Fire Station Creative - Ukrainian Photographic Exhibition
Visitors viewing the portraits in the gallery.
Carnegie Dunfermline Trust Supported ‘Home From Home’ Photographic Exhibition
The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust was pleased to support Fire Station Creative (FSC) with a grant of £600 to help deliver the powerful photographic exhibition Home From Home. The exhibition formed one half of the joint showcase Icons of War, Faces in Exile, which brought together two artistic responses to the experiences of Ukrainians displaced by the ongoing conflict: a series of intimate photographic portraits and a collection of Orthodox icons painted on ammunition boxes.
A Powerful Exploration of Identity, Displacement, and Belonging
The Home From Home exhibition, created by photographer Olena Cheban, documented the lives of Ukrainians who had arrived in Scotland after the escalation of war in Ukraine. Through compelling portraits and personal stories, the exhibition explored themes of adaptation, community, resilience, and the idea of what “home” means after displacement.
The public response was incredibly strong. The exhibition welcomed approximately:
350 visitors per week
66 attendees at the preview event
A total of 1,460 visitors
This level of engagement demonstrated the deep interest within the Dunfermline community in understanding and connecting with the experiences of Ukrainian refugees now living in Fife.
A Bridge Between Scottish and Ukrainian Communities
We were moved by the profound impact the exhibition had on both Scottish visitors and members of the Ukrainian community. The Trust is proud to have supported a project that fostered empathy, cultural exchange and shared understanding - values deeply aligned with our charitable purpose.
The exhibition not only showcased artistic talent but also created space for dialogue, reflection, and meaningful human connection.
Statement from Photographer Olena Cheban
We were honoured to receive the following message from photographer Olena Cheban, whose work lay at the heart of the exhibition:
“I am very grateful to the Dunfermline Carnegie Trust and Fire Station Creative for supporting my photo project about Ukrainians who came to Scotland in connection with the full-scale war in Ukraine. This project was seen by many visitors to the exhibition, both local Scots and Ukrainians from the Ukrainian community in Fife.
I would like to say a big thank you to the Dunfermline Carnegie Trust for sponsoring the photo exhibition ‘Home From Home’ and for the opportunity to tell and show the life of Ukrainians in Scottish society — about the connections and support, about adaptation and a new home for Ukrainian refugees.
This important event became a bridge to a greater understanding and connection between Ukrainian and Scottish culture, with Ukrainians becoming part of society and making a positive contribution to different areas of life here in Scotland, Fife, Dunfermline. I believe that the implementation of this exhibition has lifted the curtain on Ukrainian life stories and helped us become closer and more understandable for the Scots. The exhibition united Ukrainians and Scots in their emotions and impressions.
I watched how people communicated at the exhibition, supported each other, created contacts and acquaintances, read stories, and how they touched them to the depths of their souls.
It is very important that Ukrainians are heard, seen, and that there are no barriers to mutual understanding—no language, cultural, or stereotypical barriers. I appreciate all the support that Dunfermline Carnegie Trust and Fire Station Creative have given to this exhibition.”
A Meaningful Contribution to Community Understanding
The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust was proud to help bring Home From Home to the public. The exhibition offered a thoughtful and moving portrayal of the Ukrainian community’s journey - one that resonated deeply with visitors and strengthened the bonds between cultures.
We extend our thanks to Olena Cheban and Fire Station Creative for their dedication to this meaningful project.