KYIV WHALE
Transforming Plastic Waste into Smart Media Art for Inclusive Urban Regeneration
🐋 Kyiv Whale Eco Hubs
a project supported by PartArt4OW
We are pleased to announce that Kyiv Whale is implementing the Kyiv Whale Eco Hubs initiative with the support of PartArt4OW - Participatory Art For Society Engagement with Ocean and Water.
This European project brings together art, science, and civic participation to strengthen society’s emotional connection with oceans and waters and to engage citizens in their protection and restoration. PartArt4OW began in September 2024 and runs for 30 months under the EU mission “Restore our Oceans and Waters by 2030.” The project is funded by Horizon Europe (GA No. 101157247) and supports selected Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs) across Europe through training, mentorship, and European-level visibility.
This European project brings together art, science, and civic participation to strengthen society’s emotional connection with oceans and waters and to engage citizens in their protection and restoration. PartArt4OW began in September 2024 and runs for 30 months under the EU mission “Restore our Oceans and Waters by 2030.” The project is funded by Horizon Europe (GA No. 101157247) and supports selected Participatory Art Initiatives (PAIs) across Europe through training, mentorship, and European-level visibility.
Why does this matter to us?
PartArt4OW’s approach - participatory art
PartArt4OW’s approach - participatory art
The way to work with aquatic ecosystems together with scientists, communities, and residents. This framework aligns perfectly with Kyiv Whale’s philosophy: creating change through collective action, research, and care for water bodies. Within Kyiv Whale Eco Hubs, we will focus on:
We are grateful to our PartArt4OW partners for their trust and support and are already working on the programme of upcoming activities. Follow our announcements on the website and on our social media — dates for the first events and ways to get involved will be published soon.
- open workshops and micro-labs by the water;
- community-building events involving residents, ecologists, and artists;
- field walks/observations and documentation of local water stories;
- the creation of artistic formats that foster environmental responsibility and meaningful interaction with the waters of Kyiv and the region.
We are grateful to our PartArt4OW partners for their trust and support and are already working on the programme of upcoming activities. Follow our announcements on the website and on our social media — dates for the first events and ways to get involved will be published soon.
About Kyiv Whale
Kyiv Whale redefines urban sustainability by transforming plastic waste into Ukraine’s largest 12-meter smart media sculpture, merging circular economy, technology, education, and community action. The project proves sustainability can be beautiful, participatory, and innovative while fostering environmental awareness and behavioral change.
Kyiv Whale engaged over 2,000 people - students, activists, festival-goers, and NGOs - who collected plastic, participated in educational programs, and co-created the sculpture. A nationwide media campaign reached 120,000+ active participants and informed 1,000,000+ people, promoting circular thinking and sustainability practices.
The author of the progressive art object is Valeriy Korshunov, known for his social and cultural projects in Chornobyl.
Among them are "Sounds of Chornobyl", the largest digital sculpture in Ukraine “Chornobyl Light", which was made in the Exclusion Zone from the huge Soviet radar station Duga, a mural on the Chornobyl NPP building, the creation of the Volunteer Headquarters for the fires in Chornobyl in April 2020, etc.
Among them are "Sounds of Chornobyl", the largest digital sculpture in Ukraine “Chornobyl Light", which was made in the Exclusion Zone from the huge Soviet radar station Duga, a mural on the Chornobyl NPP building, the creation of the Volunteer Headquarters for the fires in Chornobyl in April 2020, etc.
Monitoring the water data
This map is Kyiv’s eco-pulse.
It makes invisible water stress visible.
Instead of showing only raw numbers, the heatmap highlights how close each monitoring point is to safe limits (TLV). This allows residents, schools and decision-makers to instantly see where river sections are under pressure.
Two data layers — water quality indicators and heavy metals — reveal different types of impact. Filters by year and parameter allow comparison over time.
The map combines official monitoring data and transparent methodology, making water quality understandable, comparable and open. It is not just a visualization — it is a shared evidence base for action.
