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EU Threatens to Pull Venice Biennale Funding over Russia's Return
The European Commission may suspend funding after Venice Biennale permits Russia's return, amid concerns the pavilion could serve as propaganda during Russia's war on Ukraine.
- On Tuesday, European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner for Culture Glenn Micallef warned they may suspend or terminate funding to the Fondazione Biennale after it allowed Russia's participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition.
- The Biennale Foundation defended its move as commitment to 'artistic freedom,' yet the Commission stated the decision is 'not compatible with the EU's collective response to Russia's brutal aggression,' prompting the funding threat.
- A petition titled 'Stop the Normalization of War Crimes through Art' gathered 6,360 verified signatories, including Ukrainian museum directors, arguing the Russian pavilion contradicts the Biennale's March 2022 pledge to cut ties with official Russian entities.
- Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli clarified the Biennale Foundation's decision was made 'entirely independently' of the government, though Rome continues safeguarding Ukraine's artistic heritage devastated by Russian bombing.
- Russia was excluded from the 2022 and 2024 exhibitions following Ukraine's invasion, and critics including Pussy Riot warn the state pavilion serves as a tool for 'soft power' and military doctrine rather than genuine cultural exchange.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Polemic for the presence of Russian artists at the Venetian foundation. Over 20 countries of the European Union are opposed and make the big voice. But the landlord Buttafuoco insists to host them and remembers: they have a pavilion since 1914.The Wall, that of the Pink Floyd. For now it is the most visible metaphysical work of the next Biennale Art because of the controversy about the presence or not of the artists plaqued Russia. Once again, a…
The controversy is lively about the return of Russia after other rififis. After two Biennales (2022 and 2024) where Russia's pavilion in the...
The European Commission condemns the decision of the Biennale Foundation to allow Russia to participate in the 2026 edition of the Biennale Arte di Venezia. In Europe culture must promote and safeguard...
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.
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