Using Culture & Art in Support of Ukraine

"Art has prepared me for war. Ballet teaches you to have a strong spirit," Lezia Veronov, Ukrainian ballerina.

"It is not time for performance on stage. Now we have performance on our streets, we have blood, bombing . . .," Ostap Hromysh, Lviv National Opera.

"Culture is the 'third front' in the Ukrainian war," Nadine Dorries, UK Culture Secretary.

"Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport," official statement from 37 country MPs.

"Dance, music and art move the world, not violence. Since we, the artists, possess the gift -- we must use it," Ivan Putrov, Ukrainian ballet star.

Dear Friends,

In midst of the deadly and unjustified Russian attack on Ukraine, we must reinvigorate our efforts to join together as a global community. We join together not only to support the people of Ukraine seeking safety and shelter from their war-torn homes, but to also preserve and defend Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Since the initial invasion on February 24th, 2022, many cultural institutions, artists and citizens have worked hastily to protect their heritage from destruction. Museums and galleries have been emptied, stored either underground or shipped abroad, and even performers have stepped down from the ballet stage, exchanging artistic expression for armed services.

These exemplary acts of courage and resilience directly disprove Putin’s declaration of Ukraine’s cultural and sovereign illegitimacy. That Ukrainian ballet star Ivan Putrov will spearhead a charity gala in London alongside prominent international ballet stars disproves this idea. The internationally signed UK statement on Russia’s war on Ukraine & international sport disproves this idea. The increased number of international artistic events highlighting Ukrainian culture for Ukrainian charities disprove this idea.

As we continue to applaud and support those who have sprung into action, we must also find ways to help Ukraine through our own individual actions. As listed by the Ukrainian Institute, here are ways we invite you to help Ukraine:

  1. Read and share verified information about Russia’s attack on Ukraine, e.g.:

    • Ukrainska Pravada: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng

    • NV: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng

    • UkraineWorld: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng

    • Euromaidan Press: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng

    • Ukraine Crisis Media Center: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng

    • The Kyiv Independent: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng

    • Kyiv Post: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng

  2. Donate funds to support the Ukrainians in this fight and encourage your family, friends and networks to do so:

    • Come Back Alive - A charity that has effectively raised over USD 21.5 million for the  army and humanitarian needs since the beginning of Russian aggression in 2014 - https://savelife.in.ua/en/donate/. The charity is a transparent and trustworthy  

      organization, one of the most efficient of its kind in Ukraine.

    • National Bank of Ukraine - A special account recently created where all funds will be used solely to procure supplies and otherwise support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

      https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-spetsrahunok-dlya-zboru koshtiv-na-potrebi-armiyi.

We find hope and inspiration in the arts during times of humanitarian crises. We hope you join us in our mission to harness the power of culture and arts to address social issues and examine our belief systems.

In solidarity,

The Canales Project

Carla Dirlikov