EU Cuts Venice Biennale Funding Over Russia's Return to Exhibition

The European Union will withdraw financial support from the Venice Biennale following Russia's participation in the event. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the funding cut during a press conference focused on providing economic relief and weapons to Ukraine. Russia, absent since 2022, maintains a permanent exhibition space in the Giardini. Latvia and Finland have announced they will not send government representatives if Russia's position remains unchanged. Biennale organizers have previously stated they lack authority to eject countries, noting that any nation recognized by Italy can request participation independently. Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro has pledged to close the Russian pavilion if it engages in propaganda. The proposed Russian exhibition, titled 'The Tree is Rooted in the Sky', features 38 participants from Russia, Argentina, Brazil, Mali, and Mexico, with performances centered on sound and experimental music. Organizers describe the project as dedicated to peripheral areas and practices.