It makes invisible water stress visible.
Instead of showing only raw numbers, the heatmap highlights how close each monitoring point is to safe limits (TLV). This allows residents, schools and decision-makers to instantly see where river sections are under pressure.
Two data layers — water quality indicators and heavy metals — reveal different types of impact. Filters by year and parameter allow comparison over time.
The map combines official monitoring data and transparent methodology, making water quality understandable, comparable and open. It is not just a visualization — it is a shared evidence base for action.
Kyiv Whale: Eco Pulse
Dnipro & Desna River Basin Monitoring (SaveEcoBot Data Layer)
Intensity / Concentration
Low High
SaveEcoBot Data Layer
This overlay visualizes data structures compatible with the SaveEcoBot Water Monitoring network. It focuses on the Dnipro River basin.
Monitoring Parameters
- Indicators: Dissolved Oxygen, BOD5, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, Sulfates, Chlorides, Suspended Matter
- Heavy Metals: Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc
- Basin: Dnipro River (Kyiv, Kaniv, Dnipro, Kherson)
Sample Station Record
{
"station_id": "4970",
"river": "Dnipro",
"parameter": "Ammonium ions",
"value": 0.18,
"unit": "mg/dm3"
}
Sea creature quiz art
This quiz was created for “Kyiv Whale” to introduce young people, in a light and playful way, to how marine and freshwater animals interact in aquatic environments. Through short questions, the user is guided into different behavioral scenarios and “roles” of various creatures (camouflage, cooperation, defense, hunting, communication). The final personalized 3D voxel character becomes a clear, tangible summary of that scenario—something you want to explore, discuss, and share—helping people better understand life underwater and feel a connection to the project’s theme.
Monitoring MAP
This interface transforms monitoring data into a clear visual experience.
Color-coded stations show current status at a glance, while detailed panels provide real values, regulatory limits and trend sparklines.
Instead of tables hidden in reports, the data becomes accessible to citizens, schools and local communities.
By making information transparent and easy to compare, the platform strengthens trust and supports informed decisions about river protection.
Color-coded stations show current status at a glance, while detailed panels provide real values, regulatory limits and trend sparklines.
Instead of tables hidden in reports, the data becomes accessible to citizens, schools and local communities.
By making information transparent and easy to compare, the platform strengthens trust and supports informed decisions about river protection.
Water Quality Monitoring (2025-2026)
Real-world data snapshot from SaveEcoBot. Select a station to view indicators.
Html code will be here
Facts
- IdeaThe project began 2 years before with the author's idea to create a modern public art object
- PlasticThe main material chosen was plastic from bottles, as it is one of the most common
- Involving the city community7 events were held to clean up Kyiv, public squares, the Lybid River, the Dnipro, etc. More than 2,000 volunteers were involved in the events
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Involvement of 25 schools in KyivKyiv schools joined the project and, even during quarantine, collected more than 1 ton of plastic! - Plastic panelswas made in Odessa at the production of plastic products from recycled materials
- BacklightInteractive lighting connected to air pollution sensors in Kyiv and displays the state of the environment
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Kita was presented on September 15, 2021The Kyiv Whale received the National Record for Ukraine in the nomination - the largest sculpture made of recycled plastic in Ukraine!
""A wonderful environmental initiative has been implemented. I'm talking about the "Kyiv Whale" - the largest sculpture in Ukraine made of recycled garbage by Valery Korshunov. This is a case when Kyiv residents, and not only, unite and create wonderful projects.
We went out to clean up 7 times, that is, we made the capital cleaner. 25 schools sorted garbage, that is, even more teenagers will know and think about ecology. In addition, a unique modern art object has appeared in Kyiv. Unique and useful, because it will depict the ecological state of the city using air monitoring systems.
I am proud that the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, whose work is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, supported the implementation of this environmental project.
Of course, the experience of cooperation between the public and two ministries - Culture and Information Policy and Environmental Protection and Natural Resources - is not unique. But I am sure that by developing such cooperation, supporting such projects, we will be able to really achieve progress in on any issue. In particular, through culture to popularize an ecological lifestyle, etc.
