Overview
- Fondazione La Biennale confirmed Russia’s participation in the 2026 International Art Exhibition after a four-year absence.
- Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli asked board member Tamara Gregoretti to resign over her support and failure to brief the ministry; she refused, citing the statute and the institution’s autonomy.
- The ministry requested full meeting minutes and all correspondence with Russian authorities and signaled it may send inspectors to review sanctions compliance.
- The European Commission condemned the decision and warned a €2 million grant could be suspended or terminated if the grant agreement’s conditions are breached.
- Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco announced dissident-focused initiatives as Ukraine’s culture minister objected in a call with Giuli and a petition with thousands of signatures urged reversal.