The European Commission has been supporting the creative communities of Ukraine since the start of the war more than a year ago. Programs like Creative Europe, Erasmus+ and initiatives on the preservation of the cultural heritage of the country provide crucial support to diverse cultural and creative sectors of Ukraine, and the Creatives Unite platform is an integral part of this.
More than one year on, the unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine has led to great suffering, and it has raised serious concerns about peace and stability in the continent. The EU has firmly condemned this violation of international law. In 2022, the overall support provided by the EU budget amounted to €11.6 billion, and unprecedented support for Ukraine is allocated for 2023 across all sectors of financial and social life, amounting to €18 billion. On top of this, €450 million will be provided in humanitarian assistance and bilateral support to increase Ukraine’s resilience and support reforms.
The Ukrainian community of creatives has been instrumental in articulating and communicating the country's message against Russian aggression to the world. The culture war has been an integral part of the Ukrainian resistance, not only by defending the Ukrainian identity and the country’s heritage, but also through the use of Media and Social Media in spreading the message. The European Union (EU) recognises the vital role Ukrainian artists and creatives play in defending the country and shaping its future. EU support has been provided in different formats:
The Creatives Unite platform on Ukraine
Even during the war, cultural events never stopped happening in Ukraine. Creatives Unite has been consistently informing the European public about the news of the creative industries, the supporting programs, and funding opportunities in Europe, providing sufficient and immediate information to artists in need. Almost all cultural events have a fundraising purpose to donate to the Ukrainian army or separate units of the army and medical staff.
Following the Kalush Orchestra that led Ukraine to victory at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Ukrainian singer-song-writer Jerry Heil won the Public Choice Award of the EU-funded Music Moves Europe Awards, in January. Much more is yet to come. The Creatives Unite platform will be on the ground to bring you the latest, and help the creatives meet their communities and find ways to give us back the vibrant voices that Europe needs.
Get to know the charity foundation that involves the global music industry in supporting Ukrainian artists who defend their cities.
The charity foundation, which was created at the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine by three cultural organizations: Love’n’Joy, Shpytal Records and Kontrabass promo, helps music industry representatives who were forced to suspend their music activities and join the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Artists receive humanitarian aid, which is critically needed for surviving during this war: medicine, heat and power-generating equipment, rescue vehicles, etc. In its first ten months of work, the Musicians Defend Ukraine allocated more than 240.000 EURO, most of which came from foreign donors.
The first big donation to the fund came from the DakhaBrakha, one of the most famous bands from Ukraine. That initial 1.000 dollars gave the foundation a powerful boost. Since that time, other musicians have started sending their touring profits.
Musicians Defend Ukraine was also supported by Merck Mercuriadis - founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund, manager of artists like Beyoncé, Elton John, Guns N' Roses, and Iron Maiden.
The turning point in the development of the fund was the partnership with GVL, a German music collection society, for 120.000 EURO. With these funds, it was possible to purchase heating equipment, warm uniforms and many necessary things for victory.
The list of the musicians that have already received aid from the foundation, the financials, and the payment details are available on their website and Instagram page.
Musicians Defend Ukraine receives significant donations from the music industry through charity concerts, tours, merchandise sales, and local initiatives.
The best way to help foundation:
Check out the European Parliament's timeline for an overview of how the EU has supported Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February.
The timeline is in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent event will appear on top and the oldest one on the bottom.
EU support for Ukraine
How the EU and the European Parliament have been supporting Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February.
24-11-2022
Parliament approves €18 billion loan for Ukraine for 2023.
MEPs approve an €18 billion loan to support Ukraine during Russia’s war against the country.
24-11-2022
MEPs vote not to accept passports issued by Russia in occupied areas.
The European Parliament endorses a decision not to accept passports and other travel documents issued by Russia in illegally-occupied regions of Ukraine and Georgia.
23-11-2022
European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism.
MEPs have recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians.
23-11-2022
MEPs adopt EU budget 2023: focus on Ukraine, energy and recovery.
For the EU's 2023 budget, MEPs secure better and more effective support for addressing the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic recovery process.
23-11-2022
President Metsola launches Generators of Hope campaign to help Ukraine.
Parliament launches a campaign to donate power generators together with European cities to help the 10 million Ukrainians who are without electricity.
