Sculpting Society in Difficult Times

The war in Ukraine – A Statement from the sculpture network Board and Team

Artists and cultural workers in Ukraine, throughout Europe and Russia, were among the first to warn against Putin's aggression, condemn it, call for resistance, and engage in concrete resistance themselves, often at the risk of their own lives.

The sculpture network board and team has been finding it difficult to stay hopeful in these perilous and heart-rending times – especially after hearing the personal stories of our members in the latest Online Club.

We stand in solidarity with all those who continue to firmly believe in the possibilities of a diverse and peaceful coexistence, in the power of art and the pacifying effect of culture, and with those who now must fight for these ideals – in Ukraine, but also in Russian civil society. There are many valuable examples of how cultural exchange and artistic cooperation across borders can create the basis for peace and understanding. We will endeavour to do everything we can to ensure that these efforts continue within our European network and beyond, that cooperation between peacemakers remains possible.

If you know where our network can help artists and cultural workers who have been affected by this war, please do let us know.

We hope that we can make a space for meaningful connection and positive action – and sculpt our society in a positive and peaceful way.

 

Frank Evelein, Anne Berk, Christian Friederichs, Yke Prins, Hartmut Stielow, Ilaria Specos, Elisabeth Pilhofer

 

Links:

• artistsatrisk.org: Non-profit organization at the intersection of human rights and the arts
• resartis Emergency Residencies: List of organisations offering Emergency Residency opportunities for creatives and cultural workers from the Ukraine
• www.resqueforum.com: Platform created to provide support to artists and art professionals that are fleeing from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, as well as those who are still inside the countries and are in an emergency or danger
• ELIA European Network of Higher Arts Education: List of initiatives and opportunities for Ukrainian creatives
• SUPPORTUKRAINENOW.ORG: Crowdsourced information platform with the most comprehensive list globaly and divided by country with official funds, requests, materials.
• Arts for Ukraine: for institutions and individuals : provide shelter, professional or educational opportunities for Ukrainian Artists fleeing the war
• dutchculture.nl: Information point that aim to help Dutch artists and organisations by answering questions about cultural cooperation with Ukraine and Russia

 

 

Photo by Karollyne Hubert on Unsplash