NEWS AND VIEWS: The Ukrainian Museum: embarking on a new path requires our support (02/25/96)

NEWS AND VIEWS

The Ukrainian Museum: embarking on a new path requires our support

by Marta Baczynsky

All our yesterdays meander through our lives today and will inevitably become more precious tomorrow, for what was helps us become what we aspire to be.

Among the number of respected institutions that work to preserve and protect the Ukrainian identity in the United States, The Ukrainian Museum in New York City is close to the top of the list, having pursued a policy of "gentle persuasion" toward that end, utilizing the vast resources of the cultural legacy of the Ukrainian people. For almost 20 years the museum has been a showcase for our unique, rich and venerable culture, allowing others to see us as its proud heirs.

Bold or glowing rhetoric, however, cannot hide the fact that the intense work engaged in by the museum for almost two decades now was carried out in small and confining premises. Two small floors in a typical New York brownstone serve as exhibition galleries, and house a collection's storage, a gift shop, and a cramped office space for its dedicated staff.

In 1976, when the Museum opened and its collections and agenda were on a moderate scale, these facilities for its work and presentations were adequate. With time, fired with success in its work and recognized by its peers and the general public as a dynamic institution with great potential, The Ukrainian museum readily evoked enthusiasm in the Ukrainian American community, which rallied to uphold its purpose and goals.

Trust, that precious commodity, was earned by the museum through steadfast professionalism in every facet of its operations. Thus, the collections grew, and exhibitions were mounted more often and with more varied subjects. Lack of space steadily became a very serious problem.

Measuring the success of the museum by its work and by the community support it received, as well as looking into the future in terms of expansion and growth, the museum's Board of Trustees had purchased a large commercial facility in 1985 with the aim of rebuilding it into a modern, representative museum building. The structure is located on East Sixth Street, between Second and Third Avenues in New York City, in an area that for many years now has been experiencing revitalization and renewal (e.g., development of the art district of SoHo), while the street on which the future new museum building will be situated, will soon see the erection of a multi-story residential complex with all upscale conveniences.

The Ukrainian Museum is now engaged in a rebuilding project on the site. The board of trustees has engaged architect George Sawicki of Greenfield, Sawicki, Tarella Architects, P.C., for the project, which it is estimated will cost between $3.5 million and $4 million, and is scheduled for completion in 1997.

Fund-raising is a major concern and activity at the present. The generosity of the community has yielded $2 million as of the end of 1995, but much work lies ahead.

The "Thousand Dollar Club", a new feature of the museum's fund-raising campaign, solicits donations of $1,000 or more to the Building Fund, with the immediate reward of having one's name permanently acknowledged in the new museum building.

Why is the "Thousand Dollar Club" such an important vehicle for helping fund the museum rebuilding project? There are several reasons: a) in today's economy, the sum of $1,000 falls into a category that represents serious money, yet is feasible for many people who wish to participate in supporting this project; b) a contribution of $1,000 will secure permanent recognition for the donor; c) there are approximately 1.5 million Ukrainians in the United States - if only about one-fourth of a percent of this number of people (3,250) each donated $1,000 to the Building Fund, the project would be financially secure without accruing high-interest loans to guarantee its completion.

The "Thousand Dollar Club" fund-raising promotion was initiated in December 1995 through a direct-mail campaign; to date the response is gratifying. Many people, unable to donate the entire sum in one package, have pledged it in installments.

Ukrainians are most generous, but today many of us are strapped financially regarding our commitments to the various causes and charities we want to support - in Ukraine, and within our immediate and greater communities. Many causes and concerns touch our hearts and our conscience, others speak to our intellect and sense of duty.

The Ukrainian Museum responds to many emotions as well as to our sense of responsibility. The museum has a broad impact on Ukrainian life in the United States because through its work (exhibitions, traveling exhibits, publications, educational programs) our non-Ukrainian neighbors and fellow Americans know who we are, where we have come from, and why.

The museum's reputation for professionalism and excellent work, and the acknowledgment of these virtues by federal and state funding agencies through the support they provide, strengthens the Ukrainian community, giving it a sense of pride that we can stand on par with other institutions in the highly competitive world of the arts. The museum gives our young people the opportunity to learn, see and appreciate the achievements of their forefathers and the impetus to carry forward the traditions of their heritage.

The Ukrainian Museum needs support in this most important undertaking - the building of a new, modern, representative museum facility. It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure that our image, our "face" - the cultural legacy that our grandparents and parents brought to this country from their villages, towns and cities in Ukraine - is presented not just adequately, but in the best circumstances, in the best environment. In whatever numbers the previous and current work of the Museum may be counted, whatever accomplishments were and are being made, in its new spacious surroundings much more can be achieved.

The Ukrainian Museum Building Fund-Raising Committee urges everyone in our communities throughout this great country to pitch in, become a member of the "Thousand Dollar Club" and help us realize this great undertaking. (Donations may be sent to: The Ukrainian Museum, 203 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003.)

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