20-10-2022
Metsola calls for forceful response to energy crisis, inflation, war in Ukraine.
“We need a revision of the EU long-term budget to adapt to crisis and finance new priorities,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola tells EU leaders at the European Council.
20-10-2022
MEPs say no to Russian passports from occupied regions, stress right to asylum.
The European Parliament agrees not to accept travel documents that Russia has issued in the areas it illegally occupies in Ukraine and Georgia.
19-10-2022
The Ukrainian people awarded the European Parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize.
MEPs have awarded the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society, the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
19-10-2022
MEPs want EU budget for 2023 to focus on Ukraine, energy and pandemic.
MEPs demand an EU budget for 2023 that addresses the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic recovery process more effectively.
07-10-2022
Metsola calls for more military support to Ukraine and a united response to energy crisis.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola calls for European unity in providing military support to Ukraine and responding to the energy crisis at the Prague informal European Council.
06-10-2022
MEPs call for massive increase of military assistance to Ukraine.
MEPs urge all countries and international organisations to unequivocally condemn Russia's sham referenda in occupied territories of Ukraine and its attempt to acquire territory by force.
06-10-2022
EU adopts eighth package of sanctions against Russia.
In light of Russia’s escalating war of aggression against Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, the Council decides to impose a new package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia.
04-10-2022
Parliament backs additional help for EU regions to ease the impact of the war.
MEPs approve plans to enable EU countries and regions to receive extra support to alleviate the consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine.
21-09-2022
Parliament's Secretary-General offers support in a visit to Ukraine.
Klaus Welle, Secretary-General of the European Parliament, visited Kyiv on 21 and 22 September after being invited by his counterpart of the Verkhovna Rada, Viacheslav Shtuchnyi. Welle offered Parliament’s help in facilitating Ukraine's EU accession: "We are entering a new phase of our support for the Rada. The focus will shift from logistical to legislative support: How can we best help the Ukrainian parliament in its accession to the EU?”
15-09-2022
MEPs criticise human rights breaches in Ukraine.
Parliament strongly condemns the reported atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces. MEPs also highlight the forcible deportation of Ukrainian civilians, including children, to Russia, as well as Russia’s abhorrent practices in so-called filtration camps.
15-09-2022
Parliament approves €5 billion loan to Ukraine.
MEPs give the green light to a €5 billion macro-financial loan to help Ukraine cover its acute financing needs caused by Russia’s invasion.
14-09-2022
Simplified procedure to use EU regional funding to tackle consequences Russian aggression.
Parliament's regional development committee backs simplified rules for the use of EU regional funds to address the consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
14-09-2022
State of the EU debate: Ukraine, energy, climate change, economy.
In the annual State of the European Union debate, MEPs question President Ursula von der Leyen on the European Commission’s work in the past year and its upcoming plans. This includes challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis.
21-07-2022
EU adopts seventh sanctions package.
In response to Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council adopts new measures intended to tighten existing economic sanctions targeting Russia, perfect their implementation and strengthen their effectiveness.
07-07-2022
Ukrainians can use national driving licence in EU.
MEPs back a proposal to allow Ukrainian refugees to keep their national driving licences, exempting them from the obligation to exchange them for EU ones.
07-07-2022
Fishing and aquaculture operators affected by war to receive compensation.
MEPs agree to provide financial help to EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors dealing with the economic consequences of the Russian invasion.
07-07-2022
€1 billion loan to help Ukraine.
MEPs greenlight a €1 billion macro-financial loan to help Ukraine cover its external financing needs that have ballooned due to the war.
23-06-2022
Lead MEP welcomes decision to give Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status.
David McAllister, the chair of Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, issued a statement to welcome the Council’s decision on the EU membership applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
23-06-2022
Metsola: EU candidate status will strengthen Ukraine and EU.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to give Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status in her speech at the start of an EU summit dedicated to this.
23-06-2022
Parliament calls for candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova.
MEPs adopt a resolution calling on EU leaders holding a summit that day to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova “without delay”. They should do the same with Georgia “once its government has delivered” on the priorities indicated by the European Commission.
23-06-2022
Croatian Prime Minister calls for candidate status for Ukraine.
In his speech to MEPs as part of the This is Europe series, Croation Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expresses his desire for the European Council to grant Ukraine candidate status, as well as that of Moldova and Georgia, pending certain conditions.
