TEFAF stands with Ukraine and support the safeguarding of cultural heritage

(Amsterdam) March 15, 2022 – The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) extends its solidarity with Ukraine and unequivocally denounces and condemns the violence being committed in Ukraine and against its people by the Russian government. As a global art organization, TEFAF believes that the return of cultural artifacts and works of art to their rightful form is a powerful symbol of healing and resilience after disaster or conflict.



Since 2008, TEFAF has supported the Prince Claus Fund and its Cultural Emergency Response Program (CER), which safeguards cultural heritage under threat in crisis situations in direct collaboration with local partners from the affected communities. In light of the rapidly developing conflict situation in Ukraine, CER activated its emergency mechanism to help protect a wide range of museums, sites, spaces, and collections from (further) damage by supporting first aid activities.



CER has been an expert in the protection of cultural heritage in crisis situations since 2003 and is in close contact with its network on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding countries to understand the needs. They work closely together with international partners, such as UNESCO, ICOM, ICOMOS, the Smithsonian Institution, and Blue Shield International, to streamline actions and provide expertise and rapid response to safeguard heritage under threat due to the conflict situation. CER coordinates actions and rapidly makes emergency funding available to local heritage stewards and cultural practitioners on the ground. More information can be found here.



Requests for assistance to protect heritage can be sent to [email protected].



Separately, the TEFAF Museum Restoration Fund (TMRF) is available to be activated to support restoration of important works of cultural significance which may be damaged as a consequence of the war.


Please contact [email protected] for more information.