Artists, makers and galleries rally to support Ukraine relief efforts

15 March 2022

Works being sold online are directly raising funds for charities on the ground

15 March 2022

100% of the profits from the Peace Dove for Ukraine embroidered patch by Hand & Lock will go to the Red Cross

Marcin Rusak, Marlene Huissoud, Formafantasma and Studio Drift are among a growing number of artists, designers, makers and galleries raising money through auctions on Instagram for charities supporting relief efforts in Ukraine.

Since the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine broke on 24 February, social media platforms have become spaces for organisation, solidarity, and – crucially – fundraising.

On Instagram, galleries and independent makers alike have taken to selling pieces to the highest bidder in their comments sections and direct messages, with the money going to charities and aid-workers supporting people in and fleeing the conflict.

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A post shared by Marcin Rusak Studio (@marcinrusak)

One designer in particular, Poland-based Marcin Rusak, has brought together a host of well-known names for an auction ending on 31 March. Taking place across Rusak’s own Instagram page, works are individually displayed in separate posts, with information and starting bids listed in the caption.

As well as his own work, and among many others, Rusak is auctioning off a pewter ashtray by Simone Bodmer-Turner at a starting bid of €320; a pair of handblown glass ‘blooms’ by Bethan Laura Wood at a starting bid of €300; a bronze cocoon-shaped stool by Marlene Huissoud at a starting bid of €5,955; and a vase made from milk protein by Tessa Silva, at a starting bid of €400. All money raised will go to the Poland-based NGO, Fundacja Ocalenie, which is supporting the millions of Ukranians who have already fled, and are expected to arrive in Poland.

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A post shared by Marcin Rusak Studio (@marcinrusak)

‘We have been shocked and appalled by the brutal and unjustified Russian aggression against the sovereign, independent state of Ukraine,’ the studio said in a statement. ‘As an immediate neighbour, Poland has done a lot to help refugees fleeing the war.’

‘As a Warsaw-based studio, we have been witnessing the drama of individual people every day since the invasion began. Our lives are no longer the same,’ it continued.

Joined-up efforts have also been made by collectives Precious and Alliages, which have come together to auction off pieces in order to raise funds for the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

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A post shared by Marcin Rusak Studio (@marcinrusak)

Outside of social media, other makers have been creating works specifically inspired by Ukraine, such as London-based embroiders Hand & Lock, which has designed a patch featuring a peace dove embroidered in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.100% of the profits will be donated to the British Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Others are paying homage to crafts from the region, like artist and monk Antony S. Galbraith, who created an embroidery pattern inspired by traditional Ukrainian motifs, which is free to download and intended to be used in an act of solidarity to provide a moment of mindfulness.

‘As I received the news of the unprecedented and brutal attack on Ukraine, I struggled with what to do with my feelings of unease and horror at what the Ukrainian people are facing,’ Galbraith said. ‘Today I woke up and thought perhaps I could engage in a contemplative activity in which I could focus prayers and positive energies directed to all those who are and will be suffering gravely.’

Antony S. Galbraith has created an embroidery pattern inspired by traditional Ukrainian motifs

The #artistsupportpledge, an initiative founded to support creatives during the pandemic, has now been joined by the #ukrainesupportpledge. Founder Matthew Burrows and artist curator Zavier Ellis of Ellis Smith Projects are inviting people to tag their artworks on Instagram using both hashtags; buyers message to check if the work is still available, then donate the funds via a JustGiving page. All proceeds are going to the Global Giving Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. At the time of writing, the hashtag has been used over 2300 times, raising more than £80,000.

In addition to money-raising efforts, a number of art institutions, galleries and studios have announced they are offering residencies to displaced Ukranians seeking shelter. An extensive Google doc, put together by Nida Art Colony, is being kept up to date with the opportunities available to those in need.

Artists, makers and galleries rally to support Ukraine relief efforts

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