The Canada Council for the Arts is declaring its solidarity with Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion of the country in a statement that has drawn criticism from some in the arts community.

A blog post from director and CEO Simon Brault said as of Friday (March 4), “all activity involving the participation of Russian or Belarusian artists or arts organizations will cease to be funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. This includes partnerships, direct and indirect financing of tours, coproductions, participation in festivals or other events held in Russia.”

The statement added: “Therefore, any current or anticipated applications that support artistic activities created by or in collaboration with Russian arts organizations will not be accepted by the Canada Council, until Russia withdraws its military forces from Ukraine.”

Some Canadian artists decried the statement on social media, saying that issuing a blanket sanction against all artists — including those who oppose Russia — is unfair and ineffective. Some called on the Canada Council to reconsider its decision, noting artists can be a powerful tool to promote peace and speak out against oppressive regimes.

The Canada Council statement said the organization understands “these sanctions to have unfortunate consequences for certain Canadian artists and artistic organizations and that the citizens of Russia and Belarus will also be penalized. This is the burden of the unprecedented sanctions of the international community.”

Calling the attack on Ukraine “an attack on international law, as well as on democracy, freedom, and human rights,” the statement also encouraged the Canada Council’s core funded clients to review and assess their current programming and partnerships with Russian arts organizations and artists.

Canada has held a coproduction treaty with Russia since 1995. Only one copro, which was completed in 1997, has been certified under the treaty, according to the Department of Canadian Heritage.

A flood of organizations have taken a stand against Russia with various measures in recent days, with others including the Canadian Association of Content Exporters, the Toronto International Film Festival, Corus Studios, Blue Ant Media, marblemedia and Playback‘s parent company, Brunico Communications.

With files from Kelly Townsend

Image: Unsplash