Riga to Host 'Ukraine’s DNA: 100 Days on the Road' Photo Exhibition Supporting Children in Lviv

Launch of the 'Ukraine’s DNA: 100 Days on the Road' Photo Exhibition

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On October 14, 2026, the open-air Photo Gallery next to the Origo shopping center in Riga will unveil a compelling photo exhibition titled 'Ukraine’s DNA: 100 Days on the Road.' This project was created by the Latvian family of travel journalists known as 'Četri ceļo gardi.' The exhibition aims to raise funds for rehabilitation equipment for children at the UNBROKEN center in Lviv. The opening ceremony begins at 3:00 PM and will feature a cultural program including Ukrainian music performances and traditional cuisine.

About the Exhibition

This exhibition presents the experience of over 100 days that the journalist family, led by Jānis Grandāns, spent traveling across Ukraine. Their journey included visits to numerous cities and regions such as:

• Kyiv
• Lviv
• Odesa
• Vinnytsia
• Chernivtsi
• Kamianets-Podilskyi
• The Carpathian Mountains

Throughout their travels, they produced more than 50 journalistic pieces highlighting various aspects of Ukraine. In August 2025, Jānis Grandāns and his son embarked on a charitable cycling journey covering 1,600 kilometers from Riga to Odesa. The following year, the family completed a 250-kilometer trek along the Camino Podolico route in the Podillia region. Jānis is currently working on a book titled 'Mission: Unbreakabl,' documenting their Ukrainian travels.

Funds raised during the exhibition will support the purchase of rehabilitation equipment for children at the UNBROKEN center, in partnership with the charitable platform Ziedot.lv. The opening event will be attended by notable officials, including:

• Latvia’s Foreign Minister, Baiba Braže
• Representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy in Latvia
• Officials from the Riga City Council
• Ruta Dimanta, head of Ziedot.lv
• Ervins Ozoliņš, COO of Origo shopping center

The artistic program will showcase performances by Ukrainian singer Artem Basov, the dance group Stepovichka, and bandura player Odarka Leleko. Guests will also have the chance to savor authentic Ukrainian borscht. The outdoor photo gallery near Origo has served as a public cultural venue for over a decade, fostering greater appreciation of Ukrainian culture in Latvia.

The exhibition is organized by Destination Ukraine, a nonprofit founded by Jānis Grandāns. This organization focuses on strengthening ties between Ukraine and the Baltic states by promoting Ukrainian tourism, cultural projects, and media initiatives. It also supports partnerships between Ukrainian businesses and counterparts in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Additionally, Destination Ukraine is assembling the first portfolio of Ukrainian producers aimed at entering Baltic markets and expanding connections to Scandinavian countries.

Admission to the exhibition’s opening is free, inviting everyone to participate in this cultural event and contribute to the charitable cause.

The 'Ukraine’s DNA: 100 Days on the Road' exhibition not only celebrates the richness of Ukrainian culture but also highlights the crucial role of international cooperation in charity efforts. The fundraising for children’s rehabilitation equipment in Lviv underscores ongoing support for Ukrainian healthcare initiatives amid current challenges.

As the art community in Riga prepares for the opening of the 'Ukraine’s DNA: 100 Days on the Road' exhibition, it's worth noting the recent interactive exhibit in Lviv that celebrates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. This event highlights the growing appreciation for Ukrainian culture and history, making the upcoming exhibition even more significant in fostering support for children in need.