Canadian arts bodies told to suspend cultural events funded by Russia

Canadian Heritage is asking all organizations that receive federal funding to cancel tours, cultural activities, and co-productions involving Russians linked to Vladimir Putin’s regime.

This is in response to the ongoing Kremlin invasion of Ukraine.

The instruction could lead to the cancellation of exhibitions of art loaned from Russian galleries, as well as concerts, festivals, and theatre and ballet productions featuring Russian artists.

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez says Canadian cultural organizations found to have ties with the Russian or Belarusian states will also no longer get funding from Canadian Heritage.

Amid fears that Russian events with no ties to Putin could be penalized, a department spokesperson says the instruction will not affect ordinary Russians and Belarusians living in Canada, who will still be eligible for government grants.

Canadian Heritage is carrying out a review to identify activities involving Russia and Belarus.