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Inclusion of Russia in 2026 Venice Biennale art fair sparks outcry
Italy’s Culture Ministry investigates Russia’s participation amid EU threats to withhold €2 million in funding over concerns about legitimizing Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
- Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli demanded the resignation of ministry official Tamara Gregoretti, accusing her of failing to disclose Russia's inclusion in the 61st arts festival.
- The Venice Biennale Foundation included Russia in the 2026 line-up with an exhibition titled "The Tree is Rooted in the Sky," sparking international outcry over the war in Ukraine.
- Twenty-Two European countries wrote to Buttafuoco expressing "profound concern," while the European Commission threatened to withhold €2 million in funding over Russia's participation.
- Giuli spoke with Ukrainian counterpart Tetyana Berezhna on Friday, reiterating Italy's commitment to Ukraine's cultural heritage; Berezhna called the decision "unacceptable for Kiev."
- Buttafuoco defended the decision as an act against censorship, announcing two dedicated exhibition spaces for "dissident" art, while Giuli investigates whether Russia's participation violates EU sanctions.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Russia's planned participation in the Venice Biennale is causing strong international reactions. Italy's Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, wants to inform the Biennale Foundation about contacts with Russian authorities.
Russia's admission to this year's Venice Biennale is not only protesting against Ukraine and the EU. Rightly!
Winnipeg Free Press
Inclusion of Russia in 2026 Venice Biennale art fair sparks outcry
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
This year, Russia plans to participate in the Venice Art Biennale.
The controversy over Russia's participation in this year's Venice Art Biennale continues. Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco invited Russia to participate and ignored a call from the Italian Ministry of Culture to withdraw the invitation. Many oppose Buttafuoco's decision and hope that the authorities will reconsider the invitation.
The European Commission has warned that it will suspend funding for the Venice Biennale if organizers continue with plans to include Russia.
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