News

Dariia Zhdanova

Caerphilly, Wales — The power of art and human connection shone brightly on October 27th as the curtain closed on Ukrainian artist Olesia Miftahova’s exhibition, “Garden of Memories: Growing Beyond.” The special closing event, named “Welsh afternoon”, steeped in authentic Welsh culture and featuring traditional Welsh cuisine, transcended a mere art viewing to become a profound celebration of remembrance, solidarity, and the unbreakable bond forged between the local community and its Ukrainian guests.

The evening brought together Ukrainian and Welsh guests, a lot of arts and culture professionals from both sides – artists, photographers, singers, musicians, painters, craftspeople, united by a shared purpose: to inspire and support one another amidst difficult times. The overwhelming message was one of welcome and enduring friendship.

Olesia Miftahova (in the middle) with Ukrainian guests

The Heart of Solidarity: Music and Poetry

The gathering quickly moved beyond mere ceremony, transforming into a vibrant cultural exchange that resonated deeply with the spirit of unity.

The air was filled with the refined notes of live classical Welsh music, a poignant offering introduced by community host Robin Grayson. Together with his wife Juliet, they’ve retired to Risca and the Caerphilly district about five years ago. Robin sings with the Risca male choir, and his wife Juliet plays in Newport Symphony Orchestra and Gwent Baroque, from which the players were taken. The musical performance established a refined atmosphere that perfectly suited the exhibited paintings and underscored the creative caliber of the assembled guests. It’s powerful content was not only a delight to the guests but served as a clear message of unwavering support to the Ukrainian community, exemplifying Olesia’s belief that “culture is a vital bridge that connects Ukrainian and Welsh hearts.”

Adding to the emotional depth of the afternoon was a moving poetry reading by local wordsmith, co-creator of “Red poets” Mike Jenkins. His Welsh verses from his new book “truly touched the hearts of everyone present,” creating moments of genuine emotional connection that transcended language barriers and underscored the common human experience shared by all in the room.

Robin Grayson introducing Welsh musicians

Co-creator of “Red poets” Mike Jenkins reading Welsh poetry from his recent book

Unbreakable Bonds: The Political and Community Commitment

The unifying power of the arts was powerfully validated by the presence and address of leading political figures, who reaffirmed Caerphilly’s status as a Nation of Sanctuary.

Chris Evans MP, Member of the UK Parliament for the Caerphilly constituency, not only personally facilitated the exhibition’s presence but delivered a moving address. He spoke of the “warm welcome” offered to Ukrainian refugees as a “light in the darkness,” and tenderly referred to Ukrainians as “brothers and sisters.”

Chris Evans MP with Olesia Miftahova and newly bought paintings of the artist

Even more striking than Chris Evans’s attendance at the exhibition’s closing was his address in the House of Commons a few days later.

There, he challenged those who insist that Ukrainians do not bring any valuable contribution to local communities, saying: “Visit this exhibition in the Caerphilly County Council and see what they actually contribute, and what message that sends to all those helping people seeking refuge in Wales.”

Speaking directly to the heart of community strength, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, asserted the Council’s resolve:

“The community, which we collectively represent, has come together to embrace other cultures and welcome people into Caerphilly Borough… I am proud that as a Council, we have forged an unbreakable bond, that will not be broken, despite the best efforts of those who seek to divide us.”
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council

The commitment to this cause was visibly championed by numerous other dedicated individuals who consistently demonstrate support through both words and deeds, including Cllr Dawn Ingram-Jones, the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough, who called the event “inspiring and moving,” and Lynn Gazal, Head of Climate Action Caerffili, who quoted Abdu’l-Baha in her feedback: “The supreme need of humanity is cooperation and reciprocity… The stronger the ties of fellowship and solidarity amongst men, the greater will be power of constructiveness and accomplishment in all the planes of human activity”.

Cllr Dawn Ingram-Jones, the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough

Lynn Gazal, Head of Climate Action Caerffili with a card-gift from Olesia Miftahova

A Global Handshake: Friendship Across Continents

The spirit of solidarity extended far beyond Wales, emphasizing that the commitment to mutual support is fundamentally a human one.

The closing was honoured by the presence of Sing Wu, a Hongkonger friend of Ukrainians and representative of the Hong Kong community in Manchester. His attendance served as a potent reminder of the strength found in unity.

Representative of the Hong Kong community in Manchester Sing Wu

Co-organizer of the event Kostiantyn Kozlov

Speaking about this international bond, Sing Wu stated: “The relationship between us isn’t built by governments, but people and people. Being together with Ukrainian friends is the most amazing thing for my life. It is my honour to stand with Ukraine.” This testimonial perfectly encapsulated the universal dedication to helping friends.

A Lasting Trace in Memory

As the exhibition closed, the resounding feeling among guests was one of profound success and optimism. The evening showcased what a community can achieve when driven by compassion.

A powerful message of the artist Olesia Miftahova summarized the event’s impact:

“This day proved that when we come together, sharing thoughts, art, and inspiration, we build a human bridge capable of uniting hearts and leaving a lasting trace in memory. Together, we can achieve more!”

The exhibition offered a beautiful contrast: while its opening celebrated Ukrainian culture (Read more about opening), the closing shifted focus to an embrace of Welsh culture. Far from being a mere conclusion, the closing of the “Garden of Memories” became a vibrant celebration of the enduring bond between the two nations and a lasting pledge of future solidarity.

Photographer: Dariia Zhdanova.