On Wednesday 24th August we marked the opening of Ukraine: The Cost of Freedom. The occasion especially pertinent as the date coincides with Ukrainian Independence Day. It’s been an honour and a privilege to support this important and urgent undertaking.
The exhibition showcases a selection of contemporary photojournalism taken from the frontline in Ukraine. Together, these images show the devastating impact the Russian invasion is having on the Ukrainian people, who have been bravely protecting their communities for many months.
As with so much international conflict, and as the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has publicly acknowledged, this is categorically a war on civilians and thereby a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. In presenting these images, we are enabling our visitors to form their own conclusions about these events that are happening in real time.
Versions of this exhibition have been shown internationally in Berlin, Singapore and Dublin and generated widespread public interest.
In Te Taunga Community Hub, the Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum celebrates the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau by inviting them into the Museum to create their own exhibit. Our visitors experience a community's story not through the Museum’s interpretation, but through the eyes of the community itself. Everything you will find in the gallery has been carefully chosen by the community to tell its story, from the photographs on display, to the labels, the signage, and the lighting and soundscape. Working closely with members of the community, the Auckland Museum provides exhibition space and technical support.
Auckland War Memorial Museum was conceived and designed 100 years ago this year to commemorate New Zealanders who gave their lives in the name of freedom and self-determination. Since then, this institution has been a pace for reflection and questioning. Museums are often thought of as places to interrogate the past, but they are also places to address contemporary events. This has always been the mission of Auckland Museum, to enable our audiences to engage the past, the present and with the future.
So, to our Ukraine colleagues and friends, working with us through all the challenges, you have honoured us with your story and with your trust. On behalf of all our visitors, thank you for partnering with us.