Creative resilience for Ukraine

We support Ukrainian artists with innovative tools and promote cultural exchanges in Europe for lasting impact.

orange and white chairs with lights turned on in a stadium
orange and white chairs with lights turned on in a stadium
a group of people sitting at a kite
a group of people sitting at a kite

Our mission

Strengthen cultural ties between Ukraine and the EU, while addressing the needs of displaced and displaced artists in Ukraine.

Project Title:
Creative Resilience: Support for Ukrainian Artists and Cultural Cooperation
Context and Rationale:

As a French charity dedicated to art, film, culture and social assistance, we collaborate with more than 50 Ukrainian artists and 5 collectives (singers, artists, musicians and bands) to provide support during this difficult period. Through this grant, we aim to strengthen these efforts, ensuring that their creativity flourishes and promoting their integration into the European cultural community.

Objectives:

Support for Ukrainian artists: Providing direct assistance to Ukrainian artists and cultural groups, providing them with the resources necessary to continue their creative efforts during the war.

Promote cultural exchanges: strengthen cultural cooperation between Ukrainian creatives and their counterparts from Creative Europe countries, encouraging joint creativity and innovation.

Promote integration: organize concerts, exhibitions and events to present Ukrainian art and culture, strengthening ties with European audiences and professionals.

Contributing to Sustainability: Using culture and the arts as tools for resilience and rebuilding societies in Ukraine in line with the new European Agenda for Culture.

Proposed activities:

Direct support for artists:

°Financial assistance to Ukrainian artists to support their creative projects.

°Provision of equipment, studio space and technical resources.

Cultural events:

°Organize a series of concerts, art exhibitions and performances in France and other creative European countries to showcase Ukrainian talents.

°Collaborate with local European artists and institutions for collaborative events.

Capacity development:

°Organize master classes and trainings on cultural entrepreneurship and international cooperation for Ukrainian artists.

°Promote networking opportunities to connect Ukrainian and European cultural professionals.

Community involvement:

°Organize cultural and educational programs for Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons in order to promote access to culture.

° Development of projects highlighting the role of art in resilience and recovery.

Expected impact:

Strengthening the resilience and capacity of Ukrainian artists and cultural organizations during the war and post-war reconstruction.

Strengthening the integration of Ukrainian creators into the European cultural landscape, promoting long-term cooperation and understanding.

Raising awareness and appreciation of Ukrainian culture among the European public, thus promoting social cohesion and cultural diversity.

Strengthening cultural ties between the EU and Ukraine, supporting Ukraine's aspirations as an EU candidate.

Budget and funding:

We ask for EU funding to support:

Grants for artists and operating costs (€1000 per month for each artist and €5000 per month for the collective).

Organization and promotion of events (€700 per month for each individual artist and €3000 per month for the collective).

Training, workshops and capacity-building initiatives (€200 per month for each individual artist and €1100 per month for the collective).

Information programs and community events (€12,000 per neighborhood).

Conclusion:

This project is an important step towards preserving Ukraine's rich cultural heritage and supporting its artists at this critical time. By encouraging cooperation and promoting Ukrainian culture in Europe, we aim to contribute to the resilience of society and a better future for the Ukrainian cultural sector.

Creative Resilience

Support for Ukrainian artists through innovative tools.

abstract painting
abstract painting
Cultural Cooperation

The project promotes cultural exchanges between Ukraine and the EU.

The "Creative Resilience: Supporting Ukrainian Artists and Cultural Cooperation" project is based on a comprehensive needs analysis, addressing the critical challenges faced by Ukrainian artists and cultural organizations during the war. Despite the ongoing conflict, the majority of Ukrainian artists continue to live and work in Ukraine, notwithstanding immense difficulties in maintaining their creative practices. These artists face significant obstacles, including limited financial resources, restricted access to materials and safe spaces for artistic expression, as well as a lack of platforms to showcase their work both locally and internationally.

The war has also profoundly affected Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons, both at home and abroad, who experience limited access to culture—an essential element of emotional resilience, social cohesion, and identity preservation. These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted support and international cooperation to sustain the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors.

The project aims to address these challenges through the following clear and achievable objectives:

  • Supporting Ukrainian Artists: Providing financial aid and operational resources to sustain the creative efforts of Ukrainian artists, particularly those remaining in Ukraine.

  • Fostering Cultural Exchanges: Enabling collaboration and co-creation between Ukrainian and European artists, promoting mutual understanding and cultural innovation.

