On 22nd February 2024, 18:00-20:00 we had a launch of the “Art for Life” Charity Exhibition & Art sale at Ulster University (Belfast campus) to mark the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier that day Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew and UK Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Steve Baker, visited the ART for LIFE exhibition. Minister Baker said that it was a deeply moving experience to view such amazing artwork by artists whose response to russia’s illegal invasion was to create art and who have generously donated their pieces to help provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the war. Minister Baker also assured that the UK Government continues to stand with Ukraine, its democratically-elected government and its brave people at this awful time.

On 6PM there was an Opening night of Exhibition.

Ulster University Provost Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA, Junior Minister Pam Cameron MLA, Ryan Murphy, Mayor of Belfast expressed their support for Ukraine.

Three parts of the Exhibition has been presented:

Unissued diplomas – https://www.unissueddiplomas.org/
Postcards from Ukraine – https://ui.org.ua/en/postcards-en/
Charity Exhibition & Art sale

We express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported “Art for Life” Charity Exhibition & Art sale and who attended the Opening of the Exhibition:

* UK Minister for Northern Ireland – Steve Baker;

* Ulster University, especially University Vice-chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew; University Provost Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan; the Chair of the University Council Dr Jenny Pyper; Professor Duncan Morrow (Director of Community Engagement); Elaine Hartin, Chief Strategy and Finance Officer;

* Deputy Lieutenant (DL) for Belfast, Emeritus Professor Alastair Adair, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ulster University, FRICS, Hon Captain RNR, FSCSI, Hon RSUA;

* Alan Moore OBE TD DL, the member of the Ulster University Council;

* Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA;

* Junior Minister Pam Cameron MLA;

* Ryan Murphy, Mayor of Belfast;

* Mariusz Stus (Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast);

* Jonathan McNaught (Department of Finance; Ukraine Assistance Centres);

* Councillor Kyle Savage (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council) on behalf of TADA Rural Support Network;

* Claire Hamilton – Head of Interpreting (HSC (Health and Social Care) BSO (Business Services Organisation) Regional Interpreting Service);

* Ian Snowden (Land & Property Services Chief Executive);

* Cliff Brooks & all members from The Engine Room Gallery;

* Ian Gibson (The Jethro Centre, Lurgan)

We are grateful to Ukrainian artists and local artists in Northern Ireland who have chosen to express their support for Ukraine through their art, generously donating their pieces to to contribute to the cause.

Special thanks to all volunteers who helped with this event.

The Art Exhibition: Art for Life runs until February 26 at the Ulster University, Belfast campus.

Time: 9 AM – 5 PM daily

Venue: Ulster University, Belfast campus, Block BA (Birley Building), Ground floor, 2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP

All donations from the exhibition will be dedicated to assisting Ukraine in its time of need.

Let us unite through the universal language of art and stand together in support of Ukraine, truth, hope, and the future of Ukraine, the whole Ukrainian nation, and the world.