Russia Launches New Art Fair 1703 in St. Petersburg During Art Basel Week

On June 16, 2022, during Art Basel week, Russia launched a new contemporary art fair called 1703 in St. Petersburg, named after the city's founding year. The fair is held at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall and is sponsored by Gazprom, the Kremlin-controlled energy giant. It features three sections: Galleries, Collections, and Digital Art. Deputy Governor Boris Piotrovsky, responsible for culture and son of Hermitage director Mikhail Piotrovsky, stated that the fair confirms St. Petersburg's status as a modern cultural capital. However, the fair has sparked controversy among cultural professionals, including St. Petersburg-born art critic Pavel Gerasimenko, who publicly argued that the event is ideological support for Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine, aiming to create an impression of normalcy and distract from the war. Gazprom CEO Alexei Borisovich Miller defended the date choice, noting it coincides with the birthday of Peter the Great.