How Can the Creative World #StandWithUkraine?
As Ukraine withstands the devastating onslaught from Putin’s Russian army, the creative industries’ resources and talent can be put to use to stand with the people there. And many already have taken action.
Ukraine has become an integral part of the global advertising industry thanks to its stunning locations, expert film production crews and tech skills - and companies LBB has spoken to in the past few days like PEP Group and Radioaktivefilm have become not just trusted and respected partners but, more importantly, friends. Therefore the military aggression against the country has left many working in advertising companies around the world looking on in paralysed and helpless heartbreak.
However, the Ukrainian advertising and production community are keen to turn that good will into action, creating places for people to donate cash for medical supplies or to pledge resources and ideas.
Local companies with deep ties to the international ad and production sphere are hoping to call on those connections. Production service company Radioaktivefilm are among those members of the local advertising and production scene who are encouraging the rest of the industry to #StandWithUkraine.
Commit Money
Individuals and companies can donate to broader relief efforts too. Companies in Ukraine have recommended the following NGOs to help with on-the-ground support.
For military donations:
For humanitarian aid:
or
Radioaktivefilm, the service production company, has also launched a humanitarian mission to channel supplies from Poland to Ukraine and to directly support the production community from crew to caterers, who need help with border crossings, accommodation, supplies and more. Having spoken to the team in Warsaw, LBB understands that Radioaktivefilm has already bought many supplies with the donations received, including ambulances to help the wounded.
Inspired by the actions taken by Ukrainian friends in the creative industries, the production associations of both the UK (APA) and the US (AICP) gathered on Monday on a Zoom call of 205 people, including Ukrainian production companies Radioaktive and Family.
The APA and AICP decided that the most effective means of support is for the associations to facilitate donations, collecting money from members and pass it on to Radioaktive, who are organising their support from their temporary base in Warsaw.
Companies based in the UK or US who want to donate to this cause can contact their respective association for payment details.
Commit Time and Skills
Communications and creativity could play a major role in raising funds and galvanising public opinion, from winning hearts and minds among the Russian public to rallying support around the world.
With that in mind, a group of individuals from Ukraine’s creative industry has issued a brief to the global creative community: Prevent WW3.
“You are looking at the most important brief ever,” reads the website. “It is aimed at helping to stop the Third World War which is breaking out in Ukraine. Maybe not win Cannes, but save the lives of millions.”
The Prevent WW3 project is engaging creative specialists from all over the world to make a statement in order to support peace and freedom.
One the website are several ideas that creatives can take part in now to help, including donating to help the wounded or refugees, signing a petition to close airspace over Ukraine and finding creative ways to counteract propaganda in Russia.
The deadline for this brief is now. “This is not a tender. Not a competition,” explains the site. “Launch campaigns, use your media platforms. No time for approving ideas - all ideas are welcome. We need action.”
For any additional information, email preventww3inua@gmail.com.
Commit to Communicate
Lastly, every individual and company operating in the creative world has a platform. If you are unable to make a financial donation or contribute time, please continue drawing attention to the war and to the suffering in Ukraine – on social media, at protests, in every interaction you have. Ukraine needs all of Europe and the world to be by its side. #StandWithUkraine.
