A STRIKING sculpture to raise awareness of the war in Ukraine has arrived in Bournemouth.
The art installation, ‘I Want to Live’, has been created by artist Dan Barton in collaboration with Peter Naylor, and depicts a soldier leading a mother and her two children to safety.
It will be in the Triangle in Bournemouth town centre until April 5.
Mr Barton, founder of community project Standing with Giants, said the installation aims to continue to raise awareness of the war in Ukraine.
“We’ve created this installation to highlight the futility of war and to try and raise awareness to say we need to keep on the fundraising to send aid out via these amazing groups, like Ukraine Relief here in Bournemouth,” Mr Barton said.
“They’re doing amazing work to send out aid, they get it straight to the people that need it within 48 hours.”
The installation has featured in Oxford and Salisbury before coming to Bournemouth.
“It’s really hoping that the people that are based in this area that are Ukrainian might come along and use it to help fundraise,” Mr Barton said.
“In Salisbury they had a food market of Ukrainian food, selling various produce to help raise funds for their hub.
“Here they’ll raise funds for Ukraine Relief, in Southampton it may be something else, and then something else at each town along the coast as we go along towards Dover.”
Karol Swiacki, founder of Ukraine Relief, described how the statue came to Bournemouth and the charity’s involvement.
“Dan contacted us because he knows about our charity, so he chose us to be representatives for this lovely statue,” he said.
“We’ll combine our efforts together, they’ve put the statue and we’ll advertise as much as we can to give the people a shout about what we do, why it is important to support Ukraine every day.”
BCP Council and the Bournemouth Town Centre BID have been instrumental in bringing the installation to the Triangle.
Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and vibrant places, said: “Contemporary art is provocative, and this installation really drives home the trauma faced by the Ukrainian people.
“I encourage everyone to make time to see this dramatic artwork and continue to support our Ukrainian friends.”
Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “This thought-provoking sculpture is another great way for the town to show solidarity with Ukraine.
“It forms an important part of the wider, ambitious cultural offering for Bournemouth and will be a great utilisation of the community space at the Triangle.”
Ukraine Relief will be hosting an event at the sculpture this weekend.
For more information on Standing With Giants and Ukraine Relief, visit: https://www.standingwithgiants.co.uk/ or https://www.ukrainerelief.org.uk/
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