A statement from art institutions of the Nordic countries

We condemn the Russian regime’s military invasion of Ukraine, and we stand in solidarity with the people affected by these violent attacks. We are concerned about the well-being of our colleagues in Ukraine, whose lives, freedom, and ability to work—in the field of art and otherwise—changed overnight. We are disturbed by the treatment of those in Russia who are speaking out against the war and their leaders. Art professionals have been restricted from expressing themselves and working freely alongside their families, friends, audiences, and fellow citizens. An entire region that has long been a source of insight and wisdom for the international art community has now been transformed into a conflict zone by the autocracy of the current Russian government.

We call on authorities in the Nordic countries to comply with the EU regulations to facilitate the admission of refugees from the region and from other war-torn areas and to provide a haven for people who have been forced to leave their homes. As professional organizations, we stand in solidarity and join our voices together on behalf of all cultural workers, students, and other professionals in our fields. We speak with one voice in solidarity with international sister institutions and professionals in Russia who acknowledge the aggression, speak out loudly about the war, and condemn it. We will comply with requests to pressure Vladimir Putin by not engaging, or by publicly disengaging, with Russian art collections and magnates who directly and indirectly support this unjustifiable war.

Art contributes to a just society. As we collect funds to provide space and financial support to cultural workers from the region, we celebrate artists who have contributed to building a peaceful and democratic society in Ukraine and abroad. Stop the war.