Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Venice Biennale Head Criticizes EU Funding Cut
The president of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, criticized the European Commission for cutting funding because Russia was invited to the Art Biennale.
The EU says this goes against their sanctions on Russia.
Buttafuoco argues that the decision is political and not legal or cultural, and that the Biennale will appeal.
He believes the Biennale's principles of freedom and creativity are being attacked.
The EU says the Biennale's invitation to Russia undermines the sanctions they have in place because of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The European Commission withdrew €2M in funding from the Venice Biennale over Russia's participation in the Art Biennale.
Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco criticized the decision as political, not legal or cultural.
The Biennale plans to appeal the funding withdrawal, stating the funds were for its Cinema Department.
The EU sees the invitation to Russia as a violation of sanctions imposed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Buttafuoco emphasized the Biennale's commitment to freedom of expression and cultural values.
- Who
- Pietrangelo Buttafuoco (Biennale President), European Commission
- What
- Withdrawal of EU funding from Venice Biennale over Russia's participation
- When
- Announcement made earlier this week, comments made on Thursday
- Where
- Venice, Italy
- Why
- EU sees Russia's invitation as a violation of sanctions; Biennale sees it as a political decision
Venice Biennale's Stance
EU's Position
Funding Withdrawal
Venice Biennale's Stance
The Biennale argues the funding withdrawal is political and not legal or cultural, and plans to appeal the decision.
EU's Position
The EU sees the invitation to Russia as a violation of sanctions and has withdrawn €2M in funding.
Principles and Sanctions
Venice Biennale's Stance
The Biennale emphasizes its commitment to freedom of expression and cultural values, refusing to bow to political pressure.
EU's Position
The EU believes the Biennale's invitation to Russia undermines the sanctions imposed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Funding Amount
- €2M ($2.3M)
- Biennale's Response
- Plans to lodge an appeal
- EU's Sanctions
- Imposed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022
- Biennale's Principles
- Freedom of expression, research, fantasy, imagination
- Biennale's Age
- 131 years