History and art: Putin called for freeing the world from attempts to "abolish" culture

The role of culture in countering Russophobia and any forms of intolerance must grow, Vladimir Putin said, speaking at the XI St. Petersburg International Forum dedicated to this area. The Head of State stressed that countries need to join forces in the fight against prejudice, double standards and attempts to "abolish" a particular culture. And, as Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova told Izvestia, experts for whom their favorite business, art and dialogue are much more important than politics are welcome guests in St. Petersburg. One of the main venues of the forum this year is located in Tsarskoye Selo. Why the president saw symbolism in this is in the Izvestia article.

Where was the forum of united cultures held this year?

The XI International Forum of United Cultures is in full swing in the northern capital of Russia, St. Petersburg, and is taking place from September 10 to 13. This is the central event of the year for discussions about beauty, when representatives of the creative elite, cultural experts, and legislators gather at the same table. To accept it, local authorities not only decorate the city, but also close the main attractions to visitors, as they become discussion platforms during the forum.

This time there are several of them: the Mariinsky Palace, the Alexandrinsky Theater, as well as the main headquarters of the Hermitage, where, by the way, the president's speech has been held in the last few years. Now, everyone, even the most sophisticated participants, was really impressed by the organizers. On September 12, representatives of culture and art were invited to Tsarskoye Selo, where the main event of the forum took place — a plenary session with the participation of the president.

The enfilade of the Catherine Palace, the columns covered with gold leaf, the painted ceilings — the way to the Great Throne Room for the forum participants ran through all this. Among them are famous artists, great creative figures, famous politicians. And they all unanimously admitted that despite their repeated visits to this palace, they are always fascinated by it. Here, under the painted ceiling depicting the great "Allegory of Peace" commissioned by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, a meeting was held with the participation of the president. The head of state also did not remain indifferent to the beauty surrounding him.

— It is deeply symbolic that this year one of the main venues of the forum is located here in Tsarskoye Selo. I hope all of you will enjoy these beautiful masterpieces, these wonderful interiors," the President addressed the participants. — The splendor of the Catherine Palace and its park ensembles is born of the harmony of different cultural traditions, embodies the ability of peoples to unite ideas, create works of art together from generation to generation.

Any national culture can develop only in interaction with the cultures of other countries and peoples, therefore, Russia's multinational character is its great gift, the head of state emphasized. Otherwise, countries should join forces in the fight against prejudice, double standards and attempts to "abolish" a particular culture.

— Our task in the modern world is to join forces to preserve the identity and diversity of cultures, traditions and worldviews. To go forward, to support innovation, to create together true art that uplifts and elevates the best qualities in the human soul, to counteract the threats of extinction of small cultures and to promote the principles of justice and equality in relations between peoples," said Vladimir Putin.

In general, the challenge that was thrown at Russia with an attempt to abolish Russian culture was nevertheless perceived by the cultural community "not well," recalls Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova.

— During the three years that we have been holding the forum after the pandemic, we have seen with what pleasure and with what desire people communicate, people come here. And it seems to me that it is very important that these two previous years, they, in fact, became the basis for those agreements that are now turning into strategic ones," she told Izvestia.

Putin wished success to the Intervision participants

The dialogue between Russian and foreign artists who have arrived at the forum will contribute to the expansion of cooperation, Vladimir Putin is convinced. Moreover, the representation at the event this time is really impressive.

Simultaneous interpretation into Spanish, English, French and Chinese was provided for the participants. It is known that more than 2,000 specialists from 47 countries, including Austria, Vietnam, China, South Africa and Japan, plan to take part in the forum.

— We are very pleased that a very high level is present, that the heads of the largest museums, the largest theaters, and our colleagues from Brazil, China, and South Africa performed brilliantly today. In general, of course, the main contingent, if I may say so, are our colleagues from the SCO, BRICS and CIS countries. And of course, everything about cultural figures, for whom politics is much more important — their favorite business, art, culture, dialogue, these are of course all welcome guests in St. Petersburg," Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova told Izvestia.

The President also counts on the contribution of such cultural cooperation to the fight against any forms of intolerance, including Russophobia. We are also talking about specific initiatives that can enrich the common humanitarian space of different countries.

— History proves that the brightest periods of cultural flourishing occur during their active interaction with the outside world. Conversely, when a society closes in on itself and blindly, dogmatically believes in its exclusivity and superiority over others, a period of spiritual and intellectual crisis sets in, followed by cultural decline and stagnation, and in all spheres of life," he noted.

Against this background, the head of state added that the modern Intervision, which will be held in Moscow for the first time on September 20, will fully preserve this atmosphere of creativity and friendship between peoples. Vladimir Putin wished successful performances to all participants of the music competition. And according to the latest data, there are already more than 20 of them — they represent countries from Venezuela to Madagascar, and from Egypt to China.

One of the main tasks of modern culture should be the preservation of the values of freedom and human rights, as well as the fight against the loss of national characteristics. It is also important to preserve the common historical memory.

"The main, key principle is that the brighter, richer, and more distinctive this diversity is, the richer our common cultural heritage, and the more stable and successful the future of the entire planet,— the president concluded.

At the end of the day, Vladimir Putin held a separate meeting with Olga Lyubimova. The President pointed to the requests of cinema figures to introduce quotas for the distribution of foreign films in Russia.

— Here, the rental of foreign films, quotas, and so on. You know, yes, these are the problems? The letters are written by our esteemed cultural and film figures," the head of state said.

Lyubimova replied that the support of Russian cinema is needed. So far, according to her, foreign films are "in no hurry to return," but "over time, Russian cinema will need help in this direction."

— So you support what our cultural figures are fighting for? — said Putin. The Minister replied in the affirmative.

Earlier, Nikita Mikhalkov, chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation, addressed Putin with an initiative on quotas for foreign films.