Art is the heartbeat of our people – our strength, our spirit, our identity.
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s Aid for Artists fund is a lifeline for Ukraine’s artists and cultural workers. It provides our community, in Canada and around the world, with a meaningful way to stand behind those who keep Ukraine courageous, creative, and united – even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
At this moment in history, preserving and advancing Ukrainian culture is not just important, it is essential. Through music, theatre, visual art, dance, and every creative expression, artists carry forward the soul of our homeland, giving voice to resilience and hope.
The Aid for Artists Fund supports projects that rebuild and strengthen Ukraine’s arts sector.
Funding goes to:
By investing in creation, re-establishment, and employment in the arts, we ensure that Ukraine’s cultural identity thrives today, and for generations to come.
Help us keep Ukrainian culture alive and strong.
The Aid for Artists Committee is made up of dedicated cultural leaders who bring decades of experience in the arts, performance, and community engagement. Together, they champion Ukrainian culture by raising awareness, mobilizing support, and directing vital resources where they are needed most. The Committee guides the Fund’s mission to preserve and promote Ukrainian creativity, ensuring that artists and cultural workers have the support they need to keep Ukraine’s spirit strong.
“By supporting Ukrainian artists, we are helping Ukraine and its culture emerge from the shadows of imperialism and to its rightful place on the world stage.”
– Dr. Brian Cherwick
Brian is a celebrated multi-instrumentalist who has performed across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, both as a soloist and as leader of the award-winning speed-folk group Kubasonics. A passionate ethnomusicologist, he has documented Ukrainian musical traditions throughout western Canada and Ukraine. His dynamic solo performances, featuring dozens of traditional instruments, offer audiences an unforgettable journey into the rich world of Ukrainian folk music.
“The arts have been an important part of my life because of growing up in a Ukrainian family where culture was always at the forefront. The arts are an essential part of the lifestyle in Ukraine, and rebuilding what has been lost in the war must be a priority. Whether it is dance, poetry, music or visual arts, it is the voice and soul of our people.”
– Darka Tarnawsky
Founder and President of Bottom Line Productions, Darka has been a driving force in Canadian arts for over 30 years – as a performer, volunteer, supporter, and professional manager. Her client list includes leading organizations such as Edmonton Opera, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia, and Broadway Across Canada.
“I have had the great opportunity to meet and observe, over the years, many people as they develop a profound love of musical excellence in the choral arts. Communal vocal expression creates musical beauty in vibrant venues and lifts the spirit, both of the performer and members of the audience. I hope that this fund will offer ensembles in Ukraine the opportunity to continue their important community service to offer healing and sustenance as Ukraine slowly rebuilds.”
– Laurence Ewashko
A tenured Full Professor at the University of Ottawa, Laurence teaches choral techniques, vocal repertoire, and leads two university choirs. With a distinguished career as Music Director of the Cantata Singers of Ottawa and Chorus Master for Opera Lyra Ottawa, he has dedicated his life to vocal excellence and artistic leadership.
“It’s difficult to imagine a world without art, and Ukrainian arts in particular are intensely rich and diverse, capturing our complex history, the soul of our people, and the spirit of our ancestors. Supporting and rebuilding the arts community in Ukraine is integral to preserving Ukraine’s cultural legacy for generations to come.”
– Tanya Mykytiuk
Based in Toronto, Tanya is a graphic designer, folk artist, and lifelong supporter of Ukrainian culture through dance, music, and the visual arts. An alumna of Arkan Dance Company, her passion for folk dance, traditional dress, and ethnographic diversity continues to inspire her advocacy for Ukrainian heritage.
“Now, more than ever, we need to support artists in Ukraine, they are the heartbeat of our culture and our identity. This fund will offer them some support especially during this time of war.”
– Taras Kulish
A multilingual arts leader with over 30 years in the performing arts, Taras first built an international career as a professional opera singer, performing with major companies across North America and Europe. Today, he serves as Executive Director of the Orchestre Classique de Montréal, where he brings his artistic and managerial expertise to champion the arts.
“If we’re not fighting to preserve and promote the arts that define our culture…. then what are we fighting for?”
– Vince Rees
A lifelong advocate of Ukrainian culture, Vincent began as a performer with the renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers before becoming an accomplished teacher, choreographer, and director. His work has taken him around the world, sharing the richness of Ukrainian dance and cultural traditions with global audiences.
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