The European Commission “strongly condemns” Russia’s return to the Venice Biennale for the first time since the massive invasion of Ukraine. About this She says In a statement by the European Commission’s Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Hanna Virkkonen, and the European Commissioner for Generations, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef.
The European Commission “clearly clarified its position regarding the illegal aggressive war waged by Russia against Ukraine,” the statement said. According to European Commission representatives, culture protects democratic values, promotes open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression and “should never be used as a platform for propaganda.”
The European Commission believes that the decision of the organizers of the Venice Biennale does not correspond “with the European Union’s collective response to Russia’s brutal aggression.”
“If the Biennale Foundation continues to comply with the Russian participation decision, we will consider taking further action, including suspending or terminating the EU grant to the Biennale Foundation,” the statement read.
Russia has not participated in the Biennale since the beginning of the comprehensive invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in 2022 and has not used its pavilion in Venice, but only rented it.
The 2026 Venice Biennale will take place from May 9 to November 22. Russia plans to present a series of acoustic performances at the biennale under the general title “The tree is rooted in the sky.” Ukrainian authorities oppose Russia’s participation. The Italian Ministry of Culture claimed that the Biennale Foundation had allowed Russia to return to the forum – without the country’s knowledge.
According to Deutsche Welle, the main role in Russia’s return to the Venice Biennale was played by the Special Representative of the Russian President for International Cultural Cooperation, Mikhail Shvedkoy. The publication’s interlocutor said that the Russian pavilion at the biennale “will not be rabid propaganda.” “His main message is that true art is supposed to be outside politics and outside of time. Shvedkoy believes that the West is tired of politicization, war and cancel culture – and therefore this is the right time.” [для возвращения России на биеннале] With such a project,” a source told DW.