On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Vitsche organized a protest outside the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin in response to Anna Netrebko’s performance, despite her documented support for russian aggression in 2014 and her vague statements since 2022. Despite public appeals, the Staatsoper allowed her to perform, citing her so-called “antiwar stance,” which reflects little more than her affinity for russia. The opera’s director defended the decision by claiming Netrebko is “an outstanding artist who, due to her status, should serve as an example.” However, the protest highlighted that, as a public figure, Netrebko bears even greater responsibility. Her actions and words should set a positive example, yet she currently demonstrates how to evade accountability.
Hundreds attended, with speakers like Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Richard Herzinger, and Saba Farzan emphasizing the duty of cultural institutions to hold accountable those who backed russian imperialism and the war russia started in 2014. The speakers reminded the crowd of Netrebko’s ties to putin and her support for the annexation of Crimea and Luhansk and Donetsk regions, underscoring that culture cannot be separated from politics, and public figures must be held responsible when they support oppressive regimes.
“Because we know, of course, that the war russia is waging in Ukraine today is not the beginning of russian expansionism and neo-imperialism. Before that, there were wars in Chechnya, Georgia, and Moldova. When Putin awarded Netrebko the title of ‘People’s Artist’ in 2009 — the highest honor for artists in russia — she said in an interview with a state-run russian newspaper, after the war in Georgia, that she has always stood firmly with russia and condemned Western coverage of russian aggression in Georgia as one-sided. She also stated that she reacts very negatively to attacks on russia and always, I quote, ‘discusses and defends the russian position.’ The russian invasion of Georgia was merely a precursor to the current russo-Ukrainian war. […] I firmly believe that artists, as well as cultural institutions, must be aware of their influence in society and exercise their political stances responsibly. After carefully considering all the facts, I have concluded that Anna Netrebko’s political reputation is controversial and cannot be altered by a vague statement ‘against the war’ that she has made. I hope that we will continue to protest against Anna Netrebko into the third year as well.”
– Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Head of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany.
The protest, which also included a musical performance by techno producer and DJ Liza Aikin, highlighted the urgency of condemning enablers of russian propaganda.
Although the Staatsoper hosted Netrebko, the protest sent a clear message: the cultural endorsement of russian imperialism and avoidance of responsibility by public figures will not be tolerated, particularly during russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The event demonstrated that Berliners will continue to stand against this normalization.
“There has been much media coverage claiming that Ms. Netrebko has distanced herself from the war that Putin is waging. She has not at all—this is disinformation. She simply said ‘sorry,’ but for what exactly? The Staatsoper announced on her behalf that she is currently (!) not planning to perform in russia. What kind of distancing or apology is that? She was an active part of Putin’s propaganda machine and has never renounced it publicly. Until she does, she should not be given a stage supported by our tax money. As a Berliner, I do not want our tax money to be used for her honorarium.”
– Saba Farzan, German-Iranian theater scholar and journalist.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in standing for Ukraine and for truth. We will continue to raise our voices in solidarity.
Date: 06.10.2024
When: from 17:00 o’clock
Where: Staatsoper Unter den Linden
For some inexplicable reason, the Berlin State Opera is once again inviting a cynical supporter of putin to its stage.
We cannot allow Anna Netrebko, who supported the russian occupation of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk regions in 2014 and did not acknowledge her mistakes, to perform without objection.
Anna Netrebko is an example of soft-power politics, where russia uses culture to spread disinformation and doubts into the European discourse. She has not clearly distanced herself from her long-standing support of the russian president. By publicly supporting putin, she legitimized the occupation of Ukrainian territories since 2014 and contributed to the escalation of the situation, leading to the full-scale war. In her statement against the russian war in Ukraine, she didn’t even mention the aggressor and instead focused on her love for russia.
When we asked for a reconsideration of the decision to allow Netrebko to perform at the Berlin Opera, the main director responded that Netrebko is “an outstanding artist, who — due to her status — should serve as an example.” We agree that as a renowned public figure, Netrebko bears an even greater responsibility. Her actions and words should set an example for others. Currently, she demonstrates how to avoid responsibility while openly promoting russia.
We invite everyone to join the demonstration in front of the State Opera on Unter den Linden on 06.10 at 17:00. We must show that the tolerance of russian imperialism in the heart of Berlin, in the third year of the full-scale war, is unacceptable.
The Nexus of Decision 2024: Poland, Ukraine, Germany
An interdisciplinary journey into the substance of Memory, Freedom, Peace, and Security.
Organizers: Vitsche e.V.,
Co-organizers: Pilecki-Institut Berlin and Wielgolas/Cieńsza
Partner: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
Sponsors: Stiftung für Deutsch-Polnische Zusammenarbeit
Curator: Kataryna Tarabukina
For whom: philosophers, historians, political scientists, interdisciplinary artists, writers, researchers, peacebuilders, international relationships, memory studies, international security studies, aged 20-45, from Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.
