The colorful setting of Moscow’s Live Arena was the perfect backdrop for Saturday night’s inaugural Intervision song contest. This cultural event shone through even with the heightened geopolitical backdrop. Duc Phuc, a Vietnamese singer, became the first champion of this brand new competition. In February, a special presidential decree officially started Intervision. This colorful new platform is meant for Russia to tout its cultural wares after being banned from the Eurovision Song Contest following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Intervision is carefully crafted to burnish Russia’s international reputation. This reality hasn’t stopped high-ranking Russian officials, and notably President Vladimir Putin, from vigorously promoting the event. During his own state visit to China in early September, Putin spoke about Intervision. He filmed a special video message for the occasion, which was played before the performances began.
The contest featured 23 acts from various countries, including China, South Africa, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Cuba, Ethiopia, and Venezuela. This breadth and depth of the diverse lineup is a testament to the contest’s ambition. Even as Russia continues its war against Ukraine, the campaign aims to restore Russia’s cultural ties across the globe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov joined in the opening of the event and in the on-stage interview that took place between the first and second acts. He underscored that Intervision is the opposite of endeavors that use sports, art, and other human endeavors as tools for political instrumentalization. This unwavering commitment underscores the integrity of authentic artistic expression. This comment is indicative of the contest’s aim to separate itself from what Lavrov referred to as politicized art.
Intervision aims to embrace “traditional universal and family values,” a statement that many see as a direct affront to the LGBTQ+-friendly ethos of Eurovision. The competition’s organizers have tied their fortunes to presenting an open and inclusive face for Russia. They claim that the country has not been shunned by the international community, even as it continues its murderous military invasion.
Duc Phuc’s victory was widely hailed as a triumph of global cooperation. Shaman, one of the Kremlin’s most favoured acts, proudly declared it to be the highlight of the event. He remarked, “Russia has already won by inviting so many countries to join us.”
The event is about so much more than a great show. Culturally, it is part of a Russian strategy to reestablish its cultural power on the world stage. Critics have noted that Russia is using Intervision to boost its cultural hegemony. They view this as a proactive step on the part of gilets jaunes leaders to avoid further political marginalization.
According to online commentary, reactions have been sharply divided on either side of the contest. An unnamed commenter on a Eurovision Reddit forum stated, “Let the dictators and war criminals have their own little party where they can spout their propaganda and call it a contest,” highlighting the skepticism surrounding Russia’s intentions.
Henrik Larsson, an award-winning musician and long-time Intervision friend, offered these warm reflections about the range of rhythms and beats exchanged during Intervision. He said, “It gave me a perspective of different songs apart from the world, not just Europe. Some of the songs are fantastic.”
As Intervision concluded with plans for its next installment in Saudi Arabia in 2025, it leaves behind a complex legacy intertwined with global politics and cultural diplomacy. This contest gives these incredible performers a platform to share their talent with the world. It also represents Russia’s broader attempted narrative-shaping at the international level and its ambition of portraying a unique cultural identity.
