European Commission Tells Venice Biennale to ‘Clear Its Name’ Regarding Russian Pavilion or Risk Losing $2.3 M. Grant for 2028

European Commission Tells Venice Biennale to Ditch Russian Pavilion

In a letter reviewed by the Italian publication la Repubblica, the European Commission (EC) has accused the Venice Biennale of violating EU sanctions against Russia, Artnews reports. Specifically, the violation has to do with the Biennale’s plans to include the Russian Pavilion in its 2026 edition.  “In our view,” the letter reads in part, “the fact that—within the […]

EU threatens to pull funding from Venice Biennale over inclusion of Russia

The European Commission is threatening to withdraw funding from the Venice Biennale unless the arts festival reverses its decision to allow Russia...

EU Threatens to Cut Funding to Biennale in Venice Over Russian Pavilion

Brussels Gives the Biennale 30 Days to Reverse Its Decision or Lose €2 Million in European Funds The EU's ReasoningIn the two-page letter, the EU agency stated that it considers it a "significant risk" that Russia could use its presence at the exhibition "to project an image of international legitimacy and acceptance." It argued that by accepting Russian artists as a "government delegation" whose participation is entirely financed and promoted b…

The Politics of Russia’s Return to the Venice Biennale

On a cultural stage, we’re starting to see a shift towards collective, wilful amnesia when it comes to Russia’s discernible crimes, says Aliide Naylor, journalist and editorial consultant at the Reckoning Project In early March, Russia announced its participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale, the oldest and most visited of the world’s art biennales, and the reaction was vociferous. The European Commission has said it will suspend or terminate fun…