Helmets of Heart is an empowering initiative that has evolved from the visionary efforts of the Rebuild Ukraine Hackathon.
The concept was born late in 2023, when the Rebuild Ukraine Hackathon team envisioned importing damaged military helmets from Ukrainian soldiers to Canada. Ukrainian-Canadian artists would then transform these into evocative artworks, auctioned to support the Ukrainian military, honoring the resilience, freedom, and valor of Ukrainian soldiers. However, faced with government restrictions on exporting military gear, the team pivoted to engaging artists in Ukraine.
This pivot turned out to be even more impactful, as it allowed us to financially support Ukrainian artists during a difficult time of war. We commissioned them to paint the helmets in Ukraine and then export them to Canada as artwork, bypassing the restrictions. This shift not only preserved the project’s authenticity and impact but also provided crucial support to Ukrainian artists on the ground.
GLOBAL ART, LOCAL ARTS:
EXPANDING HELMETS OF HEART
Plans are underway to engage art and cultural groups worldwide, encouraging them to participate in this cause. With a new website and Instagram profile, Helmets of Heart aims to display these helmets, both real and 3D printed, painted by diverse artists globally, thereby fostering a widespread cultural connection to Ukraine’s vibrant resilience.
THE INITIATIVE
1
ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY
Activate Ukrainian and global communities through art programs and social groups to participate in helmet painting, providing resources and showcasing their work online.
2
PROMOTE AWARENESS & SOLIDARITY
Highlight the art and stories behind each helmet to educate the public about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the heroism of its soldiers.
3
AUTHENTIC ARTIFACTS
Collaborate with the Ukrainian military to source real helmets, offering artists meaningful canvases that reflect true stories of valor.
4
FUNDRAISING THROUGH ART
Auction painted helmets to support Ukrainian children’s charities and the military, ensuring a significant portion of proceeds aids these causes.
PARTICIPANTS
Helmets of Hearts collaborates closely with Rebuild Ukraine Hackathon and entities like SUNNY! Events & Arts and Children of Chernihiv. As visibility increases, we anticipate forming partnerships across the globe, harnessing a simple yet profound model of artistic expression through painted helmets, whether 3D printed or real.
