Biennale claims freedom of expression after EU cuts funds over Russian artists' presence

The Venice Biennale is asserting its commitment to "freedom of expression" and "open dialogue" following the European Commission's decision to withdraw a 2 million euro grant. The funding was rescinded because the Biennale reinstated Russian artists in its program.

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of the Venice Biennale, strongly criticized the European Commission's move during the presentation of the 83rd Venice Film Festival program. He referred to the Commission as a "wolf" for withdrawing support, emphasizing the Biennale's role in providing visibility across all geographies and fostering cultural diversity.

“

A companion abandons us, but the Biennale cannot stop. We do not engage in politics, we do not follow drums. We are called to the international search for art. If we obey, we would betray the principles of autonomy and freedom of expression, of research and of imagination that have belonged to us for 131 years.

Buttafuoco argued that the Biennale, encompassing film, art, music, and architecture, aims to create a "city of poets" beyond geopolitical considerations. He stated that the institution's core principles of autonomy, freedom of expression, research, and imagination, which have guided it for 131 years, would be betrayed if it bowed to political pressure.

The European Commission justified its decision by asserting that events funded by European taxpayers must uphold democratic values, which they claim are not respected in contemporary Russia. The Russian pavilion had been absent from the Biennale since 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Its return this year, curated by Anastasiia Karneeva, who has been sanctioned by Kyiv, prompted the EU's action, leading to the termination of the grant agreement, which was valid until 2028.

“

The Biennale is an extraordinary space for freedom of expression where open dialogue and cultural diversity are promoted.