23-06-2022
More support for EU countries taking in Ukrainian refugees.
Parliament approves a reinforcement of EU migration programmes to help member states deal with urgent migration and border management measures.
08-06-2022
Stefanchuk addresses Parliament, calls for support for EU bid.
In his address to MEPs on 8 June, Ruslan Stefanchuk , the Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) called on the EU to endorse his country’s membership application.
08-06-2022
MEPs welcome additional sanctions against Russia.
MEPs welcomed the unity and additional sanctions delivered by the European Council during the summit on 30 May, but called for more arms to Ukraine and more attention for those struggling within the EU.
08-06-2022
MEPs call for update to EU foreign policy in wake of Ukraine war.
In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, Parliament calls for an update of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy.
30-05-2022
Metsola: We must start planning long-term commitment to help Ukraine.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to commit to long-term engagement when it comes to Ukraine, including securing energy independence for the EU.
19-05-2022
MEPs call for special tribunal to punish Russian political leaders and military commanders.
Parliament asks the EU to support setting up a special international tribunal to punish the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine, for which the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction and hold Russian political leaders and military commanders and those of its allies to account.
19-05-2022
Parliament backs more powers for EU agency on war crime investigations.
MEPs greenlight new rules that will allow Eurojust to store and analyse evidence related to war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
19-05-2022
EU agreement to restock gas reserves before winter.
Parliament and Council negotiators reach an agreement on a new regulation setting the mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities to 80% by 1 November 2022.
19-05-2022
MEPs: all EU sanctions against Russia must apply to Belarus.
Parliament welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a sixth sanctions package against Russia and Belarus and calls on EU countries in the Council to ensure its comprehensive and swift implementation. All the future EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus for its support of the war of aggression in Ukraine, say MEPs.
19-05-2022
MEPs approve suspension of EU duties on all Ukrainian exports.
Parliament backs a one-year suspension of EU import duties on all Ukrainian exports, to support the country’s economy. The adopted measures aim to remove barriers to trade.
19-05-2022
EU must strengthen support for citizens and businesses and help for Ukraine.
MEPs call for funding to deal with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, by confiscating Russian oligarchs’ assets, making use of new EU own resources, and fully using the funds available in the existing EU budget.
05-05-2022
Eurobarometer survey: Europeans approve EU’s response to the war in Ukraine.
A Flash Eurobarometer survey in all EU countries shows wide support among EU citizens in favour of the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
05-05-2022
MEPs call on Russia to return airplanes.
MEPs demand Russia return leased airplanes that have been re-registered in the Russian aircraft register, in clear violation of international civil aviation rules, and call on the EU to tighten sanctions on Moscow.
05-05-2022
War in Ukraine: protecting women refugees from violence and sexual exploitation.
To protect women fleeing the war, MEPs call on the EU and all host and transit countries to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services , as well as to the obstetric care.
04-05-2022
Oil embargo - the sixth package of sanctions is on the table.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announces a proposal for the sixth package of sanctions against Russia which would include a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined.
03-05-2022
Italian Prime Minister Draghi calls for faster EU integration to address crises.
In an address to the European Parliament, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi calls for faster EU integration: "We want Ukraine in the EU" and "we must also proceed as quickly as possible".
08-04-2022
Fifth package of sanctions: coal embargo and transport restrictions.
The EU adopts a fifth package of sanctions against Russia, in light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and the reports of atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in a number of Ukrainian towns.
08-04-2022
Ukrainian application to the EU membership is in progress.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hands over the EU membership questionnaire to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
08-04-2022
EU facilitates steps by telecom operators to help refugees stay connected.
Telecom operators based in the EU and in Ukraine sign a joint statement on their coordinated efforts to secure affordable or free roaming and international calls between the EU and Ukraine. The Commission and the Parliament facilitate this joint statement.
07-04-2022
MEPs demand full embargo on Russian imports of fuel.
MEPs call for additional sanctions, including “an immediate full embargo on Russian imports of oil, coal, nuclear fuel and gas”.
07-04-2022
MEPs frontload €3.4 billion to address Ukrainian refugees’ needs.
