The Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV) is now positioning itself in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The association strongly condemns Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine. At the same time, he expresses solidarity with Ukraine, the board wrote in a statement.
“We are shocked by this military invasion and will do everything we can to show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and to support them in their fight against this injustice,” says Pascal Funke, President of the industry’s trade association.
“Culture has a voice. It must be heard loudly during this time and we will help to make it audible,” adds his colleague Sonia Simmenauer. The association also reports that intensive contacts have been maintained with Russian artists, orchestras, bands and professional colleagues in Russia for decades. In addition, it is clear that the majority of Russian citizens are peace-loving and also condemn this war of aggression against their neighboring country, Ukraine. “Unfortunately, they cannot express this appropriately in Putin’s system, as it could cost them their freedom or even their lives,” clarifies board member Ulrike Schirrmacher.
Cultural events are the link between people and culture, and also a link in times of crisis. We welcome the provision of emergency aid for Ukrainian artists by the federal government. The Minister of State for Culture and Media Claudia Roth had announced this. In addition, the existing protection programs for cultural workers are to be expanded.
That is why they are currently working on arranging a benefit concert for Ukraine, the proceeds of which will be donated to the International Relief Fund for Culture and Education. Artists and organizers could often build bridges between different societies. “By performing this task, we hope to be able to make a small contribution to the return of peace and freedom to the people of both Ukraine and Russia.”
Members of the BDKV are over 500 concert, tour and festival organizers as well as artist agents. The association is reacting to the ongoing armed conflicts in Ukraine. On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially declared war on Ukraine.
Numerous other artists and representatives of the music and entertainment industry had also expressed their solidarity with Ukraine. Recently, for example, the band Green Day announced that they were canceling a concert in Moscow due to the war.