In times when Ukraine defends its identity and future, the role of culture and art gains particular significance. They become not only a source of inspiration but also a powerful tool in the battle for hearts and minds on the international stage. It is during this crucial time that Ukrainian entrepreneur and founder of the FAVBET group of companies, Andrii Matiukha, demonstrates how private capital can become a driving force for cultural revival and the country’s promotion worldwide.
Known primarily as a successful businessman, Andrii Matiukha has long established himself as a consistent patron and public figure. Through the activities of his namesake charitable foundation, established in 2025, as well as the Favbet Foundation, he supports systemic changes in healthcare, defense and rehabilitation, veteran reintegration, education, and sports. However, his contribution to the cultural sphere deserves special attention, as it is here that his support transforms into crucial backing for Ukrainian artists and a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy.
From Trenches to the Oscars: Supporting Ukrainian Cinema
A striking example of how private initiative can support the country’s cultural foundation was Andrii Matiukha’s support for the film “We Were Recruits.” The film by director Lyubomyr Levytskyi, which tells the story of fighters from the Third Separate Assault Brigade, was created without government funding. Thanks to patronage assistance, the film not only came to light but also made it to the shortlist of the Ukrainian Oscar Committee, competing for nomination in the “Best International Feature Film” category of the Academy Awards. This project proves that patriotic and quality cinema can find support outside state institutions, bringing the truth about Ukraine’s struggle to a global audience.
Art That Unites: International Projects and Cultural Diplomacy
The activities of the Andrii Matiukha Foundation extend beyond Ukraine, creating strong cultural ties with international partners. A landmark event was the foundation’s participation in the art project ORIGAMI for UKRAINE. An impressive installation of 5,000 metallized paper birds, symbolizing hope and unity, was created on the facade of the Kyiv History Museum.
The project, authored by renowned Belgian designer Charles Kaisin, who has collaborated with giants such as Hermès and Rolls-Royce, brought together the city halls of Kyiv and Brussels, several European foundations, and the Andrii Matiukha Foundation. Importantly, children from the Kyiv Palace of Youth participated in creating the installation, becoming a symbol of involving the new generation in cultural dialogue.
“When art becomes an instrument of help, it gains new meaning. This is exactly what we saw in ORIGAMI for UKRAINE. That’s why support from our foundation was sincere and logical,” the Foundation notes.
Andrii Matiukha himself emphasizes the unique power of art: “In an hour when the country is fighting for life and freedom, such symbols as origami birds have enormous significance. They don’t just decorate—they speak. This is a message: we are not alone. And we are grateful that we can be part of it.”
Decolonization of Cultural Space
In addition to large-scale art projects, the foundation pays attention to publishing. In 2023, at Andrii Matiukha’s initiative, a Ukrainian translation of the biography of legendary Croatian footballer and former Shakhtar Donetsk captain Darijo Srna was published. This project is part of a broader strategy aimed at establishing Ukrainian narratives in sports and culture, displacing ideologies imposed in the past.
Andrii Matiukha: Systematic Approach and Vision for the Future
Andrii Matiukha’s activities in the cultural sphere are not isolated actions but part of systematic work. His foundations operate in several key directions:
- Systematic support for Ukraine during wartime
- Rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans
- Development of children’s sports
- Educational projects
- Assistance to medicine
Such an approach demonstrates that for the businessman, charity is not simply an act of goodwill but “an instrument for transforming the future.” By developing partnerships between business, the state, and civil society, Andrii Matiukha creates an effective model where private capital transforms into public goods.
The main goal that Andrii Matiukha sets for himself is to contribute to the formation of a new generation of Ukrainians who grow up in an educated environment. And it is culture that plays one of the key roles in this process, becoming a strong pillar for the entire nation.