MEPs adopt additional urgent support measures agreeing to immediately release about €3.4 billion from the React-EU funds and speed up EU governments’ access to funds to pay for infrastructure, housing, equipment, employment, education, social inclusion, healthcare and childcare for refugees.
07-04-2022
EU must protect all children fleeing the war.
MEPs call for children fleeing war in Ukraine to be given safe passage and for assistance for those internally displaced or unable to leave areas under siege.
06-04-2022
MEPs call for more support for Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia.
MEPs unite in showing solidarity and giving more help to Ukraine. They call for further sanctions against Russia, additional support for Ukraine and for reducing the EU’s energy dependency.
04-04-2022
Minute of silence in memory of war victims in Ukraine.
President Roberta Metsola leads MEPs in a minute of silence in memory of the victims of Bucha, Irpin and all victims of war, terror and violence. She updates the Parliament on her visit to Ukraine and appeals for more logistical, humanitarian and military support.
01-04-2022
Parliament President visits Kyiv.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Kyiv to express the EU´s support and hope to the Ukrainian people and condemn the unjustified Russian attack. She meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as others.
24-03-2022
More EU action needed for secure food supply.
Parliament calls for immediate and substantial food aid to Ukraine and for the EU to make its food production more independent.
24-03-2022
War in Ukraine: MEPs unlock emergency funds for refugees.
Parliament approves plans to redirect EU regional and asylum funding to EU countries sheltering people fleeing from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
23-03-2022
MEPs call for energy independence and more pressure on Russia.
MEPs unanimously condemn Russia’s brutal invasion and urge the EU to further sanction Moscow and protect the European economy.
10-03-2022
European Parliament launches website in cooperation with Ukrainian parliament.
The European Parliament in cooperation with Ukraine’s Parliament Verkhovna launches the Stand with Ukraine shows how the EU supports Ukraine. The website, set up by Parliament, provides (in English and Ukrainian) the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions.
09-03-2022
New measures targeting Belarus and Russia.
In response to the involvement of Belarus in the unjustified and unprovoked Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the Council adopts additional measures targeting the Belarusian financial sector.
01-03-2022
Europe stands with Ukraine: Parliament calls for tougher sanctions against Russia.
MEPs strongly condemn Russia’s illegal invasion and call for stronger sanctions against Russia.
28-02-2022
Third package of sanctions: banning Russian aircraft and transactions with Russian Central Bank.
The EU approves a third package of measures in response to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. EU countries decide to deny Russian aircraft permission to land in, take off from or fly over their territories and ban transactions with the Russian Central Bank.
25-02-2022
Second package of Russia sanctions including against President Putin.
The EU decides to sanction Russia’s president Vladimir Putin and Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. The Council also agrees on a further package of individual and economic measures covering Belarus to respond to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
24-02-2022
European Parliament’s leaders express full solidarity and support for Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the political group leaders condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms and express full solidarity and support for Ukraine and its people.
23-02-2022
First package of sanctions against Russia.
The EU adopts a package of sanctions in response to Russian recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and sending of troops into the region.
Read more information here.
Lighthouse sessions are a series of talks dedicated to creative hubs who offered support to the refugee crisis across Europe.
Destroyed buildings, displaced people and abandoned lives. Last February Ukrainian people were forced to see the face of war. Among them thousands of artists found themselves scattered around Europe without a job. Creative hubs in different cities started gathering together to find solutions.
The European Creative Hubs Network organised a series of sessions dedicated to the welcoming of Ukrainian refugees in creative hubs and cultural structures. Artcor in Moldova and Boom!Studios in Ireland are among others, two creative hubs in Europe that decided to open their space to support the Ukrainian artists in need. The sessions were hosted by Rita Oliviera, Community Manager of European Creative Hubs Network and during the first session we got introduced to Viorica Cerbusca from Artcor and Gabriela Spulirova from Boom!Studios who shared an insight of their experience.
Artcor first started in 2019, only half a year before the Covid-19 outbreak. Viorica and her team had to develop a business model according to the new digitised era that arised.
“Covid-19 forced us from the beginning to think differently, make things differently and started to implement programs, not only as a space. One month after the Covid-19 outbreak we launched an online program that connects small entrepreneurs and small businesses. In Moldova everything was closed, we couldn’t go to physical stores. So we connected these small entrepreneurs and businesses with companies from the creative sector and found resources for them.”
