Shaping a Cultural Future Amid War
A gathering titled 'Shaping a Cultural Future Amid War: The Ukrainian Horizon' took place at the Polish Pavilion during the 61st Venice Biennale. During this event, fourteen countries released a unified statement calling for collective action against Russian aggression and highlighting the severe damage the war has inflicted on Ukraine's cultural heritage. The declaration was read by Tetiana Berezhna, Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture, who also serves as this year's commissioner for the Ukrainian Pavilion.
Speakers from the supporting nations emphasized that Russian aggression aims to erase Ukrainian culture. Poland's Minister of Culture, Marta Cienkowska, stated:
“We cannot allow Russian propaganda to speak through the language of culture. On behalf of the international arts community, we stand with Ukraine – with its artists, its citizens, and its future.” - Marta Cienkowska
Lithuania's Minister of Culture, Vaida Aleknavičienė, added that this solidarity strengthens a collective voice and that culture must remain a space of freedom.
The statement also called for stronger international efforts to restore Ukraine's damaged cultural sites. Key demands included:
- increasing sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation,
- imposing restrictive measures on individuals who support the aggression,
- preventing the aggressor state from gaining legitimacy through participation in international events.
Estonia's representative, Heidi Purga, remarked: “At a time when the diversity of cultures, languages, forms of expression, and identities must be actively defended against any form of imperialism, this is one of the key moral challenges of our era.”
Prior to this event, the international jury of the 61st Venice Biennale resigned due to a conflict involving the presence of the Russian Pavilion. In response, Italy's Ministry of Culture sent inspectors to the Biennale to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reopening of the Russian Pavilion. Additionally, the European Union officially cut funding to the Biennale over the decision to reopen the Russian Pavilion.
As a result, the event at the Polish Pavilion became a key platform for international support of Ukraine amid ongoing aggression, underscoring the role of culture as a tool for protecting identity and freedom. The participation of representatives from fourteen nations reflects global solidarity with Ukraine and the international community's readiness to address challenges facing cultural heritage threatened by conflict. At the same time, the jury's resignation and Italy's actions signal growing tensions around culture in the context of politics and war.
In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding cultural integrity, it is essential to consider the implications of the Venice Biennale's decision to allow Russian participation. Ukraine's Foreign Minister has labeled this action as disgraceful, emphasizing the threat it poses to the preservation of Ukrainian culture. To explore this critical perspective further, you can read about the controversy surrounding the event in our detailed coverage of the shameful inclusion of Russia at the Biennale.