How to Support Ukraine Relief Efforts Through Art
With the tragic ongoing war in Ukraine, millions have been displaced from their homes, making it the fastest-growing humanitarian crisis since WWII. You may have been wondering about different ways you can help. While traditional nonprofits are certainly a great option, the art world is also doing its part to support the cause.
Tanya Bonakdar Gallery
Your first instinct may be to buy artwork directly from Ukrainian galleries and artists, but most are unable to get works out of the country right now. However many artists and art organizations have set up programs to help Ukrainian civilians and Ukrainian artists affected by the war.
Whether you’re looking to buy the artwork or you’d like to make a donation, there’s a lot you can do. Though new efforts are being organized all the time, we’re highlighting some of the top ways you can get involved through the arts.
Buy Art to Support Ukraine Relief Efforts
If you want to buy art, but also want to help those in need there are a number of galleries and artists who have organized art sales to support those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Whether you’re an avid art collector or want something for your home, there are a variety of works available at different price points.
Tanya Bonakdar Gallery
The blue-chip gallery, Tanya Bonakdar Gallery with locations in NYC and Los Angeles is doing its part to help support Ukraine. They have an online viewing room Artists for Ukraine where 100% of the proceeds go to Ukraine relief funds. The sale features works from 38 artists that the gallery represents and prices range from $5,000 to $55,000. The exhibition will be available until April 15th.
Sabine Hornig “It requires”
Synchrogos
Synchrodogs is a creative duo from Ukraine – Roman Noven and Tania Shcheglova. They specialize in fashion photography and have gallery representation in Ukraine as well as in several galleries throughout the US. They’ve organized a sale of a selection of their limited edition photographs with all profits going to Ukrainian volunteers and community members. Their limited editions range from 150€ to 380€.
Synchrogos
Sprüeth Magers
For photography lovers, Sprüeth Magers has organized an online charity exhibition of work never before seen by Philip-Lorca diCorcia. The collection features photographs from the artist's trip to Odesa Ukraine in 1996. Each limited edition print is $250 and all proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross in support of their Ukraine relief fund. The exhibition will run through April 19th.
Philip-Lorca diCorcia ‘Girl with statue’
Prints for Ukraine
Art Partner has also organized a sale of photography prints, Prints for Ukraine. The sale features the work of 15 photographers available as limited editions, each is £155. All profits will be donated to The $1K Project. The project is led by a group of volunteers organizing direct relief for families in Ukraine. 100% of all donations go towards families in need. Each family receives $1,000 to go towards basic essentials as their lives have been upended by the war. The sale is running through April 15th.
Angelo Pennetta, 'Gorse'
Thaddaeus Ropac
Thaddaeus Ropac has gallery locations throughout Europe and in Seoul. They’re featuring an online charity exhibition Artists in Support of Aid to Ukraine. The exhibition features artists represented by the gallery who have either donated existing works or created works specifically for the cause. The exhibition will be regularly updated with new work. Prices currently range from $5,000 to $500,000.
Sean Scully ‘STOP. M26.22’
All proceeds will go to three international nonprofits providing Ukraine relief: the Disasters Emergency Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the Austrian Red Cross.
Instagram: #ukrainesupportpledge
The Ukraine Support Pledge was founded by artist Matthew Burrows, who in light of the pandemic raised over £30m for artists with his #artistssupportpledge initiative, along with artist/curator Zavier Ellis. All funds go to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund by Global Giving.
Etsy
While the war has certainly made it difficult for Ukrainian artists and artisans to continue selling their work. There are those that are still able to sell and ship their products. Etsy is a fantastic resource for discovering unique pieces and is a great way to support artists directly.
For our vintage lovers out there, we recommend Old Collectables Finds and Vintage Items Shop UA for antique home decor items. Both shops are based in Ukraine and they feature stunning rugs, vases, jewelry, and more.
To participate, artists post their work on Instagram with a suggested donation amount, tagged with both hashtags. Buyers contact the artist and if the work is available, they’ll make their donation through the JustGiving page.
To view all tagged artworks, search #ukrainesupportpledge on Instagram.
Make a Donation to Support Ukrainian Artists
If you’re not ready to buy artwork right now, but are interested in supporting Ukrainian artists and professionals in the arts, then you can make a donation instead.
Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund
This relief effort was launched by The Naked Room, a contemporary art gallery based in Kyiv. The gallery has partnered with MOCA to provide relief for Ukrainians working in the arts. The Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund focuses on emergency services as well as developmental needs to allow Ukrainian cultural workers to be safe and continue their work by providing 3-month financial aid packages. Click here to donate.
Kinder Alum ‘Ukraine will resist’
Peace for Art Foundation
Founded by the ArtEast Gallery with locations in Berlin and Kyiv, the Peace for Art Foundation is an endowment fund focused on protecting the country’s cultural heritage and helping Ukrainian artists.
Creatives Unite