When everything started going back to normal and the creative hubs could organise events again and have people around, war arrived in Europe. One crisis followed by another, made Viorica and Gabriela focus on a new project aiming to provide support to artists and creatives escaping from war. As a neighbouring country with a large Russian-speaking population, Moldova was prepared to accommodate a lot of Ukrainian people.
Viorica offered the space in Artcor for free, mentioning that the great majority of the Ukrainian population that Moldova welcomed, are children. Masterclasses were specifically designed for children including painting, performances, storytelling and character design. Artcor provided a coworking space for their mothers so they could work and talk with their families back in Ukraine.
Viorica also organised an online school, arranged in the same way Ukrainian schools operate so the displaced children could continue with their education and keep on track with their country’s educational system when they get back home.
“From the first days of the war we already had 50 children in Artcor, even though our space is not very big. Since Moldova couldn’t accommodate all of the children, we found partners to start an online school and had more than 500 applications. We were in contact with Ukrainian teachers back in Ukraine and organised an online school for one month. For that period of time it seemed as an escape for both the children and the teachers. People abroad say that Moldova is a small country with a big heart.”
Since everything started operating online, Artcor noticed the need for Moldavians to get more familiar with digital technologies. Soon after they organised trainings like express design, copywriting and filmmaking courses. After the courses people gained skills that could help them later in their careers.
Only when you become a refugee many things are taken away from you, which is incredibly difficult to deal with. It’s a very big challenge.
Boom!Studios in Ireland started in 2014. Gabriela and her team managed the Ukrainian crisis with an immediate response from the local community that met the basic needs of the asylum seekers including a place to stay, healthcare and food.
“The whole town got together and figured out how to efficiently respond to this situation. We are still in the middle of researching our options and fundings, so we could provide in the future more space and welcome more people if needed.”
Keeping in mind the need to provide any kind of support for the creative sector, Boom!Studios prepared art packs with different objects that anyone could grab, hosted online classes and offered workshop spaces for free. Gabriela brought up another unspoken issue for those who provide support, mental health.
“Something that people don’t talk about but is really important is that you put yourself in a position of power. You are delivering something to someone. You have the resources and you are giving them to someone else and that can create a lot of issues emotionally but also on a level of trust. Those people were perfectly capable, doing their jobs, having their lives and a status in the society. Only when you become a refugee many things are taken away from you, which is incredibly difficult to deal with. It’s a very big challenge.”
The second session was gathered around the past refugee crisis back in 2016, when Greece was called to deal with the welcoming of thousands of people. Maria Calafatis from The Cube in Athens and Mimi Hapig from Habibi.Works in Ioannina were two hub directors who took action in the early stages of a refugee crisis that years later would arise again.
The Cube is a coworking incubator hub space that focuses on the entrepreneurial community. Calafatis and her team volunteered in Startupboat, a mobile incubator that brings together locals, refugees, investors and experts in different fields who seek to perceive migration as an opportunity and not just as a problem. When the boat arrived at Mytilini, an island of Greece that has welcomed thousands of refugees over the past years, she realised immediately the lack of basic needs. The team helped the arriving refugees transport to the camp and get provided with the basic necessities. To help the kids of the camp, they set up a school named SOLAR (Self Organized Learning Environment).
“When you are dealing with young kids and teenagers, there's a very big age gap and language barriers. What we did is separate the kids into different age groups with one laptop per table among those with the same language background but different ages. So we asked questions and taught them how to research on Google, allowing them to look up things on the net on an educational side.”
The Cube’s next step was a mobile coding school called Rumi Labs. The team travelled around Greece in a bus for 6 months and trained more than 1.600 refugee and local teenagers on coding and programming.
Now the camps have started to resemble more and more prison institutions.
Mimi Hapig travelled through Europe and witnessed herself the humiliating conditions and uncertainty refugees had to go through. That was the breaking point for her when she decided to move from Germany to Greece and create a structure that would allow other people to implement solutions themselves. Habibi.Works started in 2016 in the North of Greece as an intercultural space for education empowerment and social encounters for locals, international students and people living in camps or accommodations for asylum seekers and refugees. Her team set up a kitchen in the camps to offer free food for those in need, but soon after the kitchen was shut down by the greek military due to not complying with the hygiene standards.
