The Venice Biennale, a leading global art exhibition, will include Russia for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, drawing significant criticism across Europe.
Latvia’s Culture Minister Agnese Lāce, who led a group of 25 European countries advocating for Russia’s exclusion, stated she will boycott the May 9 opening if Russia participates.
Latvia’s Ministry of Culture argued that Russia’s involvement would confer “legitimacy through a major European cultural platform supported by European funding” to an aggressor under sanctions. They cautioned that individuals associated with the pavilion have connections to Russian state entities and pro-Kremlin narratives.
In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Kallas, 37 MEPs urged the EU to halt funding—approximately €2 million over three years—and consider restrictive measures against those linked to the Russian pavilion.
The Biennale justified its decision, claiming it is a venue for dialogue where art is detached from politics. However, some European policymakers question whether cultural neutrality is sustainable amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
CORRECTION: This article was updated April 21 to provide the correct date when Kallas announced the EU’s funding decision.
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