Russia has announced the revival of the Intervision Music Contest, competing directly with the prestigious Eurovision, which it has been excluded from since 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine. Signed by President Vladimir Putin on February 3, 2025, this decree aims to renew international musical collaboration, drawing approximately 20 participating countries, including key members of the BRICS alliance – Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Designed to bolster cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the Intervision competition, which originally thrived during the Soviet years, is not only an attempt to reclaim Russia's cultural space but also to make statements on its values and identity.
The original Intervision Contest, active through the 1960s and 1970s, served as the Soviet Union's response to Eurovision, providing platforms for Eastern Bloc countries to showcase their musical talents. Historically, it was partially born from the Cold War sentiment, aiming to counter western influence spearheaded by Eurovision. With past participants like Poland and Czechoslovakia, the competition united the Soviet satellite states under cultural ideals unique to their shared heritage. After its discontinuation, Russia has attempted various revivals, but they never quite landed until now.
According to Vladimir Putin, who has expressed deep dissatisfaction with Russia’s Eurovision exclusion, the goal of the renewed Intervision is to "develop international cultural and humanitarian cooperation." This sentiment echoes through the words of Mikhail Shvydkoy, the presidential envoy for cultural cooperation, who confirmed, "About 20 countries are ready to participate," pointing to nations primarily from BRICS and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), which includes several former Soviet republics. The optimism surrounding these participants shows Russia's aim to rebuild alliances and partnerships through shared cultural endeavors.
The potential hosting date discussed for the contest is September 2025, with specific venues around Moscow being prepared to accommodate this international event. While details remain scarce, the implication is clear: Russia is not ready to back down from the global cultural stage. The absence of a set date allows for speculation about the significance of timing and Russia's international relations as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
Following its vibrant past, which saw stars like Dima Bilan winning Eurovision 2008 with "Believe," the spirit of competition remains palpable. Bilan's victory sparked pride, with subsequent hosting duties solidifying Moscow’s position as an influential cultural capital. Since 2022, those sentiments flipped sharply as international scrutiny mounted amid accusations of aggression and criticism of political choices, marking Russia's most recent exclusion from Eurovision as nothing less than contentious. The overall artistic integrity of the Eurovision platform has been called to question by some Russian officials, especially concerning its inclusiveness of LGBTQ+ artists, most famously represented by drag queen Conchita Wurst’s notable win.
Adding to the tension, Liliya Gumerova, a senator from Russia, alluded to Intervision as potentially providing, "an opportunity to promote real music," distancing Russian efforts from the perceived moral values endorsed by Eurovision. Her comments resonate with the frustration voiced by officials disillusioned by Eurovision's perceived liberal biases, asserting Intervision as not just another contest, but as Russia’s counter-narrative to what they view as western impositions of cultural ideology.
The reestablishment of the Intervision Music Contest might signal attempts at international influence through cultural manipulation or collaboration, especially among BRICS nations. Russia's declaration to host this event plays decisively to its attempts at soft power, aiming to reshape narratives not only domestically but also externally, positioning itself as still capable of leading within cultural arenas. This revival serves as more than just entertainment – it acts as propaganda, showcasing Russia's artistic flexibility and potential for fostering regional alliances.
While numerous questions surrounding logistics and participation remain, one thing is evident: Russia is reclaiming its territory on the music stage through Intervision. The competition’s revival could redefine how Russia engages with global music and cultural practices, potentially reshaping its image post-sanctions and geopolitical fallout. Putin’s decree is not merely administrative – it's strategic, providing insights and possibly setting the tone for future diplomatic and cultural engagements.
The enduring legacy of Intervision from its Soviet roots offers both caution and optimism as this resurgence ventures to navigate the complex web of today's global dynamics. The upcoming contest promises to be not just about music, but rather about affirming cultural sovereignty, solidifying alliances, and countering global narratives shaped amid turbulent times.