Most artists who come from russia view themselves as artists first and foremost. They are not nationalists by pedigree. It's just not wired into most people's psyches to think about the relationship between art and nation in a close way. I don't understand it the notion of a helping puten out by a annulling and cancelling russian culture, i cannot countenance any more than they get annulled back home. And i wonder, could we do the reverse? Could you design a concert for us that would show case what russia has to offer?"
Vladimir Putin says the West is trying to erase 1,000 years of culture. Arts organizations say they have an obligation to respond to the war in Ukraine.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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