Nadace Karel Komárek Family Foundation
PROJECT ARK

Protecting Ukrainian Culture in a Time of War

In response to the devastating loss of over 400 cultural sites – including libraries, museums, and churches – since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ark is an ambitious multi-stage project that aims to preserve Ukraine’s rich cultural history for future generations. The first Ark vehicle is set to deploy in the autumn of 2024.

ARK FOR UKRAINE

Preserving Heritage on the Frontlines

Project Ark develops and deploys mobile safeguarding vehicles
for the preservation and digitization of culturally significant documents and books. The three vehicles, Ark I, Ark II, and Ark III, will be navigated by a team of trained experts, featuring real-time tracking and advanced security systems. State-of-the-art technological components and security features will be combined with deep community engagement, involving Ukrainian institutions, local communities, and international experts to prioritize 
and protect cultural assets.

ARK I – Mobile Preservation Unit

ARK I, a mobile preservation unit, is designed for emergency interventions and on-site restorations of collections of Ukrainian libraries, including books and manuscripts, select documents, and written heritage in general. The workplace can be extended to include shelters outside the container and some activities can be carried out outside the mobile unit.

ARK II – Mobile Digitization Unit for 2D Objects

Digitization helps preserve and share important documents that are at risk; equipment for such a workplace will include scanners, computer units, software to process and manage scanned data, portable storage, air conditioning and external backup power.

ARK III - Mobile Digitization Unit 
for 3D Objects

Ark III will enable the digitization of smaller artefacts found in endangered museums and galleries across Ukraine. The unit combines a rescue and digitization site along with a compact mobile unit that can be quickly deployed.

A Model for Global Cultural Preservation

The Ark project for Ukraine not only helps safeguard Ukrainian heritage but also serves as a model for cultural preservation in other conflict zones around the globe. Showcasing the power of public-private partnerships, the initiative emphasizes the critical importance of protecting cultural heritage, which is too often an afterthought in times of war.

Building on a Legacy of Support

Project Ark builds on the Czech Republic’s unwavering support of Ukraine and its people. With future plans to expand and innovate, Ark aims to draw in other institutions, businesses, civil society organizations, and private individuals to take action.

News

A Milestone in Strengthening Bonds to Protect Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage

October 23 | A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed today at the National Library of the Czech Republic to formalize a partnership between the National Library of the Czech Republic, the Yaroslav Mudryi National Library of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Library Association. The agreement marks the transfer of Ark I – a mobile conservation unit designed to protect and restore Ukraine’s cultural heritage amid Russia’s war and ongoing occupation.

Helping Ukraine Preserve Cultural Heritage through 
the ARK Project

September 20 | Lviv – The Karel Komárek Family Foundation (KKFF), a leading Czech charity, in partnership with the "Supporting Ukrainian Culture" initiative, a joint project of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the Czech Committee of ICOM (International Council of Museums) to help to preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage amid ongoing war. In partnership with the National Preserve Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the scope of the ARK project was officially expanded at the Institute for Cultural Strategy in Lviv yesterday. The Initiative is being realized under the patronage of the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic.

Our partners

About Us

The Ark project is a joint initiative of the Karel Komárek Family Foundation (KKFF), MND, and entrepreneur Libor Winkler, in collaboration with the Czech Ministry of Culture, the Czech National Library, The National Museum of the Czech Republic, among others. Project Ark aims to draw in other institutions, businesses, civil society organizations, and private individuals to take action.

About the Karel Komárek Family Foundation

The Karel Komárek Family Foundation, founded by Czech entrepreneur Karel Komárek and his wife Štěpánka, is dedicated to supporting cultural, educational, and social projects that have a lasting impact on society. A key focus of the foundation is the development andrevitalization of public spaces, transforming parks, school gardens, and other communal areas into vibrant, functional places that strengthen community ties. By combining construction and landscaping with cultural and educational activities, the foundation fosters environments that encourage dialogue, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire creativity, making these spaces vital hubs for community life.

Cultural Commitment

The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the Czech Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM CZ) are supporting efforts to protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage and mitigate the destruction of the war. Project Ark is realized under the direct patronage of the Czech Minister of Culture Martin Baxa and his deputy Ondřej Chrást who, together with ICOM CZ President Gina Renotière, initiated and prepared this initiative in cooperation with Ukrainian partners.

Contacts

If you would like more information about our project or have any media-related inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're happy to provide details and answer any questions you may have.

PROJECT MANAGER

Tereza Sobotová

[email protected]

PR & MEDIA

Lukáš Pfauser

[email protected]