By Canadian Press

Government tells arts bodies to suspend cultural events funded by Russian state

Mar 31, 2022 | 3:43 PM

OTTAWA — Pablo Rodriguez is asking arts bodies that get Canadian government funding to suspend all cultural activity involving Russians linked to Putin’s regime.

In response to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the heritage minister has told groups getting government grants to cancel tours and co-productions funded by Russian or Belarusian state organizations.

The instruction could lead to the cancelling of exhibitions of art loaned from Russian galleries, as well as concerts, festivals, theatre and ballet with Russian artists if they are funded directly or indirectly by the Russian state.

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 spokeswoman says the instruction will not affect ordinary Russians and Belarusians living in Canada, who will still be eligible for government grants.

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

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2022.

The Canadian Press