Italy's Culture Minister Denies Agreement on Russia's Participation in 2026 Venice Biennale

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has contradicted earlier claims that the government approved Russia's participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale, sparking a political controversy. The Russian Federation announced its return to its Giardini pavilion a day before the Biennale's official announcement, which was later confirmed by the Biennale Foundation among 99 participating countries. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the decision in an interview with La Repubblica, describing the Biennale as a space for truce and dialogue, and claimed the government was informed. However, two days later, the Ministry of Culture issued a statement asserting that the decision was made autonomously by the Foundation, contrary to the government's stance, citing the war in Ukraine and Italy's commitment to rebuilding the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa. Reports from La Stampa and La Repubblica suggest Minister Giuli was not fully briefed, turning a curatorial choice into a political case. Giuli later stated, "Cultural diplomacy can save us from war," during a visit to the Gazzetta di Mantova and the Museo del quotidiano, implicitly referencing the Biennale debate. The controversy adds to tensions surrounding the 2026 edition, which also faces the absence of curator Koyo Kouoh, who died before the exhibition opening.