Ukraine continues to experience massive Russian airstrikes. On the night of September 29, Russia blanketed the country with over 800 drones and 13 missiles — a new record. At least four people were killed and dozens injured. The hoped-for diplomatic breakthrough was not achieved: the Trump-Putin summit in mid-August ended without a ceasefire. On the contrary, Russia is intensifying its attacks. European partners reaffirm their solidarity and are delivering additional air defense systems. But the war goes on — and with it the daily struggle to survive under fire. And in this reality, Ukrainian artists work, create, and live.

UAHP IN REGULAR OPERATION

There is great news: Since the end of May 2025, the Ukrainian Artists Health Program (UAHP) has transitioned from the pilot phase to regular operation. Since then, five artists have been in continuous therapeutic treatment through Neuroflex. The start was not easy: secure money transfers, organizing applicants, and at the same time making it possible to participate anonymously. I spent a long time figuring out how to make everything as transparent, safe, and traceable as possible! Now it’s running. The feedback from the artists is overwhelming.

How it works: Artists apply, their artistic activity is confirmed, they are placed on a waiting list and, in turn, receive a certificate. Artists then contact Neuroflex, which asks us whether the certificate is valid, therapy begins – anonymously if desired. During billing, the artists confirm each individual treatment. Everything is transparent and clean. Your donations – every cent – go exactly where they are needed!

Source: Art Crossing Borders | UAHP Poster 2025

But… the demand is enormous. When I initially placed an ad on a single platform, we received over 100 applications at once. I stopped everything immediately, but even without an active campaign, we continue to receive many inquiries. With an average therapy duration of at least six months and only five available spots, it’s a truly burdensome situation. So for half a year now, over 95 artists — with sometimes harrowing life stories and outstanding art — have been waiting for a spot. They write to me, but I can only put them off.

I am currently looking for funding programs. Several applications have already been submitted, but as so often, the expected rejections have arrived. Sometimes it’s due to this clause, sometimes to that one. I will keep at it, but I would once again like to make an appeal to you: If anyone has contacts with potential sponsors who are willing to provide regular support, or knows someone who might be interested in directly supporting the program – please get in touch!

A therapy slot costs a little more than 100 EUR per month. I am also happy to arrange sponsorships!

The subway

Vladyslav was born in 1996 in Dnipro. His childhood was shaped by factories, railways, unfinished subways, and industrial objects—an atmosphere that continues to influence his work today. He studied at the prestigious National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Easel and Form Painting and later his Master’s in Monumental Painting. Vladyslav works with oil, acrylic, silkscreen, aerosol, mixed media, and photography. His works have been shown at Art Basel in Switzerland, the Graz Museum in Austria, the Ujazdowski Castle in Warsaw, the ERSTE Foundation in Vienna, as well as in numerous other solo and duo exhibitions and residencies in Kyiv, Lithuania, Poland, and the Ternopil region. The list is long and demonstrates the quality and reach of his work.

Before the war, Vladyslav was working on a large series about Kyiv subway stations. When the war began, he evacuated to another city. His family remained in Dnipro. After a few months, health problems began: high blood pressure, loss of consciousness, seizures. In his application for the UAHP, he writes: “Sometimes it seems to me that I see a connection – to nightly rocket attacks, to severe stress, or when my parents argue and get angry with each other. By the way, they also shouted a lot during my childhood, I remember that.” Doctors diagnosed epilepsy and prescribed strong medication. But his emotional state remained very unstable. Vladyslav knew: he needed more than medical treatment. He needed psychological support.