The Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage has expressed strong opposition to Russia's participation in the upcoming Venice Biennale, a prestigious international art exhibition. Minister Marta Cienkowska, who initiated the protest, emphasized that allowing Russia to partake in such a significant event could act as a platform for the country to project soft power, especially given its current military aggression. The Ministry argues that culture should not be complicit with a state that employs violence against others, stating that an artist who serves a criminal regime shares in the culpability of those crimes.

In her statements, Minister Cienkowska highlighted the moral obligation that Poles have in protesting against any representation of a 'bandit state' at events that may lend it legitimacy. She referenced the crucial role of culture in affirming human rights and condemning oppression, asserting that a culture that remains silent in the face of atrocities transforms into one of death and terror. This protest taps into historical sensitivities in Poland regarding Russia, aiming to draw attention to the broader implications of cultural collaborations with nations facing international condemnation.

The protest against Russia's involvement at the Biennale is not merely a national concern but resonates on a global scale, raising questions about the responsibilities of cultural institutions and artists in times of moral crises. By standing firm against what they see as the legitimization of a brutal regime, Polish officials highlight the intersection of culture and ethics, emphasizing that art should not be dissociated from the values it represents, especially in the context of war and violence.