The European Union has withdrawn a 2-million-euro ($2.4 million) grant from the Venice Biennale following the decision to permit Russia's participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition, which opens on May 9. The European Commission announced the funding cut on Thursday, stating that the Biennale foundation has been formally notified and will have 30 days to justify its choice to include Russia for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Commission's Stance
Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed the move, reiterating the EU's strong condemnation of the Biennale's decision. "We are strongly condemning the fact that the Fondazione di Biennale has allowed for the Russian Pavilion to open again," Regnier said. The commission had previously signaled its intention to reduce funding over the issue.
Background on Russian Participation
Russian artists withdrew from the Biennale in 2022, and Russia did not present an exhibition in 2024, instead lending its permanent pavilion to Bolivia. The last time Russia participated in the International Art Exhibition was in 2019. The Russian Pavilion, built in 1914 in the historic Giardini, is owned by Russia, which only needs to send a notification of its intent to participate.
Biennale's Defense
In a statement, the Biennale asserted that it "does not have the authority to prevent a country from participating. Any country recognized by the Italian Republic may request to participate." The organization emphasized its commitment to artistic freedom, stating: "La Biennale di Venezia rejects any form of exclusion or censorship of culture and art. The Biennale, like the city of Venice, continues to be a place of dialogue, openness and artistic freedom, encouraging connections between peoples and cultures, with the constant hope for an end to conflicts and suffering."
Broader Context
The Venice Biennale is the world's oldest and most prestigious contemporary art exhibition, featuring a main exhibition and national pavilions curated independently. This year, 99 nations will present pavilions, with 29 located in the Giardini and the rest spread across the Arsenale and the city. The Biennale has historically resisted pressure to exclude countries, including Iran and Israel, from participating.
The funding cut highlights ongoing tensions between cultural institutions and political bodies over responses to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
