San Francisco / The Hague
Global Heritage Fund and Europa Nostra have just launched a joint crowdfunding campaign to support the defenders of Ukraine’s endangered heritage, those working in the cultural heritage world as well as those who have been rendered refugees in their escape from Russia’s brutal aggression. All donations will directly and immediately support these brave guardians of our shared history and humanity. All contributions, however big or small, are welcome and important, and can easily be made via the Global Heritage Fund website or the Europa Nostra website.
“We are all too familiar with ‘cultural destruction’ – the intentional annihilation of irreplaceable artwork, artifacts, historical sites and their stewards. This is often a desperate attempt to erase collective history and identity. The people of Ukraine are currently risking their lives to protect their cultural identity and safeguard the record of who they are. We must help them.”
Nada Hosking, Global Heritage Fund Executive Director
Ukraine’s citizens have put themselves at great personal risk by defending archaeological sites, museums and churches, along with other symbols of their cultural identity. The danger to Ukraine’s living culture and history grows daily, decimating the livelihoods of so many who have dedicated their lives to pass Ukraine’s cultural legacy on to the next generations.
Ukraine’s history, heritage and collective memory face unprecedented attack and irreparable destruction. Alongside other international and European partners, Global Heritage Fund and Europa Nostra have joined their voices and forces to help ensure that Ukraine’s history will not be erased or rewritten. This includes providing emergency help for people working for museums, sites and cultural institutions in Ukraine. Each donor will stand with them, for the benefit of this rich, millennia-old multi-cultural legacy that’s 44 million people strong.
“Today, the rich and diverse heritage in Ukraine is THE most endangered heritage in the whole of Europe. We therefore need to stand in solidarity with heritage defenders in Ukraine. We call upon every organisation and individual from across the globe, who care for culture, heritage and history, to contribute to our crowdfunding initiative, jointly launched by Europa Nostra and Global Heritage Fund. Together we can make a difference.”
Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra
Europa Nostra will distribute funds raised to organisations and individuals in Ukraine, directly or through our members and partners in Poland, Romania or elsewhere in Europe. These funds will provide emergency assistance to heritage custodians that are trying to save endangered cultural treasures in Ukraine, as well as to displaced heritage professionals, inside of outside Ukraine, who are trying to escape violence and death.
To learn more about our joint efforts for Ukraine and to donate, please visit
globalheritagefund.org/ukraine-crisis
www.europanostra.org/ukraine-crisis
You can support us with cash donations and/or cryptocurrency donations.
PRESS CONTACTS
Global Heritage Fund
press@globalheritagefund.org
Olivia Jarrell, ojarrell@globalheritagefund.org
Europa Nostra
Joana Pinheiro, jp@europanostra.org
Vicky Makridou, vm@europanostra.org
Background Information
About Global Heritage Fund
Global Heritage Fund was founded in 2002 on the premise that cultural heritage protection can catalyze responsible social and economic development. Through creative collaborations and grassroots partnerships, Global Heritage Fund has worked in 20 countries and initiated and supported over 30 projects that adapt cultural heritage to address contemporary needs. The organization achieves its goals by developing programs that aim to connect communities to expertise and funding, build resiliency amongst the stakeholders, create opportunity for local population, foster innovation and creativity, and support sustainable travel. These efforts enhance the quality of life in local communities while preserving invaluable links to our shared human history.
About Europa Nostra
Europa Nostra was founded on 29 November 1963 in Paris. For almost 60 years, we have celebrated, protected and lobbied for cultural heritage. Europa Nostra is today recognised as the most representative heritage organization in Europe with members from over 40 countries. Europa Nostra is a pan-European Federation for cultural heritage, representing citizens’ organizations that work on safeguarding Europe’s cultural and natural heritage. For almost 60 years, Europa Nostra has celebrated, protected and lobbied for cultural heritage.