FAQ (for artists and cultural workers from Ukraine)

How can Office Ukraine help me?

We can support artists from Ukraine in finding studio spaces, artists residencies and internships; we can provide information about applying to university, the study landscape in Austria, exhibition and concert opportunities; and we can offer help in finding jobs and accommodation. Our most important goal is to promote artistic collaboration between artists from Ukraine and the Austrian art scene.

I need accommodation. Can you help me?

Yes, but finding accommodation is not our main task. We only pass on information about accommodation. If we know of a room or flat, we will be happy to put you in touch. Unfortunately, we have to point out that Office Ukraine has been offering very little accommodation for some time now. 

I would like to find work in Austria. What do I have to do?

We can put you in contact with people / organisations / institutions that may be able to offer you a job. However, we cannot guarantee that it will work out immediately. In order to work in Austria, you must first register and obtain your papers. After you have received your blue residence card (“Ausweis für Vertriebene”), you can register with the Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS), the Austrian employment office: Labour market in Austria for refugees from Ukraine.

Does Office Ukraine award scholarships?

No, we do not. “Office Ukraine. Support for Ukrainian Artists” can provide information about funding from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport (BMKOES), which has made special funding available for Ukrainian artists in exile in Austria, and bring artists and cultural professionals from Ukraine together with institutions in Austria. Office Ukraine also provides information about other public and private funding and scholarship opportunities. Our aim is to bring people together who would like to develop projects together and to create a solid basis for applying for funding. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to make contacts.

How much are scholarships awarded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport (BMKOES)?

The work grant for a total period of three months amounts to € 1,500 per person per month. Project funding amounts to a maximum of €4,500 per project; infrastructure or rental costs cannot be funded.

How can I receive a grant or project subsidy from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport (BMKOES)?

A detailed project plan, a financing plan and proof of your artistic qualifications are required for the application. Prepare these documents carefully and make sure they are clear and professional. The review of the application may take some time and depends on the specific funding programme and the number of applications. You will usually be informed in writing. In addition, the applicant or cultural institution must confirm in the funding application that the funds received will be used exclusively for artists who have fled Ukraine.

For more information, please contact us at office@artistshelp-ukraine.at or visit the BMKOES website.

Who can apply for the special support programme Ukraine-Hilfe?

Individuals and cultural institutions in Austria from all areas of the arts who are developing projects with artists who have fled Ukraine; artists who have fled Ukraine; individuals and cultural institutions in Austria from all areas of the arts who are realising artistic projects in Ukraine.

What documents do I need for the application?

A fully completed and signed funding application (PDF, 232 KB) including attachments (attachments: portfolio, CV, budget, schedule, project description) is required. All documents (attachments in English are also possible) must be sent by e-mail to ukrainehilfe@bmkoes.gv.at. The applications will be assessed by a jury of experts. All information can be found here: Special funding Ukraine-Aid. The BMKOES website is in German, but we can provide information in other languages. The application can also be submitted in English. If you need support, we can put you in touch with artists based in Austria who are willing to help with the application as mentors.

Can I get immediate financial aid?

Currently, the Austrian government does not offer immediate financial support for refugees from Ukraine. However, you can receive accommodation, food, clothing, free SIM cards and health insurance and register to receive money in the future. All information about the first steps in Austria can be found here: Federal Agency for Reception and Support Services.

Do I have to stay in Vienna?

Office Ukraine has three locations in Austria – Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck.  Ambitious and competent people with a strong network work in all of them. We therefore strongly recommend that you also consider cities other than Vienna. Yes, Vienna is the capital of Austria, but due to the demand it is often difficult to find accommodation and a host for you here. There are a lot of art initiatives and opportunities in other cities in Austria.

 Linz, for example, is home to one of the largest digital festivals in Europe – Ars Electronica. Not forgetting the University of Art and Design there. Graz, Austria’s second largest city, offers a diverse cultural life that encompasses the visual arts, theatre and music, as well as four universities, including the University of Music and Performing Arts. The Steirischer Herbst festival and the Forum Stadtpark, two initiatives founded already in the 1960s, are also based here. Innsbruck is located in an Alpine valley and is a young city with many opportunities for exhibitions and very committed institutions. These are just a few examples, but Salzburg, Klagenfurt, Bregenz, St. Pölten, Krems, Eisenstadt and many smaller cities also have diverse cultural institutions and initiatives and a lively cultural scene that is also internationally recognised. There are also many independent cultural initiatives in the countryside. We have offices in Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck and are happy to provide information about other opportunities in Austria.

How can I help?

There are many ways to support artists and cultural workers fleeing war in Ukraine. Please get in touch with us if you would like to provide accommodation, studio spaces, project and work opportunities, transport, translation, or legal, administrative, medical, psychological and other services, or to become a mentor! If you would like to give your time, services, or expertise, please fill in the respective form on our website!

Is it possible to donate?

»Office Ukraine. Support for Ukrainian Artists« has also set up a bank account for donations. Your donation allows us to help quickly in difficult situations!

IBAN: AT362011184532396001
BIC: GIBAATWWXXX