A UK music college has agreed to remove references to a Russian festival from its promotional materials following an appeal from the Ukrainian community amid ongoing tensions from the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The Royal College of Music in the UK has acted upon a request from Ukraine's embassy and local Ukrainian community to remove references to the Kalinka festival from their event materials. This festival, related to a Russian music event from 2014, was deemed inappropriate for promotion during the ongoing conflict brought about by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The embassy highlighted the significance of distancing from Russian cultural events while the conflict persists.
In response to the community's appeal, the Royal College expressed regret for the oversight and clarified that the mention was part of a retrospective segment of their anniversary program. The college's representatives stated their understanding of the sensitive nature of the issue and committed to updating all digital materials to eliminate references to the festival. This action aligns with broader sentiments within the Ukrainian community and governmental stance against promoting Russian cultural events at this time.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has emphasized the importance of ensuring there is no platform for Russian cultural promotion amidst the ongoing war, stating that such promotions can be seen as implicit support for Russia's actions. This decision by the Royal College is viewed as part of a larger movement to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, reflecting a growing awareness and sensitivity towards the geopolitical climate in cultural and educational institutions.
