GVL's aid for Ukraine: one million euros and 50 funded projects
Supporting the Ukrainian cultural scene remains an important concern for the members of the Associates’ and Delegates’ Assembly. Every year, €330,000 is allocated from GVL's cultural grants fund to support projects in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian performers in Germany and Europe. To date, just under €1 million has been allocated to around 50 different campaigns as part of the Ukraine aid programme.
The projects supported range from concrete aid measures on the ground – for example, in the form of medical care or necessary technical equipment – to the promotion of young Ukrainian musicians who have fled their country, to support for completing festivals or concert performances. A small selection of projects is presented here.
Percentage distribution of aid to Ukraine by project type
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Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
The Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (YSOU) is unique within the country. Founded in 2016, it brings together musicians aged 12 to 22 from all regions of the country under the baton of internationally renowned conductor Oksana Lyniv. Since the start of the war in 2022, the orchestra has received €76,500 in support. The funds enabled the YSOU to secure its continued existence and finance rehearsals and performances, presenting numerous Ukrainian works to a wide audience throughout Europe.
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Musicians Defend Ukraine (MDU)
Als Initiative ukrainischer Kulturschaffender setzt sich „Musicians Defend Ukraine“ dafür ein, dass Musiker*innen, die in der Landesverteidigung aktiv sind, bestmöglich mit Versorgungsgütern wie Medizin oder Kleidung ausgestattet sind. In drei Förderrunden wurde "MDU" bisher berücksichtigt. Für diese Unterstützung sprachen die Organisator*innen mehrfach ihren herzlichsten Dank an die GVL und ihre Berechtigten aus.
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Victon Music School
In view of the growing number of refugee children, Ukrainian pianist Victorija Muchnyk, who lives in Germany, took on the musical education of young Ukrainian talent and approached GVL with the desire to support refugee families in need. A sum of €38,000 was used to finance music lessons for 30 Ukrainian pupils. In May 2025, some of the young music students came to Berlin for a small concert.