Central Library hosts Ukrainian Art Exhibition
In 2024, Manchester Libraries became twinned with Lviv Regional Youth Library in Ukraine – Manchester Libraries twin with Ukraine Library
And in 2026, Bridge of Sunflowers, an extraordinary new collaborative exhibition between the two library services, is open to the public.
This exhibition comprises works created by Ukrainian artists from the city of Lviv, presenting a unique collection of works which explore the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine not only on the country itself but the people who are living through it.
Participants were supported by the Sunflower Dreams Project, which showcases the work of Ukrainian children in exhibitions across the European Union, the United Kingdom and North America.
In addition to the work created by Ukrainian artists, there is also creative responses from Manchester school children displayed alongside their work. These pieces of art is the outcome of creative workshops run by arts charity ‘Never Such Innocence’ which has helped provide young people a voice on the subject of conflict.
This is the latest initiative which seeks to deepen the relationship between Manchester and Lviv, following on from 2024 when Manchester Libraries was twinned with the Lviv Regional Youth Library.
The exhibition runs until February 27, and can be found on the ground floor and first floor reading room of the Manchester Central Library. At the end of its stay in Manchester, the exhibition, including some of the work of the Manchester young people, will move to the Lviv Regional Youth Library.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said: “We have been an incredibly proud of our partnership with Lviv and helping to share stories around the ongoing conflict.
“We so often find that art springs forth from some of the most challenging circumstances and this exhibition is no different. It will be both a poignant and uplifting experience to see art created by these young artists whose lives have been touched by war.
“And by our own Mancunian artists contributing we will in our own way be showing solidarity with the people of Lviv and Ukraine.”
A selection of the images can be found below.
Between 18 March to 2 April 2026, the exhibition will be at the Lviv Regional Youth Library. See below for details:
