Venice Biennale Faces EU Funding Threat Over Russian Pavilion, Qatar Launches Ambitious National Pavilion

The 61st Venice Biennale is set to commence on May 9, taking place at the Giardini, Arsenale, and several locations throughout the city, all while facing political unrest as the European Commission considers halting funding. The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) has begun actions against the Biennale due to Russia's reopening of its national pavilion, which had been shut since 2022, indicating a risk of losing a €2 million grant for 2025-2028. The Biennale has a month to respond. Additionally, Qatar's national pavilion, designed by Lina Ghotmeh and commissioned by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, will present a program called 'untitled 2026,' curated by Rirkrit Tiravanija, featuring various artists and Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan.