Overview
- The European Commission signaled it could suspend about €2 million in Biennale support over suspected violations tied to the Russian pavilion and asked the foundation to justify its compliance with EU rules.
- Russia’s pavilion opened during industry previews, and because of sanctions the full installation will be replaced by a video presentation from Saturday, May 9 through November 22.
- Pussy Riot and Femen led protests at the Russian site, police blocked a push toward St. Mark’s Square, and activists delivered a statement at the Biennale’s headquarters.
- The Biennale’s international jury resigned and the May 9 inauguration ceremony was canceled after high-profile withdrawals from related events added to the pressure.
- Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli condemned the move and sent inspectors while Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini said he would visit the Russian pavilion, and a separate labor-led action shut roughly twenty national pavilions in protest of Israel’s show.