“The military was accusing us of not complying with hygiene standards, while they provided 16 chemical toilets for 1.200 people. Don’t talk to us about hygiene standards, it's hypocrisy.”
Today Habibi.Works aims to provide access to means that allow people to improve their living conditions and access to education not only for those who live in refugee camps but also for the locals.
“In August 2016 UNHCR arrived and everybody thought that refugee people would move to houses, since there are many empty houses in Greece. The only thing UNHCR did was replace really bad tents with slightly better ones. Then in 2016 and 2017 we saw the arrival of containers. The living conditions have improved but both tents and containers are not a normal way of living. Empty buildings are available for refugees to be integrated into the local landscape instead of living in camps. At the end of 2021 the greek government went one step further with the approval and money of the EU and started building concrete walls around the camps. Now the camps have started to resemble more and more prison institutions.”
The third Lighthouse session took part in the Bautopia conference, the first conference of the European Creative Hubs Network. Mykhailo Glubokyi from IZONE and Gregory Zarkhin from LEM Station, two hub directors from Ukraine explained the situation in their country and how they managed to find ways to contribute to the local community.
IZONE was established in 2010 at the former insulation materials factory in Donetsk where it operated for four years and became the most influential cultural centre in the Donbas region. In 2014 the hub had to move to Kiev, due to paramilitary inversion in the original building and start over. The team decided to focus on decentralisation. Glubokyi described the numerous programmes and activities that IZONE organised for the creative community and how they tried to help the smaller communities, outside the capital.
Gregory Zarkhin, project manager at LEM Station, gave an impressive example of how a neglected and abandoned building can become a centre of culture and life just within weeks when people take initiatives and follow their vision. LEM Station, a creative hub in Lviv is housed in a 19th century building going through multiple stages of revitalization. Sustainability became their number one priority focusing on three main motives: rethink, repurpose, reuse. The total territory of the hub is almost 7.000 square meters, a quite massive area, planned to accommodate multiple stages for different purposes.
Zarkhin presented videos from parties and events that took place in LEM, looking back at times of peace. Even during war, cultural events never stopped happening. LEM was addressed by the ukrainian cultural front to make a couple of events in a gigantic bomb shelter in Kiev with multiple concerts and all the money being contributed to the ukrainian army, while more than 100 volunteers worked on administration, storing and distribution of humanitarian goods. LEM is a living proof that culture continues to arise even in the darkest times.
MAX Grant & Support Program for Ukrainian Artists & Creatives
In February 2022 when war started in Ukraine, the MakersXchange Project decided to take action and support artists and creative professionals from Ukraine. This is how the idea of the Ukrainian Artists & Creatives Support & Grant Program was born.
MAX (Makers’ eXchange) project is a pilot policy project, co-funded by the European Union, that aims to define and test policies and actions supporting the mobility and exchanges of experience between the cultural and creative industries, creative hubs, maker-spaces, fab-labs and formal and non-formal learning and skills development systems in a cross-sectoral way and embed makers’ mobility schemes for skills development and inclusion into mainstream CCIs support programmes, policies and ecosystems across Europe.
The Ukrainian Artists and Creatives Grant & Support Program is an initiative targeted to cultural and creative professionals from Ukraine who are trying to connect, work and make a living through their creative or artistic practices in a new European country.
The Ukrainian support program was launched on the 18th of June 2022 with an open call and was designed by the MakersXchange team to help Ukrainian CCS' displaced by the war resume their professional life in new conditions. During the two months period of the open call, 167 applications were received from Ukrainian artists and creatives from all over Europe with professional experience in different fields -from painters and filmmakers to UX/UI designers and tattoo artists. 27 program beneficiaries were supported with the grant of 1.000 euros distributed on a "first come, first serve" basis.
With the help of ECHN members in different countries, program participants were provided with assistance in mobility and networking with the local creative communities, finding accommodation and new jobs, working/rehearsing space and exhibition/performance opportunities, language courses and legal assistance. Tackling with the complex challenges during the Program implementation more closed connections between the ECHN members as well as with the new partners outside of the Network were established.
At the beginning of August 2022 due to the overwhelming amount of applications, MakersXchange had to close the submissions of the program. The team is in the process of planning their future steps.
Discover the motivating stories from the Ukrainian Support Program participants here.
