From Dw · · 1m
Maria Kalesnikava on art and freedom
Belarusian activist Maria Kalesnikava links cultural freedom to resisting authoritarianism after prison.
In brief
Belarusian activist Maria Kalesnikava links cultural freedom to resisting authoritarianism after prison. Maria Kalesnikava, a Belarusian political prisoner released after 10 months, says art protects freedom from authoritarian regimes. Originally reported by Dw.
Maria Kalesnikava's prison experience
Maria Kalesnikava spent five years in detention as a political prisoner, three in solitary confinement.
“A person's external freedom can be taken away, sometimes almost entirely.”
Art as prison refuge
Music saved Kalesnikava during her imprisonment, providing mental freedom through melodies that stayed in her head.
“I spent a lot of time in complete silence. But this silence was almost never empty, because music constantly played in my head.”
Kalesnikava's freedom message
Kalesnikava says art is vital for free societies and why authoritarian regimes distrust cultural expression.
“And it is precisely in this that I find the explanation for why culture is so important for a free society and why authoritarian systems so often view it with distrust.”
Kalesnikava on Ukraine war
Kalesnikava links Russia's war in Ukraine to a broader attack on European values and culture.
“The war Russia started is not just against Ukraine. It's a war against European values and European culture.”
Beethovenfest conference
Over 200 music industry representatives debated cultural spaces for freedom at the Beethovenfest conference.
“Arts and culture are not responsible for taking on specific opinions from political parties, or for making explicitly political statements.”
Beethovenfest success
The 2026 Beethovenfest attracted 35,000 visitors, the highest in a decade, ending on German Unity Day.
“After four weeks of Beethovenfest 2026, the festival recorded the highest number of visitors in a decade.”
Kalesnikava's current role
Kalesnikava lives in Berlin, recovering from imprisonment and advocating for 800+ Belarusian political prisoners.
“She sees it as her responsibility to remind the world about what is happening to more than 800 political prisoners in Belarus.”
The essence
Maria Kalesnikava, a Belarusian political prisoner released after 10 months, says art protects freedom from authoritarian regimes.