When: 15-21.11.2024
Where: Wielgolas/Cieńsza Pilecki Institute (Poland)
Language of residency: English
Deadline for application (EXTENDED): 05.10.2024
OVERVIEW
“The Nexus of Decision” is an annual intensive week-long residency-academy dedicated to the concept of “Decision” in social, political, historical, existential, and other dimensions. It is designed for 15 young open-call selected participants from 3 countries: Ukraine, Poland, and Germany. This program focuses on the perspective of choice and decision, particularly influenced by the impactful russian aggression in Ukraine.
“The Nexus of Decision23” took place for the first time in the residency of Stiftung Genshagen and Berlin last year. During the workshops and seminars, the Polish-German-Ukrainian group discussed the sources of understanding of concepts such as peace, freedom, and security from the perspectives of political science, history, philosophy, memory cultures, and art.
Learn more about previous residency-academy: Click here to find out more
This year, “The Nexus of Decisions24” we all meet in Wielgolas/Cieńsza (Poland) to center on crucial historical, social, security, and cross-cultural aspects. The aim is to deepen mutual understanding among our three geopolitical regions, fostering collaboration for coherence in Europe. We aim to engage young intellectuals in debate and share their experience of their geopolitical region. The focus extends to comprehending the future of our security and exploring sustainable long-term peace solutions. Given the imminent tensions surrounding security decisions for Eastern European countries and the European Union. In the turbulent election years 2024 and 2025, there is a critical need for an educational effort to enhance explicit and informed discussion on international relations. Within this context, it becomes imperative to recognize historical precedents, particularly decisions made during 20th-century peace negotiations that significantly influenced enduring security challenges in the 21st century. The current environment is marked by ongoing conflicts and fragile peace agreements, lacking a comprehensive retrospective analysis.
An interdisciplinary residency-academy program offering intensive blocks of lectures, workshops, and city/museum tours led by top scholars and practitioners from Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.
Main blocks of seminars, workshops, lectures:
Memory and Mythology.
Memory and myths shape our history, politics, culture, and philosophy. Beyond relics of the past, they are dynamic forces molding our present and future. Explore historical myths, propaganda, and cultural blind spots in the West’s knowledge of the East, influencing decisions regarding ongoing aggression in Europe.
Long-term cooperation to reach sustainable peace.
This section explores the complex geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the risks of peace negotiations with today’s Russia. It underscores the dangers of diplomatic engagement without fully understanding the historical context between Russia and Europe, focusing on the nuanced perspective needed. The objective is to empower individuals to critically assess decisions made by communities, states, and diverse stakeholders, advocating for strategies that ensure long-term global peace, freedom, and security.
New Crises, New Paradigms.
In this block, we will explore how to navigate through the new crises and challenges that Germany, Ukraine, and Poland face after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the Global Security ecosystem. We assess the potential rightwing ascendancy in Germany and its correlation with state security and security in the EU. Additionally, we’ll examine how new paradigms seem to emerge as consequences of old problems that were long set aside and how turbulent the decisions towards security and freedom are reshaping Germany, Poland and Ukraine as well as the whole of Europe.
SELECTION
Participants will be selected in an Open Call procedure, with a maximum of 15 people (5 from Germany, 5 from Ukraine, 5 from Poland). Refugees from Ukraine are welcome.
OUR OFFER INCLUDE
Participants will be selected in an Open Call procedure, with a maximum of 15 people (5 from Germany, 5 from Ukraine, 5 from Poland).
Temporary displaced people from Ukraine are welcome.
The program covers:
AN APPLICATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ONLY THROUGH ONLINE FORM
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
– on Vitsche e.V. website https://vitsche.org/ and social media pages
– on the website of the Pilecki Institute: pileckiinstitut.de and social media pages
If you have any questions, please send the email to kateryna.tarabukina@vitsche.org
The organizers are not under any obligation to substantiate the enrolment committee’s decisions, and no appeal procedure has been provided. For candidates selected to participate in the project, the present document will constitute an attachment to the agreement concluded between any such candidate and Vitsche e.V.
Organizer: Vitsche
Co-organizer: Pilecki-Institut Berlin
Partner: KAS (Konrad Adenauer Stiftung)
Sponsored by: SDPZ (Stiftung für Deutsch-Polnische Zusammenarbeit)
Date: 3rd October
Time: 14:30
Place: Siegessäule, Berlin
As Ukraine bravely fights against russian aggression, narratives of so-called pacifism are spreading in Germany, which have nothing to do with actual peace. These voices call for an end to support for Ukraine, putting not only Ukraine but all of Europe in danger. At a time when freedom and democracy are at stake, such positions are not only naive but harmful to our collective security.