The European Creative Hub Network is inviting creative professionals to share their experience in dealing with the migrant crisis.
The European Creative Hub Network is organising a set of discussions and case studies, best practices and tools for effective support. The aim is to create a learning opportunity and debate for the hubs dealing with welcoming people in vulnerable situations for the first time and with no past experience.
This training is open to all hub managers, creative and coworking spaces, cultural organisations and all the structures that want to contribute to the situation and have the space and capacity to.
The meetings will be held online on live webinars of 1hr30m and the videos will be available for later consultation on their website. Two guests will be hosted per session.
Session #1 - Friday 22nd April 2022, 11:00-12:30 CET
Guests: Gabriela Spulirova (Boom!Studios, UK) and Viorica Cerbusca (Artcor, Moldova)
Register here.
Serhiy Klymko, founder of the Emergency Support Initiative, explains the story behind the Initiative by Kyiv Biennial in solidarity with Ukrainian artists and creators during the war.
We met Serhiy Klymko during an online interview, at a very newly established situation happening in Ukraine. Missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure have been causing issues with electricity and internet connection, making the communication with the rest of the world quite difficult. The cultural manager at the Visual Culture Research Center and founder of the Emergency Support Initiative explained how he managed to create a team through the Kyiv Biennial and offer help to the Ukrainian artists and creators in need. The team is currently spread across Europe but has managed to provide assistance to more than 700 people. The Emergency Support Initiative continues to help artists and cultural workers in Ukraine and on the occupied territories, supporting the creation of the new artistic projects and productions and organising fundraising events all around Europe.
How was the Emergency Support Initiative created?
I’m part of the Kyiv Biennial team and Visual Culture Research Center organisation and from the first days of the war we started to receive a lot of emails and messages from partners, friends, colleagues from Europe and abroad asking how they could help us. I moved to the Western Ukraine for a couple of months at the beginning of the war. So I thought that probably we can not receive the help, but we can help others by using this opportunity that was proposed to us and redirect it to other people and organisations who are really in need. We started the Emergency Support Initiative in the beginning of March with requests from social media to provide help to artists and cultural workers. First it was just Instagram or messages and we transferred some money. So at first we collected funds mostly from private donors and directed them to people who messaged us.
How many people work for the Support Fund Initiative?
It varies, but approximately five to six people.
Did you create a new team apart from Biennial for the Emergency Support Initiative?
They are two different teams. The Emergency Support Initiative team was assembled specifically for this purpose and the Biennial team was unable to participate, because of other initiatives. Me and one more colleague here in Ukraine managed to create a team that is at the moment in different places, for example our designer is in The Netherlands, the project manager in Lisbon, the accountant in Estonia, so it’s quite an international team.
Are you the only one still in Ukraine?
Yes, but the project manager that we are closely working with is currently at a residency, and she will be back soon.
How did the experience in the Biennial team help you implement this Initiative?
The team is newly established but of course the background of the Kyiv Biennial helped us in terms of contacts and credibility. We usually worked with international partners and always tried to bring the international context in our events and programs. Also the co-founders of East Europe Biennial Alliance and a lot of artists and creators worked with us and donated during the first months of the initiative. So we tried to establish more connections with other people and foundations.
How do people find information about the Emergency Support Initiative and reach out? What difficulties are you facing especially with the recent attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and the electricity and internet connection issues?
The connection problems actually just started. Until late October there was not such a problem with the internet connection, electricity or the bank system. It was a big surprise for me in the beginning of the war, everything worked perfectly. The financial system was stable. When I was in Western Ukraine, it was completely normal because there was not even a curfew there, everything was operating. We managed to do everything online without any problems until now. The artist and cultural workers there were able to apply through our website through the application form. If somebody didn’t manage to do that, then they would just write to us on Facebook or Instagram and we would help them directly. Now it’s really a new situation, I don’t know how it’s going to move on because just two days ago it was the first total blackout in Kyiv and the region. All the city was in darkness, a huge city. Nothing worked, no light, no anything. It was a new situation. I’m not ready to answer this question. It also depends on how often this will happen, but it might be a problem and we might create new channels. Our phones are working normally. Now the state authorities are making these public points for charging phones and heating with access to the internet and more functions. There are already 4.000 such points of support around the country, in every city and village.
Can you describe the procedure to apply and the selection criteria? How many applications have you received so far?
