European Coalition Calls for Russia's Exclusion from Venice Biennale

On March 11, 2023, culture and foreign affairs ministers from 22 European nations, led by Latvian Minister of Culture Agnese Lace, formally requested that Russia be banned from the 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled to open on May 5. The coalition includes representatives from countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. The letter was addressed to Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale di Venezia, and Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, emphasizing the moral responsibility of cultural institutions in light of geopolitical realities.

Latvia leads plea not to welcome Russia back to Venice Biennale

The ministers argued that the Venice Biennale, a platform for artistic freedom for over a century, should not provide a space for Russia, which they claim has engaged in systematic cultural aggression against Ukraine since 2014. Ukrainian officials have echoed these sentiments, asserting that allowing Russia to participate would effectively legitimize its ongoing military actions and cultural erasure of Ukrainian identity.

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The joint letter highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on Ukrainian cultural heritage due to the war, citing reports of 1,685 destroyed cultural sites and losses exceeding $31 billion. The ministers warned that granting Russia a prestigious international platform would send a troubling signal, risking the legitimization of military aggression against Ukraine.

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The European Union has also weighed in on the controversy, threatening to withdraw its €2 million ($2.3 million) funding for the Biennale if Russia is allowed to participate. The E.U. Commission stated that allowing a Russian pavilion could provide a platform for individuals connected to the Kremlin, undermining democratic values and open dialogue. The commission's statement emphasized that culture should not be used for propaganda purposes.

E.U. Threatens to Pull Venice Biennale Funding Over Russia Pavilion’s Return

The planned return of Russia to the Biennale has sparked significant backlash from various stakeholders, including artists, policymakers, and cultural institutions. Prominent figures, such as Italy’s culture minister Alessandro Giuli and members of the anarchic art collective Pussy Riot, have publicly criticized the decision. Over 7,000 artists and cultural leaders have signed an open letter urging Biennale organizers to uphold ethical principles and reconsider Russia's participation.

E.U. Threatens to Pull Venice Biennale Funding Over Russia Pavilion’s Return

Latvian artists have expressed shock at the normalization of Russia's presence in the international cultural sphere, arguing that it undermines the integrity of artistic expression. They contend that Russia has historically manipulated culture to extend its influence, particularly in the context of its military actions.

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The European Commission's Executive Vice-President Henna Virkünen and Commissioner for Culture Glenn Micallef condemned the decision to reopen the Russian pavilion, stating that it contradicts the E.U.'s collective response to Russia's aggression. They reiterated that culture should promote democratic values and not serve as a platform for propaganda.

Latvia leads plea not to welcome Russia back to Venice Biennale

While the Venice Biennale organizers have defended their decision as a commitment to artistic openness, this stance has raised concerns within the Italian government, which has expressed support for Ukraine. The Biennale's policy shift, following the appointment of Buttafuoco, has led to questions about the future of cultural diplomacy in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

E.U. Threatens to Pull Venice Biennale Funding Over Russia Pavilion’s Return

• “Culture is not separate from the realities societies face. It shapes how people understand the world, what they value, and how they choose to act. Cultural institutions therefore carry not only artistic significance but also moral responsibility,” — Joint Statement from 22 European Ministers

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• “The normalization of the presence of such a state within the international cultural sphere is unacceptable,” — Latvian artist duo Mareunrol’s

E.U. Threatens to Pull Venice Biennale Funding Over Russia Pavilion’s Return

• “Culture promotes and protects democratic values, fosters open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression, and should never be used as a platform for propaganda," the statement said.” — E.U. Commission Statement

Latvia leads plea not to welcome Russia back to Venice Biennale