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Become a Patron – Support UAx Student Fellowships

Become a Patron of the UAx Student Fellowship Programme


The future of Ukraine’s cultural identity rests on the shoulders of its resilient emerging artists and creators. Despite the devastation of war, more than 55,000 (18–25-year-old) dancers, sculptors, theatre makers, curators, filmmakers, restorers, conservationists, designers, and artists have chosen to remain in Ukraine.

Studying and creating under extraordinary strain, they continue to bear witness in the face of ongoing conflict, to conserve their heritage, and to imagine new possibilities through their art. Supported by dedicated mentors and shaped by the inspiration of their peers, these emerging talents reflect both the vulnerability and enduring vitality at the heart of culture in Ukraine.

About the UAx Student Fellowships


The UAx Student Fellowships, part of the Abakanowicz Student Fund, provide direct bursaries to Ukrainian art students whose studies and futures have been disrupted by war.

Each fellowship flexibly covers tuition, essential materials, and living expenses – giving young artists the stability they need to continue their education, sustain their creative practice, and remain active contributors to Ukraine’s cultural resilience.

These fellowships are administered by ELIA’s UAx Platform, fostering solidarity and collaboration between 15 arts universities from Ukraine and 18 partner universities across the EU, UK, and US in these times of crisis.



Artists in the Making – Hear from Our Students


Between 2023–2025, with the support of the Abakanowicz Charitable Foundation, UAx has provided fellowships to nearly 100 arts students in Ukraine, enabling them to continue their studies and develop their artistic practices.

As the war continues, the financial pressures facing emerging artists have deepened. Many are left questioning whether they can sustain their practice. We want to change that – by providing support that gives them the freedom to focus on what they do best – making art and shaping culture.

Every fellowship is more than financial aid; it’s a lifeline, a recognition of talent, and a message of trust.


Valeriia Vivcharyk

Theatre Acting Student, Kyiv – Fellow 2024


“It’s very hard to stay in the profession during the war. I even wanted to leave theatre, because you lose faith. But then you realise theatre is the place where you can say everything — your pain, your doubts — and someone will hear it.”

Mariia Martyniuk

Fine Arts & Printmaking Student, Kyiv – Fellow 2024


“The war made everything financially difficult. I started to think whether I should even continue in the arts. But through printmaking I felt this was truly my choice — to be an artist. Each series I create helps me to hold onto this decision.”

Vlad Nikorchuk

Photography Student, Kharkiv – Fellow 2023


“I came back to Kharkiv after the full-scale invasion, even though it was dangerous. I kept photographing because I wanted to show what life here looked like — both for myself and for others.”

Why Become a UAx Student Fellowship Patron?


We believe in the untapped potential of artists. Investing in their talent is not only critical to safeguarding their futures and their expression, but it also protects Ukraine’s artistic heritage and strengthens our collective humanity.

As a supporter of the UAx Student Fellowship Programme, your contribution will go directly to the art students in the form of bursaries.

Each UAx Student Fellow will receive the equivalent of €2,150. This amount offsets the average annual cost of their arts education in Ukraine – covering tuition costs, essential materials and living support, without which many would be forced to abandon their studies.

How You Can Support


Please see an outline of levels of support and benefits for patrons below and click on the button to complete your donation. Please note: We accept Mastercard, Visa and American Express credit cards. Please contact us directly should you wish to make a bank transfer. Smaller donations are also welcome.


Support one student for a full year of study. Benefits:
  • A personal thank-you letter from the fellow you support
  • An annual progress report with photos of their work
  • Recognition on the UAx Patrons Page and in the UAx Annual Impact Report
  • Invitations to selected UAx online events and updates
Amount: a one-time donation of €2,150 or custom amount

Support three students for a full year of study. Benefits:
  • All ‘Supporter’ benefits, plus:
  • Recognition as a Patron of the Abakanowicz Fund in UAx publications
  • Invitations to UAx physical events across Europe
  • Opportunities to meet fellows virtually and hear about their projects first-hand
Amount: a one-time donation of €6,450 or custom amount

Support six students for a full year of study. Benefits:
  • All ‘Advocate’ benefits, plus:
  • The opportunity to establish a Named Fellowship (your name attached to a student bursary)
  • Recognition on ELIA channels and across ELIA’s international network of 285+ art schools and cultural partners
  • Exclusive briefings and networking opportunities with UAx mentors and leaders
Amount: a one-time donation of €12,900 or custom amount

Support an entire cohort of fellows. Benefits:
  • All ‘Benefactor’ benefits, plus:
  • Bespoke recognition opportunity or announcement tailored to your gift
  • Opportunities to shape fellowship priorities together with UAx leadership
  • Prominent acknowledgement in UAx’s international advocacy work
To explore this level of support, please contact us directly at uliana.furiv@elia-artschools.org.



Your Impact as a Patron
Your support doesn’t just fund a fellowship...
  • It keeps artists in the arts during crisis
  • It makes a measurable, tangible difference to the lives of emerging artists
  • It strengthens and builds systemic, long-term cultural resilience in Ukraine

By standing with the next generation of artists in Ukraine, you become both a patron of hope and heritage. We thank you for your generous support.

If you would like to find out more about our patron programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact UAx Manager Uliana Furiv at uliana.furiv@elia-artschools.org.

Student Spotlight



Solomiia Kozolup

I. Karpenko-Karyi Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television

At the heart of this story is a museum in Ivankiv, Kyiv Oblast, which became a target of military action and was hit by a missile strike on the second day of the full-scale invasion. It housed a collection of works by Ukrainian artists Maria Pryimachenko, Hanna Veres and others, as well as decorative, applied and fine arts. Most of the exhibition was destroyed by fire. However, amid this horror, the extraordinary dedication of the people who work at the museum comes to the fore. The incredible power of human will, dedication to culture and art, no matter what.

Find out more>

Fellow 1 Work

Vlad Nikorchuk

Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts (KSAAD)

The Human Vibrations series explores the invisible energy waves that accompany human existence, visualising internal states and subtle vibrations that usually go unnoticed. At the centre of the work is the body as both a conductor and a source of vibrations, revealed through photographic images. The soundtrack accompanying the series functions as an atmospheric background and as a complement to the visual images. Human Vibrations exists on the border between visual and auditory experience, offering the viewer a multidimensional sensation of the body, space, and energy that surround us.

Find out more>

Fellow 2 Work

Uliana Pashkova

НАОМА / NAOMA

Body-Carrier, 2024. Wood, gesso, copper, etching, patina, charcoal

This work is an attempt to comprehend the body as an object that balances between eroticism and destruction, between protection and hostility. It is based on Georges Bataille's texts about Eros and Thanatos, about the connection between desire, death and violence. The central image is a fragmented, subcutaneous body overgrown with shells, husks, as if protective growths. These ‘armour’ are not just traces of trauma, they are a bodily reaction to a threat, where protection becomes both an act of aggression and a process of self-destruction.

Fellow 3 Work

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