On September 10, 2025, a space was opened at the Kyiv Academic Drama and Comedy Theater on the Left Bank of the Dnieper, which will significantly increase the accessibility of the theater for all categories of spectators. It was equipped with the assistance of PrivatBank and the Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA).
Theater visitors, especially people with disabilities, older people, veterans recovering from injuries, children, and everyone who finds it difficult to use stairs, will be able to comfortably reach the auditorium and watch performances.
"PrivatBank actively works on developing barrier-free access both within our bank and in various spheres of public life. Therefore, it was important for us to support this project. Thanks to this, we make our culture more accessible to the widest possible range of people. We are convinced that this initiative will become an example for other businesses and motivate them to actively build barrier-free access in society. We are grateful to KMDA and the theater team for their cooperation, which, I hope, will help more people discover Ukrainian theatrical art without feeling barriers," said Olesia Zhulynska, Head of Public Relations and Communications at PrivatBank.
In addition to financial support, PrivatBank provided expert guidance for equipping the barrier-free space. The bank has experience in equipping branches with increased accessibility in various cities across the country. In such branches, in particular, entrance groups are equipped, Braille signs are placed, there are crutch holders, and cash desks are lowered for the convenience of people using wheelchairs. When creating such branches, the bank's specialists gained unique expertise and involve accessibility experts and people for whom such changes are an urgent need in consultations.
This project is a vivid example of the coordinated work of responsible business, state, and public sectors.
“Kyiv consistently forms a barrier-free environment, implementing accessibility elements in all communal institutions — educational institutions, medical and social institutions, as well as cultural institutions, where ramps, elevators, sign language interpretation, and audio description are already becoming a common standard. We are grateful to PrivatBank — a socially responsible business that financially supports and helps implement unique projects for the benefit of our citizens,” says Hanna Starostenko, Deputy Head of KMDA.
The principles of barrier-free access have long been a request from both theater staff and visitors, as they were not considered during the building's design. Because of this, some visitors could not comfortably reach the auditorium and the theater in general.
“This whole story began with a dream. The realization of the importance of this step for the theater arose a long time ago – since 2014, we have been cooperating with the main hospital, and servicemen and veterans have become regular guests of the theater. And if earlier our employees carried disabled spectators up the stairs, now, thanks to cooperation with PrivatBank and KMDA, the theater has become an accessible space for everyone. We strive to care for spectators and want to make the theater truly European, modern, and barrier-free. We especially warmly welcome everyone who protects the people of Ukraine, defending us from the enemy,” said Olesia Zhurakivska, director-artistic director of the theater, People's Artist of Ukraine.
It should be noted that almost 100% of PrivatBank's branches comply with state building codes regarding the inclusivity of buildings and structures. In addition, the bank has already opened 42 branches with increased accessibility throughout the country, and consultations in sign language can be obtained in the Privat24, Privat24 for Business applications, and in branches. Furthermore, PrivatBank, the National Bank of Ukraine, with the participation of the public organization "Barrier-Free," are working on a guide "Barrier-Free in Financial Services: A Practical Guide."
