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EU Rails Against Famed Venice Art Festival over Russian Return
The EU may halt funding to the Venice Biennale Foundation after Russia confirmed its return, despite a petition with over 6,300 signatures opposing the state pavilion's presence.
- On 2026-03-11, the European Union executive cabinet said it will consider suspending or terminating a grant to La Biennale if Russia remains a participant.
- Authored by Arts Against Aggression International Movement, the petition 'Stop the Normalization of War Crimes through Art' argues Russia's pavilion breaches the Biennale's March 2022 pledge and has 6,360 signatories including Yulia Lytvynets, Olena Siyanko, and Pina Picierno.
- The scheduled Russian exhibition, The Tree Is Rooted in the Sky, features at least 38 artists, with Savchenkov and Sukhareva withdrawing in 2022 amid protests.
- The Italian culture ministry clarified that Russia's participation was decided independently, while La Biennale defends openness and artistic freedom, and Italy aids Ukrainian cultural reconstruction.
- Critics argue the move plays into Russian soft power and hybrid warfare, with Pussy Riot warning it is a 'serious blow to Europe's Security' and citing Russia's past pavilion lending to Bolivia.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Culture must not be used as a "propaganda platform," says the European Commission. The Commission is threatening to cut off its funding for the Venice Biennale, the biennial art world championship, if Russia is admitted to the biennial art event.
The European Union is threatening the famous Italian contemporary art event of sanctions.
The Venice Biennale, organised every two years in Italy, is one of the largest international contemporary art events. Russia, which was ruled out in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine, is allowed to return this year. The 2026 edition will be held from 9 May to 22 November next. - Venice Biennale: the EU threatens to suspend its funding if Russia is allowed to participate (Culture, media and entertainment).
Twenty-two countries have signed a letter of protest and the European Commission has threatened to remove its funds
European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen and European Commissioner Glenn Mikallef said member states, institutions and organizations should act in accordance with EU sanctions and avoid giving a platform to those who supported or justified Russia's war against Ukraine.
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