The European Commission has announced the cessation of further funding for the Venice Biennale. This was reported by Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, writes Deutsche Welle.
Earlier, European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen announced that the department recommended depriving the Venice Biennale of a two-million-euro grant. This came as a reaction to Russia's participation in the exhibition this year for the first time since the start of the full-scale war. Before the opening of the Biennale, representatives of the Ukrainian movement Femen and members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot protested against the participation of the Russian pavilion.
The President of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, explained the decision not to exclude Russia from participation by stating that the organizers adhere to the principle of freedom of expression.
The European Commission also demanded explanations from the organizers regarding the participation of the Russian pavilion. Brussels believes that its presence could contradict the European Union's sanctions regime, as the pavilion belongs to the Russian state and its participation could be seen as indirect support for Russia.
According to Kaja Kallas, this decision regarding the Venice Biennale was partly influenced by the recent return of Russian athletes to international competitions by decision of the International Olympic Committee. Kallas stated that at a time when Russia continues its war against Ukraine and civilians are dying, culture and sport should not be used to improve the image of the Russian state.
According to available information, the European Commission currently funds projects of the Venice Biennale Foundation totaling two million euros over three years. These funds were intended to support film production and the development of immersive technologies.
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