Venice Biennale

EU withdraws Venice Biennale grant after Russia’s return

The European Commission decided to revoke a EUR2 million ($2.28 million) grant to the Venice Biennale after Russia was allowed to return to the exhibition in 2026, Ukrainska Pravda reported on July 21.

21 July, 09:41 PM

Protests erupt over Russia’s return to the Venice Biennale

The 61st Venice Biennale officially opened on Europe Day on May 9, but tensions around the event began days earlier when the Russian pavilion temporarily opened for a press preview, drawing criticism and protests.

11 May, 02:56 PM

‘CANCELLED because the author was killed by Russia’

An “Invisible Pavilion” protest campaign launched across Venice ahead of the 2026 Venice Biennale is drawing attention to Ukrainian artists, writers, and filmmakers killed during Russia’s war against Ukraine

8 May, 11:53 PM

14 European countries support Ukraine at Venice Biennale

International partners issued a joint statement in support of Ukraine during the 61st Venice Biennale, calling for a consolidated global response to Russia’s aggression and its impact on culture, Ukraine’s Culture Ministry said on May 7.

7 May, 04:02 PM

Venice Biennale jury resigns over Russian, Israeli participation

The international jury for the 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled to open on May 9, resigned in full, ArtReview reported on April 30.

30 April, 10:42 PM

Brussels threatens to pull Biennale grant over Russian presence

The European Commission may suspend a EUR2 million grant to the Venice Biennale after organizers allowed the Russian pavilion to open, commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said on April 23.

24 April, 01:18 AM

Finland may limit Venice Biennale 2026 role over return of Russian pavilion

Finland’s political leadership will skip the Venice Biennale this year if organizers allow the Russian pavilion to open, Art News reported, adding the European Commission earlier warned it could freeze €2 million in funding over Russia’s participation on Apr. 20.

20 April, 10:57 AM

Artists protest Venice Biennale invitations to Russia, Israel, and U.S.

In an open letter published by the South African magazine ArtThrob on April 1, 73 Venice Biennale participants objected to the 61st International Art Exhibition including Russia, Israel, and the United States.

2 April, 11:49 PM

EU threatens to pull funding over Russia at Venice Biennale

The European Commission could withdraw grant support for the Venice Biennale if organizers do not reconsider their decision to allow Russia to participate, the commission said in a statement on March 10.

10 March, 11:19 PM

Lithuania condemns Russia’s return to Venice Biennale during war against Ukraine

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys criticized the decision to reopen Russia’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale, marking the country’s first participation in the exhibition since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

6 March, 03:23 PM

Venice Biennale