So, I invite everyone to admire the Kyiv Whale near the 11th pavilion of VDNH.""
Source
We went out to clean up 7 times, that is, we made the capital cleaner. 25 schools sorted garbage, that is, even more teenagers will know and think about ecology. In addition, a unique modern art object has appeared in Kyiv. Unique and useful, because it will depict the ecological state of the city using air monitoring systems.
I am proud that the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, whose work is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, supported the implementation of this environmental project.
Of course, the experience of cooperation between the public and two ministries - Culture and Information Policy and Environmental Protection and Natural Resources - is not unique. But I am sure that by developing such cooperation, supporting such projects, we will be able to really achieve progress in on any issue. In particular, through culture to popularize an ecological lifestyle, etc.
So, I invite everyone to admire the Kyiv Whale near the 11th pavilion of VDNH.""
Source
Alexander Tkachenko
Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine
🎯 How it was?
Watch our video describing the idea and the report video on how we implemented it!
* - Ukrainian language
* - Ukrainian language
🔥 How did we make Kyiv Whale?
THREE video blogs from the project progress
River Rave and Clean Shores Day
More than 10,000 volunteers and all districts of the city
Plastic goes to recycled
♻️ Sculpture made from recycled plastic
👩👩👧👦Community involvement in nature cleanup
👩🏫Involving schools and universities in plastic collection
♻️+🐋 Plastic and sculpture production
🚀 Presentation and involvement of schools
«Convenient and so familiar to use, disposable plastic has become almost indispensable in our everyday life. But humanity has reached the limit and found itself facing a civilizational choice of "him or us" - 1 to 1.
If we decide to fight modern environmental challenges, we must consciously and clearly understand that we have two ways - regulation and the formation of environmental awareness of Ukrainians. I thank the authors of the project for drawing citizens' attention to the problems of plastic pollution in such an unusual way and encouraging them to protect the environment.»
If we decide to fight modern environmental challenges, we must consciously and clearly understand that we have two ways - regulation and the formation of environmental awareness of Ukrainians. I thank the authors of the project for drawing citizens' attention to the problems of plastic pollution in such an unusual way and encouraging them to protect the environment.»
Roman Abramovsky
Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine
🎥 Media about the Kyiv Whale
What was filmed about us?
📰 Media about the Kyiv Whale
What did they write about us?
What did we do?
- Involved the city communityThe project involved more than 2,000 volunteers, 25 Kyiv schools, a large number of Kyiv residents donated their sorted plastic for sculpture, joined discussions on social networks, and distributed project materials.
- An object of contemporary art was installedKyiv lacks contemporary art and public art. The Kyiv Whale smart art sculpture will be a good example of how Kyivans appreciate and are open to contemporary art in public spaces. This will give impetus to new contemporary public art projects.
- Spreading knowledge about waste sortingThey gave people a chance to sort their own waste and use it to create works of contemporary art instead of polluting the earth. They held a large number of information events to spread waste sorting practices and raise awareness about the environmental situation in the city.
- We carried out a successful project combining art and social issuesThe project took first place in the "Culture +" program of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. The program aims to strengthen the integration of culture into daily public, educational and social practices, to expand understanding of the role of culture in the life of society, and to develop interdisciplinary cooperation. The project met the program's goals by successfully combining cultural and artistic practices with the issue of environmental awareness.
- Increase the Partnership
- Ministry of Culture of Ukraine
- Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine
- Department of Waste Management and Environmental Safety of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine
- National Complex "Expocenter of Ukraine"
- Podilsky District Administration of the city of Kyiv
- Shevchenkivskyi District Administration of the city of Kyiv
- Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City Council
- Standing Commission on Education and Science, Family, Youth and Sports of the Kyiv City Council
Project partners
Thank you to everyone who helped us make Kyiv Whale and make it better!
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JOIN THE PROJECT ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS
KyivWhale@gmail.com