Our demonstration is for all those who believe in the importance of freedom, solidarity, and a strong Europe. We call on people to take a public stand against these pseudo-pacifists who, in reality, are playing into the hands of the aggressor. It is more important than ever to make it clear that we stand together and support Ukraine in its just struggle.
Their demand for Ukraine to submit to russian occupation does not bring peace. For russia, human rights have no value, and Ukrainian lives even less – their demand is our death sentence.
Why this counter-demonstration is important:
How to support us:
If you would like to support our demo please fill in this form or write to us via info@vitsche.org. You can donate for the demo here: PayPal, Buy Vitsche a coffee or Direct donation.
Come and bring your posters with slogans. You can also download for printing one of the posters here.
We urge all participants in our demonstration to remain peaceful and refrain from any violence. Since the so-called “peace demo” will also take place at the Berlin Victory Column at the same time, it is especially important that we send a clear message of a peaceful protest. Let us stand together for justice and real peace!
🙌 We are excited to announce the list of selected participants for the research fellowship of the «Truth to Justice» project:
Starting this fall, selected participants will take part in an online fellowship mentored by Dr. Dmytro Iarovyi, an Associate Professor at the Graduate Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Kyiv School of Economics.
With the support of experts, fellows will develop policy papers or research proposals to counter disinformation and present them on the Truth to Justice platform and conference in December.
Project in cooperation with Kyiv School of Economics
Funded by Auswärtiges Amt.
Stay tuned!
#CivilSocietyCooperation
We are excited to announce the selected participants for the interdisciplinary laboratory “A Journey from the Dangerous to (Un)Safe”:
Starting next week, the participants will take part in a week-long curated laboratory. The program will explore urban life, migration, fears, borders through immersive workshops and lectures led by tutors Stefanie Eisenhuth, Ksenia Malykh, Zuzanna Mielczarek, Kate Tarabukina, Eva Yakubovska, and Max Smogol.
The residency will culminate in the creation of a collaborative soundscape for Berlin’s Bus Line 100.
Stay tuned!
The interdisciplinary laboratory “A Journey from Dangerous to (Un)Safe” is a part of the international project “Networks of Support” organized by the National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning (NIAiU) with partners from Ukraine (Lviv Center of Urban History), Poland (“Autoportret” quarterly), Czechia (VI PER Gallery) and Germany (Vitsche).
Organizers:
Partner:
The project is financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland within the framework of the “Inspiring culture” program.
Besides all the human suffering and the massive destruction of populated areas and infrastructure, the Russian war against Ukraine has also led to colossal damage to the ecology and the environment in the country. The scale of this devastation can hardly be estimated so far. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on 6 June 2023 was the single most visible environmental war crime with vast consequences not only for the irreversibly damaged ecosystems up- and downstream but for the entire wider region, its economy, and European ecology as well. Large shares of agricultural land cannot be irrigated any longer. There was a huge lack of freshwater as its supply depended on the dam as well. The loss of the electric capacity of the dam’s hydropower plant destabilizes the supply all over South Ukraine. The decrease of the lake’s water level poses a danger to the reliability of the cooling for the Zaporizhia Nuclear power station.
The US based non-profit “Project Expedite Justice” and the Ukrainian NGO “Truth Hounds” have published the report “Submerged” on the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and its impacts on the residents, the ecosystems, the agriculture and its implications for international justice. Researchers and authors of the study will present main findings and discuss further perspectives for the region.
At the same time, the event kicks off the broader “Ukrainians for Ecology” campaign of the Berlin based NGO “Vitsche”, aiming to draw more attention to environmental effects of the war in general and to create and spread expertise.
Speakers
Moderation: Robert Sperfeld, Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Language: English with translation into German
Further Readings: The Report “Submerged”
Contact:
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung:
Anna Antonina Łysiak
lysiak@boell.de
Vitsche e.V.
Ernest Dmitriev
e.dmitriev@vitsche.org
» Participation on site
at the the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Conference Center, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin
Please register in advance. Unfortunately, the number of seats for this event are limited. If we are at capacity, the conversation will be transmitted via video to other rooms.
» Livestream
Alternatively, you can follow the event via the livestream without registering.
We are excited to announce the list of selected artists for the artistic fellowship of the “Truth to Justice” project:
Starting in September, these artists will have a two-month online curatorial fellowship. In December, they will present their projects on our platform and attend the “Truth to Justice” conference on disinformation.
Curator: Kseniia Malykh
Project in cooperation with Arta Azi.
Funded by @Auswärtiges Amt
Stay tuned!
#CivilSocietyCooperation
