ENGTwo Kyiv nightclubs on changing gears to survive full-scale war in Ukraine

Many Ukrainian clubs and other cultural establishments have shifted gears since 24 February. During the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, bars, clubs and other establishments put aside their main role – entertainment – and started helping the volunteers and the military.

The Village Ukraine spoke with Closer and Arsenal XXII about volunteering, the role of cultural establishments during the war and their plans for the future.

A couple weeks into the full-scale invasion, Closer started cooking food for volunteers and people in need. The club’s premises on Nyzhnoiurkivska Street were used by volunteers as a warehouse for medicines and food; it also offered its premises for tactical medicine training courses.

Volunteers wove camouflage nets in the smoking room and later organized a fundraiser to purchase equipment and a car for the military. They painted the car khaki right there, in the club’s courtyard.

Meanwhile, anti-tank obstacles and stoves were being welded in Closer’s workshop.

Though countless line-ups at Closer featured international artists, since 24 February it’s been much harder to bring acts from outside Ukraine to the club. But the club is happy to discover new Ukrainian musicians; friends of the club who remained in Ukraine also have the opportunity to play there more often now.

Each of Closer’s musicians-in-residence who left Ukraine as a result of the full-scale war has been sent one handle of a ship wheel: the wheel used to decorate Lesnoy Prichal [the name of one of the venues operating as part of Closer - ed.]. These 12 handles are meant to “symbolize unity,” though the artists were given an opportunity to paint and decorate each of their handles individually; Closer hopes to use the project for future promotional campaigns.

“We did this because we are certain that all of these people will be back very soon, before the summer season begins, and we will be able to re-assemble our colourful ship wheel,” Closer’s staff hope.

“Lately foreigners have started coming to the club. Two international artists came to support us on our ninth birthday,” Serhii Vel says.

Serhii Vel explains that because many of Closer’s residents ended up abroad after 24 February, they didn’t have any trouble organizing events. He notes that a record number of people attended the European nightclub which co-hosted Closer’s first event outside of Ukraine.

On 25 November, Closer hosted a joint event with Sazamtro, a nightclub in Georgia, with Vova Klk, Shakolin, Beqa, Zurkin and others performing. Entry was free for anyone from Ukraine. Closer is organizing a 48-hour rave in Berlin’s Zenner to celebrate the New Year. Ukrainian artists Koloah, Jana Woodstock, Lobanov K, Timur Basha, and others, are set to perform.

Take, for example, Na Chasi (Timely), Closer’s wartime festival, which aims to help Ukrainian artists “stay afloat” during the full-scale war. The festival takes place every month and involves performances; markets; contemporary arts exhibitions; talks and lectures about music, urban planning, and psychology; tattoo salons; and acoustic and electronic music performances.

“We have launched Strichkotkatska Fabrika (Ribbon Weaving Factory), an NGO, to pool together resources and finances and to give these artists an opportunity to express themselves and bring some joy to the wider population,” Serhii Vel says.

Closer continues to regularly hold cultural events on Nyzhnoiurkuvska Street even despite the rolling blackouts. Everything has changed since 24 February: international guests are met at the rail station instead of the airport; preparation for events entails access to a power generator.

“We meet every week to make plans for the next couple of weeks. We assess the outcomes of the previous events and share money with the organizations we support if we made a profit,” Serhii Vel tells the Village Ukraine.

Closer’s plans for the future remain the same: to return to normal life and to put on events with their favorite music and lots of dancing.

“Like everyone else, in the beginning of the full-scale invasion we started thinking how Arsenal XXII, with all of its space, could help the country,” Denys Pinchuk, co-founder of Arsenal XXII and the Vohnyk bar, tells The Village Ukraine.

He adds that at first they wanted to set up an information hub and work with volunteers. But they failed to obtain a permission for it since the club is located close to the Government Quarter. “The location where we are based has certain rules,” Denys Pinchuk says. Though later they were able to “find a compromise” with the Kyiv City Military Administration.

“From the very beginning, we were supporting our team: some of our guys and girls are now on the front,” the club’s founder says.

Arsenal XXII is also supporting Poryad Ukraine, a charitable foundation, and Obiimy, a volunteer organization. “We helped the District One foundation raise money to restore the roof of a school in Hostomel,” Pinchuk adds.

“Is an event that takes place between 19:00 and 21:30 really a party? It’s just an opportunity to meet people. To say hello. To move around a bit,” Denys contemplates.

He says that his team members are constantly stressed, but continue working on developing Ukraine’s culture and “sharing much-needed warmth with the guests.”

“This place helps us not lose our minds. Right now it’s important to be able to switch things up, not to constantly exist in this oppressive information flow. You have to take breaks. To go to parties, meet your friends, embrace, exchange warmth [...] The daily agenda is devastating and sad. That’s why our special mission right now is to be a source of moral support, to help people stay sane,” Pinchuk says of Arsenal XXII’s mission.

Pinchuk says that he’s glad the rest of the clubs are also working:

International guests made up a large share of the crowd at Arsenal XXII and many other Kyiv clubs. Arsenal XXII decided to support the local clubbing scene while foreigners are staying away from Ukraine. Now Ukrainian artists get to headline events; Arsenal XXII is also using its label Khvylia (Wave) to showcase new talent. “During tough times, when a door is shut somewhere, a window opens somewhere else. This is a good opportunity for young Ukrainians,” Pinchuk believes.

The club’s short-term goals include supporting its team and guests, and continuing its work despite the circumstances, he says. At the moment, the club is seeing “a financial dissonance: there’s less profits and investments, but the prices have gone up. And it’s difficult to explain why people have to be paid less but work more.”

Nonetheless, the club is making the most of where they’ve found themselves: “Only one thing is certain: support those you love – venues, artists, events. Everyone’s struggling right now, but together we can overcome everything that comes our way, including this war.”