Art Books for Lviv: A Gift from Cities of Literature

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Monday Sep 15, 2025

Ōtepoti City of Literature is thrilled that Dunedin Public Art Gallery has generously gifted three remarkable books for the international project Art Books for Lviv: A Gift from Cities of Literature.

This project, initiated by Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature (Iceland), invited the Cities of Literature to donate books to help establish a new art book library in Lviv City of Literature in Ukraine.

The Dunedin Public Art Gallery has gifted three of its significant publications that reflect Ōtepoti’s unique role as home to the country’s first public art gallery:

• Beloved: Works from the Dunedin Public Art Gallery – a major publication released to mark the Gallery’s 125th anniversary, offering a sweeping introduction to the Gallery’s historic and contemporary collections, with contributions from leading national and international experts

• Frances Hodgkins: Femme du Monde – a celebration of the life and work of one of Aotearoa’s most beloved artists, bringing together her works from 1890 to 1945, with insights from author Alexa Johnston

• Gordon Walters: New Vision – a comprehensive exploration of one of Aotearoa’s most influential modern artists, known for his iconic koru paintings and diverse, refined body of work spanning five decades.

Contributions from the Cities of Literature will help build the foundation of an important cultural space in Lviv, providing access to visual art, design, and architectural resources for the public. This collaboration embodies the shared values of the Cities of Literature network and supports the rebuilding of cultural infrastructure in Ukraine.

In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals—this project underscores the importance of cultural cooperation. This collective gesture from the Cities of Literature stands as a reminder of the transformative power of art and literature to connect people across borders, foster peace, and strengthen communities.

Through these generous gifts, Dunedin Public Art Gallery is sharing taoka from its own collection to contribute to an international library in Ukraine that will serve as a beacon of knowledge and friendship.