Art Is A Weapon

The 25th of February marks the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This is incomprehensible if you’re basking in the Australian summer, watching as the world goes to shit. But like every period of tyranny and darkness, there are people who continue to stick their finger up to whatever chaos is engulfing them—the Ukrainian art and party scene being the best example.

Art is a Weapon is the second installment of a Ukrainian-fronted art festival, taking place on the same date as the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The inaugural event launched last year and became the first major festival since the invasion. The festival is a multidisciplinary modern art and culture event hosting musicians, artists and theatre that shines a light on the talent of young Ukrainians. All the profits raised from the rave go towards Ukrainian fighters, but are also part of a greater purpose of providing some positivity and a level of normalcy to those who need it most.

Clearly, the once-vibrant art and party scene of Ukraine has changed dramatically since the onset of the war, but it hasn’t diminished completely. Festivals are still hosted like the Brudniy Pes festival last year, except only during the day due to curfews and the obvious threat of bomb shell strikes. Partygoers are always sober in case they need to escape quickly to take cover, and not uncommon for soldiers to join these kinds of raves during their time off and then go back to fighting afterward.

This round’s festivities will take place at Alte Münze in Berlin. Tickets are available for purchase here or donate to Artists for Ukraine here.