European culture ministers are increasing pressure on the organizers of the Venice Biennale, urging them to reconsider Russia's participation in one of the world's most important contemporary art forums.
Latvian Minister of Culture Agnesa Lace stated in the program "900 seconds" (TV3) that broad support has been mobilized in just a few days — a joint letter to the Biennale organizers has already been signed by the culture ministers of 22 European countries.
Lace explained that initially, 15 ministers signed the initiative, but support has significantly grown in a very short time.
"Now there are 22. Yesterday we also sent a letter. In just a few days, we have really managed to mobilize a very large support, including from major European countries — France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain," the minister said.
In the letter, the Biennale organizers call attention to the organizers of the Russian pavilion and their connections with the Russian political and economic elite.
The minister noted that the European Commission has also engaged in the matter.
"Yesterday, two commissioners — the commissioner for culture and the commissioner responsible for media issues — stated that if Russia's participation is not reconsidered, they will consider the possibility of halting European Union funding for the organization hosting the Venice Biennale."
At the same time, Lace emphasized that there is a clear condemnation of Russia's participation in such a forum both in the political and artistic circles of Europe.
"We clearly stand together with Ukraine, imposing sanctions against Russia and its political and military elite. Now is the time when such actions are unacceptable."
According to the minister, this is just the first coordinated response, and discussions between countries are ongoing.
"The mobilization of forces that has occurred over these few days, in my opinion, is a good start. But it is clear that we cannot stop here and will continue to coordinate further actions."
A meeting of the culture ministers of the Baltic states and Poland is scheduled to take place in Riga soon, where this issue will also be discussed.
Speaking about possible further steps, Lace did not rule out the possibility of a boycott, but emphasized that this would be a last resort.
"This option, of course, needs to be considered — the option of a boycott. But I think this is an extreme measure."
She emphasized that there is still time to influence the situation before the Biennale opens.
"There are two months left until the Biennale opens, and this is the time when pressure must be very clear."
The minister also criticized attempts by Russia to return to the international cultural space.
"Everything must be done to silence not the voices of other countries, but the voice of Russia, because they do not deserve to be at such a global cultural forum right now."
According to Lace, the very discussion shows that Russia is gradually trying to return to international cultural and sports venues: "The fact that we spend so much time talking about Russia itself indicates that a slow return to the world of sports and culture is happening."
