A refugee who fled the war in Ukraine and now helps others in similar circumstances has been honoured with a spectacular projection at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, unveiled by broadcaster and TV personality, Chris Tarrant.
Vladyslava Zhmuro, a caseworker for the Welsh Refugee Council, has achieved incredible things assisting Ukrainian refugees find a home following displacement caused by the war. She came to Wales in March 2022 after fleeing Ukraine herself, finding work at the Welsh Refugee Council and since then has seen it expand and add a specific Ukraine-focused team.
The Welsh Refugee Council project, which has received more than £1.2 million in funding thanks to National Lottery players, helps refugees find homes and education, supplying English courses and supporting their integration into Welsh society, providing them with protection after escaping danger.
Vladyslava’s phenomenal accomplishments have been brought to life through a powerful projection of her portrait, created by Ukrainian artist, Sergey Piskunov, and projected onto Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool, the future home city of Eurovision, hosting on behalf of this year’s winners, Ukraine.
The installation forms part of The National Lottery’s campaign championing those who are doing amazing things to support the refugee crisis and help displaced people across the world. National Lottery players have helped to fund thousands of projects and organisations dedicated to supporting refugees from across the world.
Former Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host, Chris Tarrant, who took a Ukrainian family into his home following the outbreak of the war, said: “The work from Ukrainian artist Sergey Piskunov is breath-taking and to see the portrait projected onto the iconic Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool – which will show its support of Ukraine next year by hosting the Eurovision song contest on the country’s behalf – honours Vladyslava’s story beautifully. I’m incredibly proud to unveil the artwork and shine a light on the work that the Welsh Refugee Council is doing with the help of The National Lottery funding.”
Vladyslava Zhmuro, who is featured in the artwork, said: “There are so many people displaced in this world, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found safety in the UK. I want to thank everyone who has helped me so far and everyone who supports Ukraine. I’m honoured to be featured in such a powerful artwork drawing attention to the refugee crisis. It’s been a privilege working with The National Lottery and the talented Sergey Piskunov. Only together can we help those in need.”
David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, added: “For 28 years National Lottery funding has been transforming communities, turning dreams into reality and making life better for millions of people. Stories such as Vladyslava’s showcase the true impact National Lottery funding can have on communities up and down the country. With over £30million raised for good causes each week, and grants available from £3,000 to £5million, we have launched this campaign to inspire people from across the UK and encourage them to help those in need and bring together communities. The work from Ukrainian artist Sergey Piskunov, really captures the story of everyday people who strive to make the world a better place.”
Alongside the projection of Vladyslava Zhmuro, three additional digital portraits have been created by Yoniest, depicting the stories of other individuals and projects who have achieved incredible things for their communities and peers in supporting refugees as part of The National Lottery’s Peoples’ Portraits series. These include Mary Lafferty from Omagh Community House, Abdul Bostani from Glasgow Afghan United and Tomasj Jarecki from Yellowscarf.
The artwork will be available to view at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool until 11pm, with other installations popping up at the Eden Project, Wembley Stadium. For more information on National Lottery funding visit https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/funding
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