Artistic debate and art as a means of expression are essential, especially in times of crisis. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has once again made clear how important art and culture are for peace and freedom. For this reason, the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS, together with the Rudolf Augstein Foundation and the Claussen Simon Foundation, has supported “ART CONNECTS - Aid Fund for Projects with Cultural Workers Seeking Protection” since its initiation by the Hamburgische Kulturstiftung in April 2022. The grant fund supports artists of all nationalities who have taken flight because of the war in Ukraine – fleeing either the war or reprisals in their home country – and who seek protection in Hamburg. The aim is to allow these artists to connect with the Hamburg cultural scene and continue their artistic activities.
In 2022, 33 project grants were awarded; in 2023, 28 projects were supported. The projects realized so far have shown that the ART CONNECTS offers the supported participants a connection to the Hamburg cultural scene, networking opportunities and a long-term perspective for their artistic work. Follow-up projects have already emerged from some projects and many of the artists seeking protection have been involved in several projects in different artistic constellations.
The initiators and sponsors look to maintain this positive development through the continuation of ART CONNECTS. Proposals can be submitted on an ongoing basis with the Hamburgische Kulturstiftung. In the continuing selection of projects for funding, ART CONNECTS is placing particular emphasis on the ability of projects to contribute to artistic networking and exchange.
The current call for proposals and information on the application process can be found here.
Contact person:
Stefanie Jaschke-Lohse, Program Director Art & Culture, jaschke-lohse@zeit-stiftung.de