We have received more than 2.000 applications and managed to support around 700 people and 20 projects. Since this summer we also started to support small scale artistic projects connected to the war in Ukraine. Some of them have already been completed but most of them are in progress. For example there are a number of short documentaries, classical academic music pieces from two very talented Ukrainian composers who will need funding to create it, and already three exhibitions of contemporary art supported in Lviv and Kyiv. We are a small independent organisation trying to support as many people as possible. We try not to have aesthetic judgement on the applications, but we are operating in contemporary and visual arts mainly, which is our priority together with independent music, outside the commercial sector. Also performative or video art which doesn’t produce any commercial material. We support these kind of projects and also judge upon the location. Applyers are mostly from eastern regions because eastern and southern regions are the most affected by the war. So if we receive for example similar applications from Kharkiv and Lviv, we will try to support Kharkiv, because the situation there is much more complicated.
How does the support of artists and cultural workers that remain in the occupied territories work?
We try to support people from occupied territories. It also depends on the current situation on the specific occupied territory. If people have a Ukrainian mobile connection for PrivatBank online (the biggest bank in Ukraine with advanced e-banking) they can receive support from us. If they don’t have a Ukrainian number they can not, because the Ukrainian sector of the internet is blocked from Russia’s side and the traffic is redirected. We supported the museum workers who were still in the museums on the occupied territories. It was mostly frontline regions, because it is quite unstable and changing. Now things are very problematic for those in the occupied territories because there is no ukrainian connection there. If we receive an application from them we don’t have any restrictions on that. We also supported a theatrical director in an occupied territory whose play was produced in Ukraine by Ukrainian actors and a Ukrainian team. So the director, actors and team worked on it online. The approximate number of people in the occupied territories is in general maybe 10-15% of the total population.
What kind of support do you provide? Is it only financial?
Mostly financial, but we launched a program together with European partners for an emergency residency program for Ukrainian artists, three in Ukraine and three in an EU country. It was a joint open call for artists who needed a place to work and stay. We also support some artistic projects with consultation or knowledge we can provide, or some equipment we have as the Biennial but it’s not our main activity.
Who are the donors of the Emergency Support Fund?
There is a list of the donors on our website. The majority of them are private donors, but the foundations are able to support more sustainably. Now it’s about 10 foundations that supported us with different amounts of money. We accept donations only from abroad. Everybody in Ukraine donates to the army or the volunteers. It was a major problem for the ukrainian cultural sector because for the last three or four years the major operator of the cultural grants was the state funded Ukrainian Cultural Foundation that currently couldn’t contribute. Hundreds of projects applied were accepted and later denied after the war started. Thousands of people found out that they won’t be supported and many of them applied to us instead.
How is the art sector currently in Ukraine?
Arts and culture is still happening, wherever possible mostly in the Western Ukraine, in venues or old buildings. For example in Lviv there is a group of artists in the Odessa ship repairment factory and they created quite a big cultural spot there. Cultural events are mostly using old cultural infrastructure, like the House of Culture scene or galleries. Lviv is still super vibrant. Especially the first month there was a huge art crowd there, from all over Ukraine and it created a really interesting mixture of artists with different projects from all over the country. Lviv has like 5-6 exhibition openings every week and a lot of concerts. Kyiv is not so active. The cultural life in Kyiv went down and it is also connected to the curfew. Kyiv is famous for raves and club culture and it’s not possible to do that during the war. There are some concerts, parties and exhibitions but it’s less active than before. Almost all cultural events are with a fundraising purpose to donate to the Ukrainian army or separate units of the army and medical staff. The Cultural scene in Ukraine is quite actively volunteering.
What are other ways of fundraising except for donors and how do you attract new donors?
We actually don’t have time to attract new donors. Thanks to the internet they are funding us by themselves mostly so we received funds from people that we didn’t know before, cultural organisations and foundations. We almost don’t do any applications, fortunately, because we don’t have time. Usually we send a letter about the reason we apply and get a response. We had a number of solidarity grants from people we mostly didn’t know and organised a number of cultural solidarity fundraising events, the latest one was in Norway. There was also a Bandcamp album release and the money was donated to Ukrainian people.
Find out more about the Emergency Support Initiative here. You can support the project and the Ukrainian people by donating here.
