In Lviv, the Light and Sound Art Installation 'Ivan Vakarchuk's Memory Formula' Debuts

Unveiling the 'Memory Formula' Art Installation in Lviv

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On September 9, 2026, the city of Lviv witnessed the premiere of the light and sound installation titled 'Memory Formula. Ivan Vakarchuk' in Ivan Franko Park. The event brought together family members, friends, colleagues, students of Ivan Vakarchuk, local officials, university representatives, and members of the cultural and scientific communities. This installation marks the symbolic first step toward establishing a cultural and artistic memorial space dedicated to Ivan Vakarchuk, an initiative strongly supported by the Lviv City Council and the Ivan Vakarchuk Foundation.

Ivan Vakarchuk served as the rector of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv during 1990–2007 and 2010–2013, and held the position of Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science from 2007 to 2010. Honored as a Hero of Ukraine and recognized as a distinguished university professor, his legacy continues to inspire. The installation, crafted by renowned light designer and artist Mykola Kabluka, lasted about three minutes. It featured dynamic light flows, scientific formulas, and symbolic imagery projected onto the tree canopies. The finale was a vibrant display of pulsating light, symbolizing enduring memory.

Gratitude and Future Plans by the Ivan Vakarchuk Foundation

The event’s musical backdrop was provided by 'Nights and Days' by the band Okean Elzy-one of Ivan Vakarchuk’s favorite songs. Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, lead singer of Okean Elzy and Ivan’s son, expressed heartfelt thanks to Mykola Kabluka and his creative team for the installation.

'My father was one of the rare individuals whose impact on history will far outlive his, unfortunately brief, physical life. I could speak at length about Ivan Vakarchuk because I loved him deeply. I was lucky to have him not only as a father but also as a friend. He is the person I miss the most today,' - Sviatoslav Vakarchuk.

The Ivan Vakarchuk Foundation brings together scientists, educators, cultural figures, activists, and business leaders. Its initiatives include:

• Publishing a memoir book about Ivan Vakarchuk,
• Establishing a scholarship in his name for young scientists, students, and postgraduates,
• Holding an annual scientific conference,
• Creating a dedicated cultural and artistic memorial space in Lviv.

In August 2026, the Lviv City Council officially approved the creation of this memorial space and launched an architectural competition. By September 2026, 25 participants had already submitted their proposals. Lviv’s Mayor, Andriy Sadovyi, emphasized, 'Our goal is to select the best team to design this installation. With 25 submissions so far, and expecting many more, we encourage sharing this opportunity globally to attract top architectural talents. We aim to create an extraordinary space honoring Ivan Vakarchuk.'

The memorial will be situated centrally in Lviv, on a former flowerbed in Ivan Franko Park, close to the university where Vakarchuk served as rector. This project represents a significant step in preserving the memory of an influential figure whose work deeply shaped Ukraine’s education and cultural landscape.

The launch of the 'Memory Formula' installation and the plans for the cultural memorial highlight the importance of commemorating Ivan Vakarchuk’s contributions to education and science in Ukraine. These efforts foster community engagement and cultural participation, reflecting a strong societal commitment to preserving historical legacy. Such initiatives also have the potential to invigorate the region’s cultural life and boost Lviv’s reputation as a key center for education and the arts.

The recent unveiling of the 'Memory Formula' installation in Lviv echoes similar artistic initiatives across Ukraine, such as the recent light installation at the Motherland Monument in Kyiv. These projects not only celebrate cultural icons but also serve as poignant reminders of the nation's rich history and resilience. To explore how these installations contribute to the collective memory and cultural landscape of Ukraine, read more about the new light installation in Kyiv.