EU pulls $2.3 million from Venice Biennale over Russia’s return
The European Union is cutting a $2.3 million grant to the Venice Biennale due to Russia's participation in the 61st contemporary art show. The Biennale has 30 days to defend its decision to include Russia for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The European Union is slashing a $2.3 million grant to the Venice Biennale over Russia's participation in the 61st contemporary art show opening May 9. The European Commission informed the Biennale foundation of the funding cut over three years. The Biennale has 30 days to defend its decision to include Russia. The Biennale stated it 'does not have the authority to prevent a country from participating' as Russia owns the pavilion built in 1914. The Biennale contemporary art exhibition is the world's oldest and most important, with 99 countries presenting national pavilions. The Biennale has previously rejected pressure to exclude countries, including Iran and Israel.
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