NOT JUST A BEAUTIFUL BOOK — A MESSAGE FROM UKRAINE TO THE WORLD

Help us share a deeper perspective on Ukraine.

Ukraine is living through an extraordinarily difficult moment, facing destruction and uncertainty with remarkable resilience. Yet around the world, many still see only one image of the country — that of war and loss — while its rich heritage and cultural vitality deserve greater recognition.

Crossing Kyiv offers an opportunity to present a broader cultural narrative to an international audience.

Our Mission

NO MAD, founded in Geneva in 2005 by Dominique Signoroni Kuroyanagi , explores contemporary culture in cities undergoing transformation, where political or economic instability often threatens artistic expression. Through publishing, exhibitions, videos, and collaborations, NO MAD connects and supports voices from the contemporary scene whose work deserves wider visibility.

With your help, we aim to highlight the Ukrainian cultural scene through Crossing Kyiv, an international publication dedicated to bringing contemporary Ukrainian culture into the global spotlight.

The project seeks to deepen awareness of Ukraine’s dynamic and innovative creative scene, encouraging exchange and understanding beyond the context of war.

About the Project

An initiative of NO MAD (Geneva), an independent platform exploring contemporary creativity worldwide, developed in collaboration with the association Design4Ukraine (Kyiv). Crossing Kyiv is supported by the Canada–Ukraine Foundation , reflecting a shared vision to celebrate and promote contemporary Ukrainian culture.

The publication brings together essays and interviews with leading Ukrainian artists, designers, architects, fashion designers, intellectuals, and critics, tracing how their work engages with the country’s recent transformations. Their contributions offer deeply personal insights into resilience, creative expression, and the evolving meanings of heritage in the face of today’s challenges.

The English-language publication will be printed in Ukraine later this year, with a planned print run of up to 1,000 copies for international distribution. It will be launched through a series of special presentations dedicated to design, architecture, and graphic design — including events in Milan (during Design Week), Paris, and New York.

Crossing Kyiv is intended for an international readership of professionals and enthusiasts in art, design, architecture, and cultural studies, as well as cultural institutions and students. Distributed through specialized bookshops and international events, the publication aims to engage both expert and broader audiences with the contemporary Ukrainian scene.

How Your Contribution Will Help

We are grateful for the generous support already received from the Canada–Ukraine Foundation , which covers part of the printing and design costs.
However, additional funding is essential to complete the publication and fairly compensate our Ukrainian collaborators — who represent more than 90% of our team — for their work in writing, editing, translation, design, and coordination.

Your contribution will directly help us bring Crossing Kyiv to life and share it internationally, ensuring this collective effort is completed and distributed with dignity and care.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zGRkcXKu79M

The Impact of Your Support

With your help, these voices — long present yet not fully recognized — will reach far beyond Ukraine’s borders, carrying a message of true Ukrainian identity, culture, and strength.

As a thank-you to our supporters, all donors will receive the digital PDF edition of Crossing Kyiv once the publication is released.

Supporters who wish to contribute at a higher level — from €100 or more — may request a printed copy of the publication. We will contact these donors individually to arrange delivery according to their location.

Stay Engaged

We invite you to follow the journey of Crossing Kyiv as the publication takes shape.
Supporters will be updated throughout the process, and the launch will be accompanied by talks, presentations, and exhibitions that extend the conversation beyond the printed page.

It’s time for the world to see beyond the war — to witness the strength, beauty, and creativity that define Ukraine today.