Four Ukrainian-born artists (including a highly acclaimed photographer) living in Sydney have created a series of unique large-scale artworks, aiming to raise more than $5-million to support refugees as part of a global online auction and NFT program designed to engender hope during one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time.

The four artists, Olena Vigovska, Nataliia Vyaz, Elena Levkovskaya, and Tetiana Koldunenko, who came to Australia from the four corners of Ukraine, continue to experience the distressing effects of the war through the eyes of their friends and family members still living in Ukraine.

The OpenYourHeart campaign includes a global online auction of the original artworks as well as the sale of NFT’s for each of the 4 artworks as featured on the www.openyourheart.online website. Visitors have the unique ability to purchase the artworks or the NFT’s (by cash, Bitcoin or ETH) and in so doing, support the vital work of Habitat for Humanity in clothing, feeding and housing Ukrainian refugees during this deepening crisis. Galleries and artists are being invited globally to submit artworks to be included in the Openyourheart collection over the coming months. The campaign is the brainchild of Ivan Schwartz, Managing Director of Imagine Corporation, who speaks of the helplessness felt throughout a world that continues to watch in disbelief at the horror unfolding in Ukraine.

“This isn’t just about raising funds, Openyourheart is about supporting the work of Ukrainian artists who are passionate about opening up the world to their rich culture and enrolling all to make a real difference during this period of such great suffering and to attempt to look to a world beyond the war,” Schwartz said.

“Through the points4purpose platform, members of loyalty programs across leading financial institutions, airlines and retailers will be able to divert some of their unredeemed points to support the openyourheart-Ukraine program. It is estimated that the value of unredeemed points globally is in excess of US$100 Billion – so even a small percentage of this sum could make a real difference to the over 5 million refugees displaced as a direct result of the war in Ukraine’, said Schwartz.”

“I hope the people who buy these artworks are reminded every day that they did something good for Ukraine,” said artist Tetiana Koldunenko.

Habitat for Humanity’s Head of Impact, Giving & Engagement Dan Peyton said the campaign offered a tangible outlet to people looking for a way to help. “The openyourheart campaign represents a positive way to support Ukrainian families fleeing their homeland. Habitat for Humanity is responding in neighbouring Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia to help meet the shelter needs of both families on the move to other destinations and those seeking a safe place to live.”

By taking part in OpenYourHeart, the artists have created a way to feel heard whilst supporting their loved ones and a country ravaged by war. “My friends and relatives are still back in Ukraine and any opportunity to help them is precious,” said artist Olena Vigovska.

Artist Elena Levkovskaya said the artworks reflect the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their hopes for the future. “As an artist I cannot stay silent, I would like to have my say through my art. I want my painting to help Ukrainians survive and believe again in the future.”

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko praised the artists for their action. “In a time where it is easy to feel helpless watching the devastating effects of the war in Ukraine, these four artists are doing something positive to give back to their home country from the other side of the world. This project shows the world the strength, resilience, and hope of the Ukrainian people, and the rich cultural history of a country that will be at peace once again.”

The works will also be listed on the Invaluable online auction platform.
The global online auction will be held on 4th May at 10pm GMT.
For more information, please go to www.openyourheart.online.