Key facts
- The European Commission has withdrawn a €2 million grant to the Venice Biennale.
- The funding cut is linked to Russia's participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale.
- The EU cited Russia's violation of democratic values as justification.
- The Venice Biennale Foundation plans to appeal the decision.
- The Foundation argues the grant was for film sector activities unrelated to the Art Biennale.
- The Biennale stated the funding withdrawal has no significant impact on its budget or activities.
The European Commission has confirmed the withdrawal of a €2 million grant to the Venice Biennale Foundation, citing Russia's participation in the 2026 Art Biennale as a violation of democratic values. The decision, formalized by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (Eacea), has led to an appeal from the Foundation.
The controversy stems from Russia's return to the Venice Biennale for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Russian pavilion, featuring a project by artists selected by Moscow, has been visible from outside via a large screen, though access has been restricted.
The Venice Biennale Foundation announced it will appeal the decision, stressing that the grant was for activities in the Cinema Sector, specifically Biennale College and the Venice Production Bridge, and had no significant impact on the budget or planned activities. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the decision, describing the festival as a 'space of coexistence for the whole planet' without censorship.