The key facts

  • Nina Ostanina asked the Ministry of Culture to disclose the requirements for entertainment events at particularly significant cultural institutions.
  • On the night of October 31, the 'LitRave' project with DJs, installations and performances took place at the Russian State Library.
  • Reactions were divided: the Civic Chamber was outraged, while the event was supported in the State Duma.

Request following the 'LitRave'

Nina Ostanina, head of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, sent an appeal to Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova asking for information on the requirements for entertainment events held at cultural institutions of particular historical significance. The reason was a party held at the Russian State Library — as reported by Gazeta.Ru citing RIA Novosti.

What exactly happened at the library

On the night of October 31, the 'LitRave' project took place at the Russian State Library — a joint effort by the Eksmo-AST publishing group and the library. The event was announced as 'an event at the intersection of literature and electronic dance music' featuring DJ sets, book installations and performances. The library itself explained that it was 'not a disco in the book depository' but rather 'an attempt to speak with the new generation in its own language', and noted that the library remained 'intact, clean' and ready to receive readers.

Mixed reactions and the deputy's complaint

The event provoked outrage in the Civic Chamber, while it was supported in the State Duma — that is, the positions of the two institutions diverged. Ostanina expressed doubts that such parties correspond to the tasks of preserving and popularizing traditional Russian values approved by decree of President Vladimir Putin. According to her, the 'Leninka' is a cultural institution of particular significance, whose historical role implies special responsibility for the nature of events held on its premises.

Context

Gazeta.Ru also recalls that earlier one of the world's largest libraries decided to earn money at readers' expense. What exactly the Ministry of Culture will answer to Ostanina's request, and whether specific restrictions will follow for events at such institutions, sources do not report at this time.