / Anhelina Fesenko / Press service of Donetskoblgaz