  • Promoting Integration: Organizing events to connect Ukrainian artists with European audiences and cultural professionals, showcasing their resilience and talent.

  • Contributing to Resilience: Harnessing arts and culture as tools for societal recovery and emotional healing, in alignment with EU cultural priorities.

This project responds directly to key needs:

  • Economic Support: Many Ukrainian artists face precarious financial conditions, with limited opportunities to generate income locally or internationally.

  • Cultural Preservation and Promotion: By supporting artists remaining in Ukraine, the project ensures that the country’s cultural heritage and contemporary creativity are sustained and recognized globally.

  • Social Inclusion: Refugees and displaced persons require access to cultural activities to rebuild connections and maintain ties with their heritage.

  • Capacity Building: Ukrainian artists need training, networking opportunities, and access to international cultural markets to adapt and thrive during and after the war.

The proposed activities—including artist grants, cultural events, capacity-building workshops, and outreach programs—are designed to address these needs effectively. By supporting artists remaining in Ukraine and fostering collaboration with their European counterparts, the project will strengthen cultural resilience and promote long-term integration into the European cultural landscape.

3 women in black tank top and black leggings
3 women in black tank top and black leggings
Impact Durable

Activities in France, Poland, Germany and Italy for a long-term impact.

black and white bed linen

Creative Resilience

Supporting Ukrainian artists across Europe with innovation and cross-border cultural cooperation.

Complementarity with other actions and innovation

The Creative Resilience: Supporting Ukrainian Artists and Cultural Cooperation project builds on the results of past activities and introduces innovative methods to support Ukrainian artists and foster cultural exchanges. The project draws on the unique expertise and networks of its two main partners, the Association des Artistes Vidéastes de la Culture et du Tourisme Français ('WOW France') and the Association Une Aide Sociale, ensuring that the cultural and social dimensions are addressed in a complementary way.

Building on past activities

This project capitalizes on previous collaborations between the Association des Artistes Vidéastes and over 50 Ukrainian artists, integrating lessons learned and expanding support to meet current challenges. Similarly, the Association Une Aide Sociale brings its experience in providing critical support for displaced persons, ensuring a holistic approach that combines cultural engagement with social assistance.

Through these synergies:

Cultural promotion: WOW France's expertise in storytelling, multimedia platforms and interactive engagement will enhance the work of Ukrainian artists by creating immersive and compelling narratives for a wider European audience.

Social integration: Social assistance expertise ensures that displaced Ukrainian artists and refugees can overcome barriers related to integration, housing, and documentation, allowing them to focus on their creative endeavors.

Innovative aspects

The project introduces several innovative elements to enhance its impact:

Digital showcase: the works of Ukrainian artists will be presented via multimedia platforms and AI-based tools developed by WOW France, allowing them to reach an audience across Europe and beyond.

Cross-sectoral collaboration: The project connects culture and social assistance by combining artistic showcases with workshops, community development activities, and professional networking events.

Gamification for engagement: Inspired by WOW France's tourism-focused gamification strategies, elements such as interactive digital exhibits or augmented reality experiences will be adapted to amplify Ukrainian culture in an engaging way.

Localized Support Framework: A Social Assistance will provide logistical and social integration support, such as housing assistance and access to public services, allowing artists to thrive in their new environment.

Complementarity with other organisations

This project complements the initiatives of other organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees and artists by:

Addressing gaps in cultural promotion with a focus on artistic excellence and innovation.

Supporting artists who remain in Ukraine while responding to the needs of displaced people across Europe.

Create long-term cultural cooperation networks that extend beyond emergency relief, fostering sustainable relations between the Ukrainian and European creative sectors.

European dimension

The project has a strong European dimension, promoting cross-border cooperation and mutual trust. The activities will take place in France and other Creative Europe countries, including Poland, Germany and Italy, which are hosting a significant number of Ukrainian refugees. The impact of the project will also indirectly benefit other EU countries by showcasing the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian culture, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared values across Europe.

Direct beneficiaries: Ukrainian artists, cultural collectives and refugees living in Ukraine or displaced in France and other EU countries.

Indirect beneficiaries: European public, cultural institutions and local communities who engage in the project through events, exhibitions and online platforms.

The results, including digital archives, training modules and strengthened networks, will be easily transferable to other EU countries, ensuring a lasting legacy. The project's focus on underrepresented cultural voices will deepen understanding and collaboration across borders, enriching the European cultural landscape while advancing mutual trust and cooperation.