US EditionInclusion of Russia in 2026 Venice Biennale art fair sparks outcry
The European Commission may suspend 2 million euros in funding over concerns Russia’s participation could legitimize its war in Ukraine, amid strong opposition from 22 European countries.
- On March 4, the Venice Biennale Foundation announced the 2026 line-up including Russia, with an exhibition titled 'The Tree is Rooted in the Sky' featuring three dozen Russian artists, sparking international condemnation over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Twenty-Two European countries wrote to the Biennale Foundation expressing 'profound concern' over Russia's participation, warning that Moscow could exploit it to 'project an image of legitimacy and international acceptance' despite the ongoing conflict.
- Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli fired board member Tamara Gregoretti this week for failing to disclose Russia's involvement, while launching an investigation into the participation's compatibility with European sanctions.
- The European Commission threatened to withhold 2 million euros in funding over three years if the Biennale Foundation allows Russia to participate, according to Commissioners Henna Virkkunen and Glenn Micallef.
- Biennale Foundation head Pietrangolo Buttafuoco defended the inclusion as opposing censorship, announcing the 2026 edition will feature two dedicated exhibition spaces for 'dissident' art.
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34 Articles
The European Commission has said it will suspend the grant if the organizers of the art festival continue to cooperate with the aggressor country.
Russia's involvement in the Venice Biennale has drawn international condemnation, with the European Commission threatening to cut off funding and 22 European countries demanding that Russia be expelled again over the war in Ukraine. The scandal at the world's oldest and most important contemporary art fair has put the Italian Ministry of Culture at the center of criticism. The move comes just weeks after the Italian government was forced to watc…
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.
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