Artists raise thousands to support Ukrainian refugees
A GROUP of artists based in Reading has helped raise more than £13,000 to support Ukrainian refugees.
Artists for Ukraine hosted an emergency art sale at the 571 Oxford Road Galley on Thursday, March 24.
The unique initiative was co-led by artists at the University of Reading and from Reading town.
The exhibition featured donations from more than 50 international artists as well as from members of the Reading art community.
Cllr Ayo Sokale, deputy mayor of Reading, said: “This is a testament to what Reading does and what the people of Reading are like.
“We call ourselves a sanctuary town and we don’t just mean this in words, but in action as well.
“To hear the story of how students, schools and everyone in the community has come together at this very challenging time is inspiring.“
All funds from the exhibition will go directly to supporting ‘Kuhknia’ (Kitchen) a private network of artists and activist volunteers who are cooking meals, sourcing medicine and other vital supplies and arranging temporary accommodation for refugees stranded in Western Ukraine.
Andriy Solotkyi, a student filmmaker and journalist from Ukraine studying in Reading, said: “This war has impacted me personally in a lot of ways, but more importantly it has impacted the lives of my friends.
“Some of them lost their family members, some of them are hiding in bomb shelters as we speak, every day, every hour and it’s not easy when you hear air raid sirens 10 hours of the day.
“We are fighting for the same principles that your society lives by, freedom and peace.”
Stefan Bomok, from the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, also attended and gave a passionate statement on behalf of the centre.
He said: “I would like to thank the public for overwhelming support, and the organisers of tonight’s event.
“We thank you all for attending and showing your solidarity with the Ukrainian people fighting for peace and democracy, fighting not only for peace in Ukraine but for peace in the whole of Europe.
“Someone has to stop the aggressor, and he will not stop at Ukraine.
“Ukraine will not perish. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. Slava Ukraini.”
So far £13,330 has been raised through art sales, tickets to the exhibition and donations – which are still being accepted.
There is also a range of artwork still available to purchase.
For more information, or to make or donation, visit: artistsforukraine.org