


Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is partly motivated by Russia’s denial that Ukrainian culture has a right to exist. That makes creating art by definition an act of resistance. How do Ukrainian artists and curators keep their culture alive while under fire?
With the artistic leaders of five Ukrainian art centres and residencies we explore the value of art during war. We discuss how art brings a sense of community and solidarity, especially in times of crisis. The curators will explain how their daily practice has changed in the last few years, how the art that they curate reflects the war and how they work on producing new cultural heritage while that heritage is under attack.
The speakers of this programme are in The Netherlands at the invitation of DutchCulture. DutchCulture organizes International Visitor Programmes for cultural organizations and professionals. Since the full scale invasion of Ukraine, DutchCulture has invited four groups of Ukrainian professionals to the Netherlands. This current visit is focused on artist-in-residencies: Art Against All Odds: Ukrainian Artist Residencies.
Ukrainian Artist-in-Residences
Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine counted 34 artist residencies. Since February 2022, only a quarter of them are still active. Another 11 have adapted a hybrid model, serving as shelters while also providing spaces for creativity, connection, and community. Sadly, nearly half of the residencies have had to close down altogether, with their teams either fleeing abroad or joining the military. Those near the Russian border have been hit the hardest.
Art plays a vital role in survival, resistance, and hope. Despite the challenges, our invited guests continue to facilitate artistic creativity even in this difficult time. These artist residencies face many obstacles, including staff shortages, a lack of steady financial support, loss of physical spaces due to war, and an increasing need for psychological support. Yet, they remain resilient, determined, and passionate against all odds.
Speakers






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