Arts Council England advises cultural boycott of Russian state institutions

Arts Council England has issued guidance urging English arts organizations to sever all partnerships with Russian state-backed institutions. This advisory includes recalling artworks on loan to Russian state entities and returning borrowed works, though it carries no legal weight and offers no financial compensation for potential revenue losses. The National Gallery in London recently canceled its planned loan of Raphael's 'The Holy Family' (circa 1506-07) from the State Hermitage Museum for a major Renaissance exhibition. Similarly, the National Railway Museum in York pulled a Trans-Siberian railway exhibition organized with support from Russian Railways. All exhibitions, tours, and events produced in cooperation with Russian state organizations should be canceled according to the guidance. The Arts Council explicitly states that individual Russian artists should not face penalties or be compelled to issue statements condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as such demands could endanger their safety and livelihoods. This advice also extends to Belarusian state institutions. The cultural boycott recommendations follow Russia's military actions in Ukraine.