Graz conference seeks lasting cultural ties with Ukraine

An international conference in Graz is examining how emergency support for Ukraine since 2022 can develop into long-term cultural cooperation. The event, reported by ORF, brings cultural institutions, funders, policymakers and artists together at Kunsthaus Graz on Thursday and Friday.

Institutions in Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck founded Office Ukraine in 2022 with public support to assist Ukrainian artists and cultural workers. Since Russia began its war against Ukraine in February 2022, cultural organisations across Europe have offered residencies, guest programmes and funding. The conference will consider how those short-term measures can lead to sustainable networks.

Organisers include Office Ukraine and Austria’s Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, along with other partners. Culture Minister Andreas Babler said solidarity and strong international networks were more important than ever in the face of destruction, displacement and diaspora.

Participants will review existing support programmes, discuss structural questions and examine imbalances in funding systems. They will also consider how cultural institutions can foster cross-border solidarity and cooperation. Ukraine’s ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, said culture could create spaces for trust, mutual understanding and shared European perspectives.

An accompanying arts programme runs through October 17. A video work by Zhanna Kadyrova is on show at Kunsthaus Graz. On October 15, Oksana Kazmina will give a performative lecture, followed by a sound performance by Nick Acorne and Antuum that turns conference participants’ voices and words into a composition of sound and light. On October 17, participants will unpack a box brought from Ukraine by cultural worker Alona Karavai and discuss the artworks inside.