Ministry of Culture Requests Advance Notification of Invitations to Foreign Performers, Especially from the CIS

The Ministry of Culture has sent an instruction to its subordinate state cultural institutions, as well as to event planners. The document requires that the Ministry be informed in advance if foreign artists, especially those from the CIS countries, are invited or participate in performances, concerts, festivals, or other cultural and artistic events held in Moldova. Thus, the heads of cultural institutions must assess the possible risks in advance and notify the Ministry of Culture before the public announcement of events and the start of ticket sales about the invitation and/or participation of foreign cultural figures in projects, programs, and cultural and artistic events held in Moldova, including those from the CIS countries and states condemned by the international community for armed aggression. It is noted that the measure does not prohibit cultural events or international cooperation, but rather aims to prevent situations that could lead to the cancellation of events, public tensions, security issues, or reputational damage to government agencies. “Freedom of expression and artistic creativity must be exercised responsibly and with respect for the values of a democratic society. The invitation of public figures who support or justify armed aggression may affect public interests, moral standards, and the image of cultural institutions,” the ministry said in a statement. The Ministry of Culture emphasized that cultural institutions should remain open to the public and artistic dialogue, acting responsibly.