One Year of Ark I Operations: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in Numbers

In the first twelve months, Ark I achieved significant results; more than 1,150 historical items were treated and over 27,400 pages of documents were stabilised. Alongside direct collection care, knowledge sharing is also a key part of the project. More than 270 staff members of Ukrainian memory institutions completed professional training.

The work based on their needs is carried out in close cooperation with specific institutions. For example, at the Kherson Regional Scientific Library the team worked on 30 to 35 newspaper volumes. In partner collections, it treated more than 70 archival documents and processed more than 260 historical books. Ark I therefore functions as more than just one off assistance, but further as a tool with strong innovative potential that strengthens the long‑term ability of local professionals to safeguard cultural heritage under changing conditions.

Field experience in Odesa

In an interview, Iryna Biriuková, Director of the Library in Odesa, speaks about how Ark I operates and what the team has learned in the field. She describes how Ark I is now fully integrated into the institution’s day to day operations and how it significantly speeds up and improves the accuracy of work with damaged documents, even in crisis conditions. In the interview, Biriuková also highlighted the importance of international cooperation.

You can read the full interview here.

Quote block photo credit: Iryna Biriuková’s social media