Russo-Ukraine War: Berlin's cultural institutions to assist Ukraine

Various cultural institutions in Berlin are planning a series of events this weekend to raise money and collect supplies for those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Under the slogan "Our Space to Help,'' an event would be planned at the Neue Nationalgalerie museum for modern art this weekend where artists Anne Imhof and Olafur Eliasson would be expected to participate.

While the main goal of the events was to collect donations, the museum's famous main exhibition hall was also being transformed into a meeting space "that invites social togetherness in these uncertain times.''

The city's Humboldt Forum, a massive new cultural complex that opened last year, is organising a fundraising drive this weekend as well as making itself a collection point for relief supplies.

The German Orchestral Association has called on all professional orchestras in Germany to play the four-and-a-half-minute work:"Ukraina to the victims of war'', composed by Ukraine-born Eduard Resatsch immediately after the Russian invasion began, at the beginning of their concerts.

The Berliner Ensemble, one of the German capital's best-known theatres, has rehung its famous curtain featuring a dove of peace painted by Pablo Picasso as an anti-war gesture.

"As a sign of our solidarity with Ukraine, the original curtain will hang again in the Großes Haus with immediate effect,'' artistic director Oliver Reese wrote.

He said in addition, the house would be illuminated in blue and yellow and donations would be collected after each performance.