EK called for an end to the financing of the Venice Biennale, writes DPA

Brussels – The European Commission has called for the cessation of funding for the Venice Biennale due to Russia's participation in this world-renowned exhibition, DPA reported this evening citing statements from European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen.

"The Commission officially recommends that EACEA (the European Commission's Education, Audiovisual, and Culture Executive Agency) terminate the two million euro grant (approximately 48.5 million CZK) for the Venice Biennale. This decision follows a thorough assessment of the Biennale's responses, which were intended to justify the reopening of the Russian pavilion," the commissioner announced on platform X..

"Culture in Europe – funded by taxpayers' money – should promote and protect democratic values. These values are not respected in today's Russia," added the Finnish representative in the EC.

Russia's participation in this year's Biennale, which began on May 9, is the first since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine. Russia did not participate in the Biennale in 2022, as the curator and artists resigned due to the war in Ukraine. In 2024, Moscow provided the pavilion to Bolivia.

This year, Russia is participating with the project The Tree is Rooted in the Sky (Kořeny stromu jsou v nebi), which symbolizes a return to roots and nature. According to media reports, artists close to the Russian government collaborated on the project. The exhibition is managed, similarly to those of other countries, by a commissioner appointed by the Ministry of Culture.

According to previous statements from Brussels, the European Commission is currently providing the Biennale foundation with a total of two million euros over a three-year period. This funding will support film producers and experiential technologies, DPA noted.

The opening of the 61st Venice Biennale on May 6 was accompanied by protests from the Russian group Pussy Riot and the feminist movement Femen against the opening of the Russian pavilion. The head of the organizing body, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, defended Russia's participation at that time by stating that the Biennale is a space for dialogue, not a tribunal. The Biennale will last until November 22.

Russia's participation in the Biennale has been criticized by two dozen European countries and the European Commission, which threatened the organizers with the withdrawal of the two million euro grant (around 50 million CZK). This financing can also be used for the film festival organized by the same institution. Russian Ambassador to Rome Alexei Paramonov, who attended the May opening in Venice, stated that the organizing body is facing "unacceptable, crude dictate and pressure" from the EU.

In addition to Russia's participation, Israel's participation is also being criticized.