Cultural institutions and booking companies will have to inform the Ministry of Culture in advance when they intend to invite artists from abroad, especially from the CIS countries, to performances, concerts, festivals or other cultural-artistic activities organized. The measure is provided in a circular recently issued by the ministry, reports IPN.
The managers of cultural institutions must assess potential risks and notify the ministry before publicly announcing events and selling tickets, in case of participation of artists from CIS countries or from countries condemned by the international community for armed aggression.
The representatives of the ministry clarify that the measure does not equate to the prohibition of international collaborations. The aim is to prevent situations that could lead to the cancellation of shows, public tensions, security risks or damage to the image of state institutions.
“The freedom of expression and artistic creation must be exercised with responsibility and in accordance with the values of a democratic society. Inviting public figures who support or justify armed aggression can affect the public interest, morality, and the image of cultural institutions”, is stated in a communique from the MC.
The Ministry of Culture reaffirms that institutions in the field must remain open spaces for artistic dialogue and the general public, acting responsibly.
