How Art Shield is Amplifying Ukrainian Voices Through Art
As war rages, Art Shield amplifies Ukraine’s artists—through exhibitions, auctions, and activism—ensuring their voices are heard and their creativity survives.
By Ali Lannattone
As war continues to reshape Ukraine, its artists find themselves on the front lines—not just of conflict, but of cultural survival. One UK-based organisation, Art Shield, is working to ensure
that these voices are heard, not silenced. Founded by actor and artist Edward Akrout, the organisation has dedicated itself to supporting Ukrainian creatives by offering them platforms to share their work and sustain their livelihoods. “There is a profoundly inspiring yet tragic cultural phenomenon happening in Ukraine,” says Akrout. “Are we witnessing the last generation of Ukrainian artists or the most defining generation of artists in the 21st century?”
Through exhibitions, auctions, and direct collaborations with Ukrainian institutions, Art Shield is playing a crucial role in preserving a nation’s artistic heritage amid war.
Old Sessions House London ArtShield Event, Photography by Caterina Vento, (2024) Art Shield was founded in response to the Russian invasion. Akrout had been working on a film project in Ukraine when war broke out. “Deeply moved by the unfolding crisis, he felt compelled to take action, channeling his passion for art and culture into a meaningful response,” explains Caterina Vento, an intern at Art Shield.
From this moment, Art Shield became more than an artistic venture—it became a lifeline for Ukrainian creatives. Working closely with Dom Master Klass, a Kyiv-based cultural
foundation, the organisation has developed a structured approach to supporting artists in crisis.
“We travel to the area, connect with local artists and their communities, assess their needs, and identify the top talent,” says Wesley Swolfs -COO of the Organisation- explaining Art
Shield’s first step. From there, they help artists showcase their work and develop long-term careers, despite the war raging around them.
Art Shield has not only given Ukrainian artists a voice—it has created spaces for their stories to be told. One such initiative is the Echoes & Visions Festival, a recurring event that celebrates Ukrainian art and culture. “A love letter to the best of Ukrainian art and culture,” as Akrout calls it. The festival blends exhibitions with live music and discussions, connecting artists with international audiences and collectors. The June 2024 edition, held in London’s Old Sessions House, featured 26 Ukrainian artists, ranging from avant-garde pioneer Oleksandr Dubovik to contemporary figures like Bohdan Burenko and the Feldman sisters.
Beyond financial support, Art Shield’s mission is cultural preservation. The War Fragments Museum, a project highlighting war-torn artifacts encased in resin, is a stark reminder of Ukraine’s resilience. “Collected from de-occupied Ukrainian towns, these items are encased in epoxy resin cubes, becoming powerful symbols of suffering and resilience,” says Swolfs.
Art Shield’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine. Wesley Swlofs claims “Ukraine serves as the inaugural focus of what is envisioned as a global initiative,”. By providing a platform for
artists facing repression and war, the organisation hopes to create a model for cultural support worldwide. With upcoming events like Heat Ukraine Now and a solo exhibition for the Feldman Sisters, Art Shield continues to expand its reach. But its core mission remains unchanged: to ensure that art and artists survive, no matter the obstacles.
As Swolfs puts it, “The answer lies in our capacity to mobilize ourselves for Ukraine.” Through its work, Art Shield is proving that, even in the darkest of times, art can endure.
