Ukrainian cultural figures call on international colleagues and partners to join the signing of cultural sanctions against the Russian Federation.

"The Russian Federation has willfully and maliciously violated existing international standards and agreements. Together with political and economic sanctions, as well as a ban to compete in sporting and other events, we call for sanctions to limit Russian state presence in the international cultural arena. Russia’s political system is authoritarian, with many aspects wholly totalitarian, and often misuses Russian culture for state propaganda purposes," according to an appeal of Ukrainian cultural figures, which is published on the website of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy.

In particular, the signatories of the document, on behalf of Ukraine and partner countries that support humanism, peace and order in the world, demand: to cancel all projects in which Russia is involved, and projects that have funding of Russian origin; prohibit the work of Russian cultural centers on the territory of partner countries; withdraw from the supervisory boards and alliances of Russian citizens, renounce sponsorship and organizational support.

The statement also calls for the cancellation of the participation of the Russian Federation (since its participation in Eurovision has already been canceled) in international festivals, exhibitions, forums and art events, including: exhibitions and fairs of contemporary art, in particular the Venice Biennale, Art Basel, Documenta; Cannes, Berlin, Venice and other international film festivals; Salzburg Festival, Avignon Festival, Arena di Verona Festival and other theatrical and musical events; literary events, including the Frankfurt Book Fair, the London Book Fair.

In addition, the signatories demand: to exclude the coverage of Russian culture in the media, as well as to stop cooperation with artists who openly support the regime of Vladimir Putin, as it has already been done by the Munich Philharmonic, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the La Scala Theatre, the Royal Opera in London and many other cultural organizations that have shown solidarity with Ukraine.

"We, the artists and cultural activists of Ukraine, highly value the stance taken by some Russian cultural influencers who have openly condemned the Russian aggression and military action against Ukraine. Art has always remained at the forefront of humanitarian values. We strongly believe that culture cannot be subservient to political propaganda, instead it should be utilised for developing critical thinking and promoting dialogue. The Russian Federation is a rogue state. Russian culture is toxic! Don't be an accomplice!" the statement says.

You can sign and distribute texts in English, French, Italian and German here: https://arts.gov.ua/urge-to-impose-cultural-sanctions/