From the Eurovision Song Contest to the Cannes film festival, the cultural sphere is reacting to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine by canceling the participation of Russian artists in their events. An overview.Cannes bans Russian delegatesThe Cannes Film Festival announced on March 1 that it would “not welcome official Russian delegations” or people linked to the country’s government.A number of film festivals are reacting similarly, including Glasgow and Stockholm.Locarno has announced it would not join a Boycott, whereas Venice will offer free screenings of a Film About the 2014 Conflict in the Donbas Region.Russia barred from Eurovision song contestThe European Broadcasting Union (Ebu), which organises the Song Contest, stated on February 25 that “In Light of the Unprecedented Crisis in Ukraine, the Inclusion of a Russian Entry in This Year’s Contest Would Bring the Competition Into Disrepute.”Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Folk Rap Kalush Orchestra have emerged as the act with the best odds to win.Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War: At Least 21 Killed, 112 Wounded in Shelling of KharkivOpera houses halt Bolshoi collaborationsLondon’s Royal Opera House has canceled the summer season of Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet. The Metropolitan Opera’s staging of “Lohengrin,” co-produced with the Bolshoi, will also be affected by the New York Opera House’s decision to cut ties with Russian State-Supported Artists.Until now a Putin loyalist, Bolshoi director Vladimir Urin was however among the signatories of a letter opposed to the War.Valery Gergiev concerts canceledMany Russian artistes have condemned the war. But despite an ultimatum from the Munich Philharmonic to publicly position himself, star conductor Valery Gergiev remained silent on the War led by Putin, his friend since 1992.On March 1, the German orchestra fired its acclaimed chief conductor, and the globe-trotting maestro’s numerous concerts in Europe and the US have also been cancelled.Russian artists pull out of Venice BiennaleIt is not always the organisers of events who are boycotting Russian acts. At the Venice Biennale, which starts on April 23, it is rather the artists and curator of the Russian exhibition who have resigned, stating on Instagram that “the Russian pavilion will remain closed” in protest of civilians being killed by missiles and Russian protesters being silenced.Hollywood delays films releases in RussiaFollowing Disney’s lead, Warner Bros, Sony, Paramount Pictures and Universal have all decided to halt the release of films in Russian cinemas. The Batman was to be released in the country on March 4. Other upcoming titles affected by the decision include Disney’s Pixar animated film Turning Red, Paramount’s The Lost City and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the Marvel film Morbius.Concerts canceled in Russia“Ukraine, we stand with you, and with all those in Russia who oppose this brutal act,” said Nick Cave. He has canceled his Russian tour dates planned for the summer, just like many other groups, including Franz Ferdinand, the Killers, Iggy Pop and Green Day. Popular Russian rapper Oxxxymiron has also canceled his shows in the country, calling for an anti-war Movement.This article was first published on DW. Read the original piece here.