Mar 10 • 17:06 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

European Ministers Call for Review of Russia's Participation in the Venice Biennale

Ministers from 22 countries, including Latvia and Ukraine, have called for a reconsideration of Russia's role in the Venice Biennale.

An initiative led by Latvian Culture Minister Agnese Lāce has garnered support from ministers from 22 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. They sent a joint letter to the president and director board of 'La Biennale di Venezia' as well as to the Italian Culture Minister, emphasizing the importance of the Biennale in promoting artistic freedom and international cultural exchange over the past century.

The ministers noted that cultural institutions bear not only artistic importance but also a moral responsibility. They stressed that culture is intertwined with the reality in which society lives, shaping how people understand the world, the values they advocate, and their actions. This connection highlights the need for cultural institutions to be mindful of their influence and responsibilities, especially in the current geopolitical climate.

By addressing Russia's participation, the letter seeks to establish a stance against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and moral considerations. The appeal represents a broader push for integrity and ethical standards in cultural institutions, illustrating how the arts can engage with pressing global issues and foster dialogue around values and responsibilities in the present day.

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