We stand in solidarity.
On 24 February, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, marking a major escalation to a conflict that began in 2014 - the largest conventional military attack in Europe since World War II.
We send our support and friendship at this time of this war to our fellow members, to artists, actors, performers, and those in museums, libraries, and other creative and cultural organisations and institutions who live and work in Ukraine.
The hearts of all OHOS artists, along with the whole arts community of Reading, go out to their loved ones, friends and family and all those in Ukraine at this time.
As a collective we are unified in the belief that arts and culture are a public good – with the potential to further inclusive social transformation – to be shaped and accessed equitably by all peoples.
We call for the protection of both the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine and the work of the nation’s remarkable artists and creative practitioners.
We stand with those in the creative and cultural world who are showing solidarity for their colleagues in Ukraine.
Our friend and fellow OHOS artist Pavlo Kerestey along with trustee Susanne Clausen are fundraising to support two groups of friends who are artists and activists in Western Ukraine.
One group is near the Polish border in Lviv and one group is near the Hungarian border in Uzhgorod. They have set up a private support network to help people fleeing the war. They cook daily for refugees stranded at the border and organise basic supplies and temporary accommodation.
Here’s the website link for donations: artistsforukraine.org