Event Highlights:

• Fine Art & Exhibition “Motherland & Resilient Women”: Discovery of the value of freedom and democracy through paintings by Baltic, Afghan, Iranian, Ukrainian, DR Congolese, Belarusian, and Canadian artists. Many works arrived from Montreal and Toronto, featuring renowned Latvian, Ukrainian, Estonian, and Canadian artists. Featured artists: Maria Antoniv, Sodaba Mehraeen, Samira Hoghoughi, FitaBella, Alena Liapko, Imants Lapiņš, Hille Viires, and Charles Malinsky.
• Live Performances: On February 28, 2026, the supreme leader of the Islamic regime, Khamenei, was eliminated by American bombardments on Tehran, but many Iranian citizens continue to be killed by the regime. The Iranian artist and singer Samira Hoghoughi expressed her grief and worries for her family and friends through a song, “The Redbud Flower’s Blood,” with pianist Anahita Ahmadi.
• Anti-Disinformation Campaign: OSUDemocracy continues the campaign “C’est Kyiv en français” with a tune of Kyiv’s anthem by Anna Stoianova, and with songs performed by Olga Kirchanova and Yura Saidmambietov.
• OSUDemocracy Awardees 2026: OSUDemocracy is honoured to present yearly awards to individuals who make a real difference in our society—especially those who help inform, educate, and strengthen intercultural democracy. This year, our local heroes are: Maria Antoniv, Sodaba Mehraeen, Samira Hoghoughi, Félicité Wilu Wilu Mvioki Makaba – Fitabella, Alena Liapko, Imants Lapiņš, Hille Viires, Charles Malinsky, Sofia Boyko, Marie-Ange Ahinful, Father Taras Kinash, Aleš OPATRNÝ, Marianna Kulava, Victor Lakinsky, Theodore Lakinsky, Robert Albota, Olga Ialovenko, Cara Waters, Mairesse Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Olya Helen Moscicky, Anna Kuprieieva, Agne Butkute, l’honorable député Greg Fergus, William Xie, Tristan Scott Price, Hanna Briutkina, Jamie Findlay, Olga Kirchanova & Yura Saidmambietov, Anna Stoianova, Virginija Craig.
• Food & Wine: Artistic appetizers, a Ukrainian buffet, and a Victory Cake were prepared by Ivanna Ostrovska.
• OSUDemocracy Tradition – Making a Wish Over the Victory Cake: This year, Nadiia Mazii and Samira Hoghoughi made a wish together by blowing four candles. The previous year, Nadiia’s wish came true, and in 2026, the OSUDemocracy community wishes that both Nadiia’s and Samira’s wishes will be fulfilled as well.

Additional Information:

• OSUDemocracy is grateful for the exceptional service at SAW Gallery!
• Presentations were in English and French.
• Volunteers: 25
• Communities: 8
• Attendance: 100 people