Ever since the start of Russia’s brutal, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine three years ago, we have stood in solidarity with Ukraine, providing humanitarian, financial and diplomatic help. Austria has supported Ukraine with more than € 293 million in bilateral assistance. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine – as long as it takes.
It is important to also pay attention to culture. Culture is essential for our societies to continue tackling the future head on both during the war and after it ends. In the past three years, Austria has put into action key-initiatives that aim to help Ukrainian artists and scientists. This solidarity is an essential part of Austria’s efforts to stand with Ukraine and its people. I am particularly proud of initiatives like Office Ukraine. Support for Ukrainian Artists initiated by my Ministry.
Rest assured, Austria will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine!
Werner Kogler
Federal Minister for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport

Supporting Ukraine: A Commitment to Resilience and Innovation
Supporting Ukraine is about more than rebuilding what was lost—it is about imagining what could be. Philanthropy cannot stay on the sidelines when freedom and justice are under threat. The war has upended lives and reshaped Europe’s geopolitical landscape. In response, we have sought meaningful ways to contribute. We believe that building a resilient, democratic Ukraine is not only possible but essential.
Our commitment is not merely an act of solidarity; it is an investment in the continent’s stability and peace by fostering participatory governance, supporting social entrepreneurship, and embedding sustainability into reconstruction efforts. The determination of Ukrainian people offers an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine how societies rebuild after conflict. We believe that even amid the devastation of war, there is room for hope, innovation, and progress.
Ukraine’s recovery has been resonating far beyond its borders, offering lessons for philanthropy, governance, and social innovation in post-conflict societies. Our initiatives have strengthened cross-border cooperation and fostered a shared sense of responsibility for Ukraine.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, we reflect on our initial response to the crisis and how our mission has evolved. What began as an immediate reaction to a humanitarian catastrophe has grown into a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and integration into the European Union. The war is not solely about Ukraine—it tests the unity of the European community.
For the ERSTE Foundation, this is more than a cause; it is a moral imperative. Founded on the principles of European values, we view our support for Ukraine as a principled stance in defence of democracy, freedom, and human dignity. A victory for Ukraine would represent a victory for these values, extending beyond one country to the future of Europe. Our commitment to Ukraine is not merely an act of solidarity; it is an investment in the continent’s stability and peace.
ERSTE Foundation

February 24 marks a tragic anniversary that once again reminds us that the war in Ukraine continues and is causing immeasurable suffering. As MuseumsQuartier Wien, it is important to us to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people and to create spaces for artistic voices that enable resistance, hope and reflection.
With the current installation Peace Plan by Inna Shevchenko and Elsa Okazaki, prominently placed in front of the MuseumsQuartier, we are sending a signal against silencing in the face of war and violence. Just like Pavlo Makov’s Fountain of Exhaustion, which we presented in the main courtyard of the MuseumsQuartier last year, Peace Plan makes it clear that art is a powerful form of resistance.
Our collaboration with Office Ukraine and Ukrainian artists is not just a gesture of support for us, but an expression of our conviction that culture is an essential component of social resilience. By giving space to these artistic voices, we are helping to raise awareness of the reality of war and strengthen the power of art as a medium of expression and remembrance.
Bettina Leidl, Director MuseumsQuartier Wien

The third anniversary of the war in Ukraine reminds us not only of the immeasurable suffering endured by the Ukrainian people, but also of the far-reaching consequences for the West. This war has shaken Europe’s sense of security and confronted us with the question of how fragile peace in Europe really is. The consequences are palpable: rising energy prices, economic uncertainty, increased military build-up… Ukraine’s resistance is a symbol of courage and determination. Therefore, supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainians is not just a question of solidarity, but a fundamental defence of the values of democracy, freedom and territorial integrity that unite us as a community.
Luise Grinschgl, Team Kulturvermittlung Steiermark

The need for support and assistance for the people of Ukraine here and now in Austria is beyond doubt for me.
But how can we understand the efforts, pain and longings of many Ukrainians from our still incredibly privileged position? How can we approve of the madness of the flourishing global weapons factory? I am at a loss. I concentrate on my surroundings, I try to help the Ukrainian students who take part in my lessons as much as I can and support them in their work.
Josef Fürpass, HTBLVA Ortweinschule Graz

The war in Ukraine has been going on for eleven years now. For all these years Ukrainian people have been suffering from the terrible aggression from Russia. But this war is not only against Ukraine, it is against freedom: freedom of speech, freedom to love, and freedom to choose.
And on this day, February 24, 2025, on the third anniversary of the invasion, we as the Ukrainian art community in Graz want not only to remind you about the ongoing everyday terror but also to remind you how close it is.
Anton Tkachenko, ZIEGEL—atelier and project space by the Ukrainian artists’ community Graz

On 24 February 2025, it will be three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and tried to destroy democratic values. The least we can do at Kunsthalle Graz is to integrate the Ukrainian artists who have fled into our exhibition programme. This has already happened and will continue to happen. Many thanks to Office Ukraine for their incredible work and networking.
Arnold Reinisch, Team of Kunsthalle Graz – Association for Contemporary Art

This terrible war, which has now been going on for three years, is the reason why we came into contact with Ukrainian artists who had fled to Graz. This contact, the more intensive getting to know each other, led to the collaboration at the Waiting for… festival in December 2024, was fine and inspiring, with exciting artistic results. While we wait and hope for peace, we will continue to support, help and cooperate!
Johanna Hierzegger, Theater im Bahnhof

I feel for everyone who is affected. The war has become very close to me through the Ukrainian artists who have been affected by it and whom I have been able to get to know so far. It’s unimaginable what is possible in Europe.
Edith Draxl, UniT Graz