For the first time in Berlin Hotel Continental — Art Space in Exile together with the Cultural Agency and NGO Port of Culture (Kyiv) present selected works by artists of Nahirna 22, one of the most influential contemporary independent Ukrainian artist communities and a unique example of the struggle of the art scene of Ukraine during the war.

The group exhibition runs from 12th December 2025 to 24th January 2026 in Berlin and will showcase and sell works by Nahirna artists, among them internationally renowned names such as Anton Saenko, Polina Shcherbyna, Yurii Pikul and Anna Naduda. Proceeds from the sale will help rebuild the Nahirna 22 studios which were recently destroyed by russian drone attacks.

Nahirna 22 is a self-organized artists community based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Over the past decade, it has grown into an authentic, independent art institution — shaped by the community itself rather than by formal structures. Located in the soviet-era building of the Kyiv Institute of Automation, the studios of Nahirna 22 have evolved organically, floor by floor, into a living ecosystem of contemporary artists. 

After 2022, the first wave of departures changed the atmosphere, yet by the end of 2025 the space had once again filled with new artists, ideas, and media — now hosting more than 60 residents, which together create exhibitions, hold open studio days and support each other’s practice. Nahirna 22 is an environment where contemporary art emerges without funding or policies, yet contributes significantly to the innovative and vibrant underground art scene of Kyiv during the war.

On November 14, during a Russian attack on Kyiv a russian drone tore through the roof of the Nahirna 22 building, causing the full collapse of the roof into the 5th-floor corridor and shattering the windows of dozens of art studios and the conference hall. This was the second incident, following a drone strike on August 28. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed in either attack.

With the organization of the sales exhibition Nahirna 22 - The Story of a Kyiv Artist-Run Space we want to showcase unique diversity and artistic strength of contemporary Ukrainian art – created despite all odds - but also to raise funds to support the restoration of the studios after the recent attacks. 

Nahirna 22 - The Story of a Kyiv Artist-Run Space is not a story of destruction, it is a story of self-organized recovery, responsibility and endurance. All works are available for purchase. All revenues from the sale will go toward rebuilding the Nahirna 22 studios so that the space can continue to function as a place of creation, exchange, and mutual support in Kyiv.

Exhibition Opening: 12.12.2025 19:00 

Press Tour: 12.12.2025 16:00

19:30 Opening words by Marta Nyrkova (artist and co-founder of NGO Nahirna 22), Katya Taylor (chairwoman Port of Culture) and Christine Dissmann (director of Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile)

20:15 Live Set by Axxi Oma

19:00 - 21:00 Live graphic recording by Andriy Naboka