Located in the heart of Berlin, a city with a rich history of conflict and revival, an art collective called Vechornytsi has emerged as a symbol of support and solidarity for the Ukrainian community that is currently facing an ongoing war with Russia. Founded by Kateryna Prus and Max Shafer, this non-profit organization has become an important cultural hub, demonstrating the profound impact artists can have during times of war and hardship.

Kateryna, originally from Kyiv, moved to Berlin to pursue higher education, initially in business under parental guidance but her heart always lay with the creative fields. Max, from California, moved to Berlin for work and soon after, destiny led him to Kateryna – “I met Kateryna a little under two months after I moved here and we’ve been together ever since, it was love at first sight”. Together, they created a platform that could combine their passions for art and social impact.

So, How did it all begin? The birth of Vechornytsi was catalyzed by the unsettling war in Ukraine that began on the morning of 24 February 2022(1) when Putin announced a “special military operation” to “demilitarise and denazify” Ukraine(2). Minutes later, missiles and airstrikes hit across Ukraine, including Kyiv, shortly followed by a large ground invasion along multiple fronts(3). From a population of 41 million in January 2022, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million had fled the country by April 2023, creating Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II.

For Kateryna, the guilt of witnessing her homeland in turmoil while experiencing relative safety abroad was overwhelming. Her emotional state was the driving force behind her urge to take action – “When the war started, going out felt wrong. I was alive and dancing while people back home were dying,” Kateryna shared. It was during this period that the idea for a culturally-driven fundraising event took shape – “It was weird, kind of staying all night at these clubs and making money from It – mostly to go to the DJs – but still we felt it was not nice and that’s when I had an idea – oh why don’t we donate all the money let’s have all the Ukrainian artists” says Max.

The first Vechornytsi event was a mix of art exhibitions and musical performances, a moving response to the invasion. Ukrainian artists, both based in Berlin and Ukraine, displayed their works, transforming the venue into a vivid display of resistance and resilience. “We just put their art on the walls, and people could either buy it for donations or just appreciate the insights into Ukrainian experiences,” Kateryna explained. This shift not only enhanced the collective’s mission but also deepened the communal bond among attendees. Over time, Vechornytsi has hosted 16 events, each curated to reflect a blend of artistic expression and communal gatherings, from purely musical nights to mixed media art events. Kateryna recalls an event where she displayed her mother’s poetry, describing living under the constant threat of bombardment. “Art can make people feel the reality of war more deeply and personally. It’s about raising awareness differently,” she said. Vechornytsi’s work extends beyond financial contributions; it is about creating a deeper understanding of Ukrainian culture and its struggles throughout history through art.

The selection of artists and themes while organizing an event is intuitive yet thoughtful, influenced by the venue and desired atmosphere or theme. “I handle the non-musical artists while Max focuses on the DJs,” Kateryna described their collaborative process. “Sometimes, the mood of a venue inspires our choice of artists.”

The collective has not only raised over €10,000 in donations but has also become a platform for Ukrainian artists and refugees in Berlin to express themselves and find a sense of belonging. “It’s hard being an artist from Kyiv or elsewhere in Ukraine and then being forced to start over in a new country. This gives them a space to feel at home,” Kateryna reflected. During the past two years, they collaborated with other non-profit organizations and art collectives, including “очі” (which means “eyes” in Ukrainian) and savelife.in.ua.

Looking ahead, the founders are optimistic yet realistic about the future. “I don’t imagine stopping doing this, I think there will always be a need for raising cultural awareness and supporting Ukrainian artists, especially given the fact that Ukrainian culture has been destroyed for centuries now. For the foreseeable future, there will always be money needed to rebuild which will be a huge effort,” says Max.

For those wanting to support Ukraine, Kateryna and Max advise attending demonstrations, donating, and actively participating in cultural events. “Contribute in any way you can. No matter where you are in the world, you can always donate.” Max concluded.

Through Vechornytsi, Kateryna Prus and Max Shafer have demonstrated how art is truly a language everyone speaks and how it can be a powerful tool for community support and international solidarity, providing not only financial aid but also a spiritual uplift for those affected by war and displacement. Their work underscores the essential role of artists and cultural organizers in fostering resilience and hope during the darkest of times.

References:

(1) Nikolskaya, Polina; Osborn, Andrew (24 February 2022). “Russia’s Putin authorizes ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine”. Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.

(2) Grunau, Andrea; von Hein, Matthias; Theise, Eugen; Weber, Joscha (25 February 2022). “Fact check: Do Vladimir Putin’s justifications for going to war against Ukraine add up?”. Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.

(3) Waxman, Olivia B. (3 March 2022). “Historians on What Putin Gets Wrong About ‘Denazification’ in Ukraine”. Time. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.