Overview
- The European Commission said it will examine suspending or terminating an ongoing EU grant if the Biennale proceeds with Russia’s national pavilion.
- La Biennale di Venezia confirmed Russia’s participation and cited a policy rejecting exclusion or censorship of culture and art.
- Italy’s Ministry of Culture stated the choice was made independently by the Biennale Foundation and said the government opposes the move.
- An open letter organized by Arts Against Aggression gathered more than 6,000 verified signatories calling for Russia’s removal from the event.
- Ukrainian officials raised concerns about reported ties between the pavilion’s declared commissioner, Anastasia Karneyeva, and Russia’s defense sector, and the scale of EU funding at risk remains unclear.