Why Ukraine?

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We are personally affected by this war: Our project manager, Xenia Petrischenko, is from Odessa. We're closely connected to friends and artists in Ukraine, and our upcoming exhibition was supposed to honor Odessa artist Nikolay Lukin. Unfortunately, his works arrived in Germany just before the invasion, leaving us unsure when we'll see him again. Overnight, we received calls and messages from all over the country asking for help.

By supporting Ukrainian artists, we're not just helping those in need; we're also contributing to the preservation and enrichment of their homeland's cultural heritage.

This is especially important because artists and creatives are among the hardest hit during times of crisis. Cultural institutions like theaters, museums, and galleries are closed, and funding for the arts is scarce. Even in better times, artists often live on the edge of financial stability, with little to fall back on. And now, after two years of pandemic-related cultural stagnation, war has struck.

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How we are helping

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Our first priority is addressing immediate needs, regardless of someone's artistic background. We've been able to provide assistance to several families on short notice, ensuring they have essentials like clothing, food, medical care, and help with bureaucratic tasks. We've also set up a local barter exchange for material donations in Styrum, Mülheim.

Refugee artists also need opportunities to continue their work. Unfortunately, government resources don't always provide studios or rehearsal spaces. They also need platforms to exhibit or perform, which may involve creating catalogs or establishing connections within cultural networks.

For artists in Ukraine, we're exploring customized support options like digitizing artworks. Proceeds from our benefit concerts and gallery will provide ongoing support for artists in and from Ukraine, offering both material assistance and access to services through professional agencies.