Italian cultural figures debate how art should respond to war in Ukraine

In an article published on Artribune Magazine #65/66, nine Italian cultural figures—including writer Gianluigi Ricuperati, curator Mariacristina Ferraioli, Hotpotatoes founder Elvira Vannini, Triennale Milano president Stefano Boeri, Artissima director Luigi Fassi, curator Maria Chiara Valacchi, artist and Quadriennale artistic director Gian Maria Tosatti, CSAR director Silvia Burini, and Museo Novecento Firenze director Sergio Risaliti—offer divergent views on how the cultural sector should respond to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ricuperati argues for isolating the Russian government at every level, including excluding Russian cultural manifestations. Ferraioli advocates for protecting free expression, citing the closure of the Russian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale as a loss. Vannini calls for boycotting oligarchs and denouncing war profiteering by companies like Leonardo Spa. Boeri explains Triennale Milano's decision to revoke Russian government participation while keeping Russian artists and launching Planeta Ukrain. Fassi distinguishes between politically embedded institutions and independent ones. Valacchi warns against censorship and moralism. Tosatti emphasizes supporting both Ukrainian and Russian people. Burini argues against embargoing Russian culture. Risaliti questions the effectiveness of art in the face of violence.