Protests as Venice Biennale opens in turmoil over Russian presence
The Venice Biennale has opened amidst protests and controversy over Russia's inclusion for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Russian pavilion will not be open to the public, with musical performances instead being recorded and projected on outdoor screens.
The Venice Biennale has opened amidst protests over Russia's inclusion. Bare-breasted activists from Ukrainian feminist collective Femen and Russian protest punk band Pussy Riot demonstrated outside the Russian pavilion. Russia's inclusion sparked outrage from Italy's government and the European Union, which threatened to cut €2 million in funding. The Biennale jury resigned after saying they would not hand out awards to countries led by figures subject to ICC arrest warrants, including Russia. The Russian pavilion's musical performances will be recorded during press previews and projected on giant outdoor screens, as it will not be open to the public. The European Commission intends to 'suspend or terminate' its grant of €2 million over three years, citing concerns over democratic values and European sanctions on Moscow.
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