Puntulis: Latvia must block Russia's and Belarus's return to its cultural space

Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis (National Alliance) has sent a letter to institutions and state-owned companies under the Culture Ministry, urging them to prevent Russian and Belarusian propaganda and disinformation from entering Latvia's cultural space.

The minister notes that Russia's attempts to return to European cultural life have become increasingly calculated and persistent. In his view, institutional cooperation with Russian and Belarusian cultural bodies and organizations is unacceptable, as is participation in events or projects organized, funded or otherwise institutionally backed by these states.

Scrutiny of artists

Puntulis calls for especially careful evaluation of cooperation with Russian and Belarusian artists and other cultural professionals, focusing on whether they continue performing in Russia or Belarus or work with agencies, producers or cultural institutions from those countries. His position is that Latvian cultural institutions should not cooperate with artists who have not clearly supported Ukraine and condemned Russia's war.

"We can prevent the normalization of aggression and war. We can defend the truth at a time when it is being deliberately distorted," Puntulis stressed. He explained that Russia is using disinformation, strategic communication and financial support to try to return to the international arena and to project the idea that it is not isolated from Europe's cultural space.

Venice Biennale example

As one example, the minister cited Russia's efforts to return to prestigious international cultural forums, including the Venice Biennale. Latvia has previously stated it reserves the right not to participate in the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale if Russia is represented there. Puntulis urged representatives of Latvia's cultural sector to stay vigilant and prevent similar attempts by Russia to gain a foothold in Latvia's cultural environment.