Overview
- Russia is slated to operate its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale for the first time since 2022, according to the foundation.
- Culture minister Alessandro Giuli demanded full access to all correspondence with Russian authorities and an explanation of how participation complies with sanctions, while stating the Biennale acts independently as a sanctions review proceeds.
- He asked the ministry’s Biennale board representative, Tamara Gregoretti, to resign for lack of trust, but she said she will not step down.
- The European Commission has questioned roughly €2 million in Biennale funding that is tied to EU values commitments.
- Governments of 22 European states urged organizers to reconsider Russia’s participation, Ukraine issued sharp criticism, and Italy did not sign the appeal.