Overview
- European Commission officials condemned the Biennale’s decision and said they may suspend or stop an EU grant to the foundation, identified by a spokesperson as €2 million over three years under Creative Europe Media.
- The ministers of culture and foreign affairs from 22 countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Ukraine, formally called Russia’s participation unacceptable and warned of likely political instrumentalization and suspected ties to Russia’s elite.
- The Biennale, led by president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, has confirmed national pavilions including Russia for the 61st edition opening on May 9, defending its institutional autonomy and role as a cultural forum.
- Italy’s culture minister Alessandro Giuli opposed reopening the Russian pavilion but emphasized the Biennale’s independence, and Italy did not sign the 22‑nation letter.
- Russia last took part in 2021; media report roughly 40 Russian artists slated to show, and officials note Russia owns its Giardini pavilion (since 1914), allowing participation via standard notification rather than invitation.