Cultural services’ sphere in Ukraine: state and challenges in the context of war

The cultural services sphere in Ukraine plays a crucial role in preserving national identity, fostering creativity, and ensuring societal resilience. However, the full-scale war has posed unprecedented challenges to its functioning and development. The ongoing destruction of cultural infrastructure, financial instability, and transformations in public demand for cultural services highlight the need for comprehensive analysis and strategic planning. The purpose of the paper is to examine the current state and key challenges of the cultural services sector in wartime Ukraine, and to outline possible directions for its recovery, adaptation, and sustainable development in the post-conflict context. The war has caused widespread damage to cultural institutions, with thousands of objects destroyed or under threat. Public funding for culture has declined, limiting institutional capacity, especially at the local level. International aid, while important, remains inconsistent and difficult to access. At the same time, significant shifts in cultural demand have been observed: increased interest in patriotic content, trauma-related artistic expression, and psychological support through art. Surveys indicate a growing need for cultural services that offer emotional support, facilitate collective reflection, and promote community cohesion. Cultural institutions have rapidly adapted by digitalising services, enhancing online presence, and introducing new formats of interaction with audiences, including displaced persons and communities near frontline areas. The development of virtual museums, online performances, and mobile cultural units illustrates this transformation. Despite serious challenges, the cultural sector has demonstrated resilience, creativity, and proactive engagement in strengthening national unity. Cultural workers often act as mediators of memory and healing, supporting recovery at both individual and collective levels. Strategic priorities for the future include restoring infrastructure, diversifying funding sources, responding to evolving public needs, strengthening digital tools, supporting professional capacity, and fostering international cooperation to ensure inclusive access to culture and preserve Ukraine’s cultural heritage under threat.