The Executive Committee of IAA Europe strongly condemns the Russian war against Ukraine and is shocked by this aggression against the people of Ukraine and the European peace order that has been achieved. As an association, we believe in the preservation of democracy and in solidarity among people. Our thoughts are with the citizens of Ukraine in view of their great suffering.
We are temporarily suspending membership of the National Committee of Russia (Union of artists of Russia) and National Committee of Belarus (Belarusian Union of Artists) in IAA Europe until we hear their official statement condemning this war. The General Assembly of IAA Europe (September 2022) shall decide on further steps.
Alongside Ukrainian artists we know many Russian and Belarusian artists are at risk right now, because they openly stand against Putin and his regime. We should unite and offer all artists regardless of origin shelter and help, advancing freedom of expression, defending democratic values and promoting international solidarity.
We are also offering a membership fee free year to the National Committee of Ukraine (National Union of Artists in Ukraine) and recommend to all NCs to issue free IAA card to all professional visual artists from Ukraine who will apply for it. We are collecting the information about opportunities for Ukrainian artists leaving their country, all of them will be shared on IAA Europe website.
Residencies in Finland for Ukrainian refugee artists
World Art Day 2022 for Ukraine project in Iceland
World Art Day is celebrated each year, on 15 April, to promote awareness about creative activity and its relation with the elements of society. Art nurtures creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue. These are qualities that art has always had, and will always have if we continue to support environments where artists and artistic freedom are promoted and protected. In this way, furthering the development of art also furthers our means to achieve a free and peaceful world.
In the light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Federation of Icelandic artists (BÍL*) and the Association of Icelandic Visual (SÍM*) artists, have decided to dedicate World Art Day 2022 to Ukrainian art and artists.
Eight Ukrainian artists will be invited to introduce themselves, their situation, and art via video recordings. These videos will be published and distributed on social media and news in the week leading up to April 15th.
Details
- Videos* are required to be no longer than 5 minutes each
- Video description must include artist name and instagram account
- Videos can be sent with www.wetransfer.com to sim@sim.is
- Each participant will be rewarded with a 200 euro grant
- Deadline for video submission is April 8th
For further information please contact us via sim@sim.is