The cultural center "Platform Tu" was opened in 2016 in Mariupol, the easternmost city of Ukraine, by refugees from Donetsk and local activists. After military invasion to Ukraine and occupation of Donetsk, Lugansk and Crimea, activists who were pursued by occupant government in Donetsk, relocated to Mariupol – the center of heavy industry on the Azov Sea 15 km from the frontline with occupied territory, and started a new life. In the city near war with Russia, with very conservative and paternalistic community, they came up with a crazy idea to team up with local activists, found an NGO "Azov Development", and open a space for developing progressive culture.

The mission of organization is promotion of human rights and freedoms through inclusive culture and modern arts, and develop critical thinking and tolerance in Ukrainian society. Platform TU has become the only independent art-space in Eastern Ukraine, where underground culture, innovative ideas, human rights and freedoms, are dominant values. Artistic and creative activities have gathered a loyal community in TU, and it is now a safe space for many vulnerable and discriminated groups, aiming to develop peace and dialogue in crisis region through arts and culture.

Since their establishment, Platform TU has become a significant player on the cultural map of Ukraine. Their values and themes of interest include diversity, tolerance, inclusivity, social equality, fighting violence, gender sensitivity, memory and commemorative practices, freedom of self-expression, local identity, right to the public space, and decommunization. For instance, their project "Decom" reflects on Soviet nostalgia, communist past and so-called "decommunisation" process in Ukraine with exhibition on communist symbolism and propaganda. Art-residencies "Z.mist" in Mariupol are aimed to explore the multiple identities of Mariupol and the city image. Their creative public actions are known for vivid performances addressing acute social problems in militaristic conservative city.

Since Mariupol is near to the military frontline, progressive initiatives of Platform TU oftentimes meet disapproval of ultra-right nationalists. Hate speech and fascist graffiti, broken windows and shooting, harsh attacks of teenage concert and public actions – TU has suffered a lot for supporting gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and promoting diversity. Still they keep fighting discrimination, stereotypes, and inequality, believing that Ukraine has only one way towards democratic, free, diverse and tolerant future. Their motto is: "Everything that works for developing culture works against war".