The community of Ukrainian artists in exile ZMINA:Resilience
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian artists, curators, musicians, theater workers, and cultural practitioners have been forced to leave Ukraine. Many of them continue to create abroad — in new cities, new contexts, often without their usual professional network nearby. It is for them — and together with them — that the IZOLYATSIA foundation is launching an open international community within the ZMINA:Resilience project.
What is this community?
This is a communication space that unites Ukrainian cultural figures abroad and partner organizations from various countries in Europe. The community exists in the form of a WhatsApp channel (for announcements and news) and a WhatsApp group (for live communication, networking, and experience exchange).
But above all — it is about people. Artists seeking partners for collaborative projects. Curators wanting to stay connected with the Ukrainian scene. Cultural managers building new contacts in the countries where they are staying. And all those who believe that culture is not only a way of survival but also a means of influence.
Why is this needed?
Ukrainian artists abroad find themselves in a dual role: on one hand, they carry with them the living Ukrainian culture — its language, aesthetics, experience, trauma, and resilience. On the other hand, while being in new cultural environments, they gradually root themselves into local scenes, build contacts, and gain a unique opportunity to connect two worlds.
That is why we refer to them not as "displaced," but as bridges — between the cultural scenes of Ukraine and the countries where they are located. This community is created to make this role visible, supported, and productive — and to ensure that Ukrainian artists abroad act not in isolation, but as part of an organized network.
What do participants receive?
By joining the community, you will have access to:
Opportunities. Up-to-date information about grants, open competitions, residencies, and partnership programs — filtered by countries and relevant for international collaborations.
Networking. Regular matchmaking sessions for connecting with potential partners among Ukrainian artists and representatives of cultural organizations in the host countries. The format includes brief presentations plus thematic breakout rooms.
Community. A space for sharing experiences, collaboration requests, and mutual support. Here you can share a challenge, find answers, or simply feel that you are not alone.
Visibility. Participants can share their work with a wider audience — in Ukraine and abroad.
Priority access. Community members are the first to learn about open calls for the ZMINA:Resilience project and have the opportunity to find partners for applications directly through the network.
How does it work?
The community is structured around two communication channels.
WhatsApp channel — a one-way information flow from the IZOLYATSIA team: news, opportunities, event announcements, and materials from the ZMINA:Resilience program. Concise, relevant, without unnecessary noise.
WhatsApp group — a lively space for participants: networking, collaboration requests, thematic discussions, experience exchange. The group is moderated by the project team and the community coordinator.
In addition to ongoing communication, we plan regular online meetings via Zoom — brief networking sessions or thematic discussions focused on specific countries or fields of practice.
Who can join?
The community is open to Ukrainian artists, curators, producers, cultural managers, and researchers currently living outside Ukraine — regardless of host country, length of time abroad, or professional background.
The only requirement is a willingness to engage in open professional dialogue and to follow the community guidelines.
Join the community — and invite colleagues who are currently living and working outside Ukraine.
👉 Fill in the registration form
ZMINA: Resilience is a cooperation between IZOLYATSIA (UA), Malý Berlín (SK) with support of Trans Europe Halles (SE).
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.