Mapping Diaspora: CSAR Project Tracks Russian Intellectual Exodus

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, a notable surge in emigration, referred to as "anti-war emigration" by Russian outlets, has emerged, echoing the post-Soviet migration of the 1990s. Many of those departing include artists, scholars, and activists who find themselves at odds with government policies. The dismissal of art historian Zelfira Tregulova from the Tretyakov Gallery, replaced by Elena Pronicheva, signifies a wider cultural crackdown. In light of this, Ca' Foscari University's CSAR has initiated the Mapping Diaspora project, led by Professor Silvia Burini and Olga Shishko, aimed at exploring intellectual migrations. This initiative will gather artistic works and stories, promote discussions, and advocate for special residence permits for artists in Italy, with support from MediaArtLab.