The decision to accept Russian artists at the Venice Biennale has ignited a strong reaction, with the EU seeking to reduce funding and advocating for a tougher stance against Moscow.

Latvia has taken the lead in advocating for Russia's exclusion from the prestigious Venice Biennale art exhibition. The call aims to prevent Russia's participation in the international cultural event.

The U.S. State Department's overhauled process for selecting an artist for the Venice Biennale has drawn scrutiny after control was given to an individual who previously owned a pet food store.

The Italian Embassy in Mogadishu hosted an event to officially present Somalia's inaugural participation in the International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has distanced herself from the Venice Biennale's decision to allow Russia to reopen its pavilion, while the Lega party opposes EU funding cuts over the issue.

Brussels has threatened to withdraw its subsidy for the Venice Biennale if Russia is allowed to participate in this year's 61st edition of the prestigious art exhibition. The event is scheduled to begin on May 9th.

The EU is threatening to halt funding for the Venice Biennale due to a dispute over Russia's participation, as the atmosphere surrounding the world-renowned art festival becomes increasingly tense ahead of its May 9th opening.

Peruvian Indigenous artist Sara Flores, from the Shipibo-Conibo community, will be the first from her community to occupy Peru's pavilion at the Venice Biennale, showcasing her 'kené' designs.

Commissioners from the Baltic states' pavilions are scheduled to meet this week to discuss potential actions in response to Russia's planned national pavilion at the upcoming Venice Biennale in May.

George Zongolopoulos's iconic hydrokinetic artwork "Umbrellas," originally from the Venice Biennale, has been fully restored after months of repairs and is now operational at the MOMUS-Museum of Contemporary Art. The award-winning piece moves gracefully with water.

A performance art piece by Gabrielle Goliath, blocked from representing South Africa at the Venice Biennale due to its 'highly divisive' tribute to a Palestinian poet, will now be shown outside the main event.

The Venice Biennale will host 158 events from June to October, featuring 470 artists across dance, music, and theater, with Portuguese artists Lara Dâmaso, Nídia, DJ Firmeza, and Helviofox confirmed to represent Portugal in the music festival. New reports confirm their participation will fuse electronic music with influences from the African diaspora.

Members of the Pussy Riot collective have sent an open letter to the President of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, reacting to and protesting Russia's announced participation in this year's event.

"Like a battlefield" - that's the shortest way to describe the situation at this year's 61st Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art.

The noise of the earthquakes that shake the planet silenced many at the presentation of RedSkyFalls. Not even the Minister of Culture escaped. The world needs new chimeras, other sentinels, points out the artist.

A fire broke out on the roof of the biennale, which now belongs to Serbia. Firefighters' intervention is hampered by strong winds.

Strong winds on Wednesday are making it difficult to extinguish the fire that broke out on the roof of Serbia's pavilion at the Venice Biennale, according to Italian media.

A political rivalry has emerged between Giuli and Buttafuoco within the Italian right-wing, specifically concerning the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

Russia has not participated in the Biennale since 2022.

The European Commission has said it will suspend the implementation of a €2 million grant awarded to the Biennale Foundation if Russia participates in the 2026 art exhibition.

The European Commission condemns the decision of the Venice Biennale to allow Russia to participate in this year's International Art Exhibition, threatening sanctions.

Culture and foreign ministers from 25 European countries have called on the organizers of the Venice Biennale to prevent Russia from participating in the upcoming event.

EU politicians are advocating for the suspension or termination of the ongoing EU grant to the Biennale Foundation, in response to Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale.

The European Union (EU) will impose sanctions if the Venice Biennale does not withdraw its decision to allow Russia to participate in the international exhibition of contemporary art.

The 61st Venice Art Biennale will be opened on May 9. However, the biggest art event of the year has been overshadowed by the information confirmed publicly last week that this year the Biennale will feature...

Anger is simmering over Russia being given a pavilion and being able to fly its flag during the world's largest gathering for art lovers: the Venice Biennale. – It will be Putin's pavilion, say critics.

The Italian Ministry of Culture announced that the foundation "completely independently decided on the participation of the Russian Federation in the 61st.

What's on at the Venice Biennale? Russian soft power  The Kyiv Independent

Moscow will once again have an official national pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026, the prestigious international contemporary art exhibition held every two years in Italy - marking...

After a four-year break, Russia is returning to the Venice Biennale. Mikhail Shvydkoi, Russia's delegate for international cultural exchanges and the country's former culture minister, said that…

The Russian activist group Pussy Riot has announced plans for an action at the Venice Biennale to protest Russia's renewed participation in the international art exhibition.

The board of directors of the Venice Biennale confirms the septuagenarian in the position of artistic director, which he has held since 2012.

South Africa Pulls Out of Venice Biennale Over Artist's Focus on Gaza - Art & Culture  Haaretz

The Slovenian pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale is presenting the project 'Sound Trace of the Invisible House,' inspired by the short existence of the first mosque built in Slovenia in 1917.

Ásta Fanney Sigurðardóttir will represent Iceland at the 61st Venice Biennale, the world's largest art event, which opens on May 9th and runs until November.

The 2026 Venice Biennale is facing politicized backlash due to Russia's return to the exhibition and the participation of Israel and the US.

The curator of the Ukrainian pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Leonid Marushchak, discusses efforts to save historical and cultural values during the war, highlighting the "Museum Open for Renovation" initiative.

Finland has decided to limit its involvement in the Venice Biennale as Russia is set to open its own pavilion at the event for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The Vatican's exhibit at this year's Venice Biennale, curated by Obrist and Vickers, is titled 'The Ear is the Eye of the Soul' and will be displayed across two venues, featuring artists Carminho and Ilda David.

The EU's Education and Culture Executive Agency (Eacea) has informed the Venice Biennale Foundation of its intention to suspend or revoke a €2 million grant.

Það er yfirleitt spennuþrungið andrúmsloft þegar styttist í Feneyjatvíæringinn, líklega nafntoguðustu myndlistarhátíð heims. Nú er aðeins einn mánuður til stefnu, hátíðin hefst 9.

A guide details the highlights of the 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22, 2026, with professional previews in early May across various Venetian locations.

Estonia's pavilion for the 2026 Venice Biennale has commenced its journey south, marking the start of preparations for the major international art event.

Lithuania is finalizing preparations for the 61st Venice Art Biennale, with the exhibition elements created by Eglė Budvytytė and her team now on their way to Venice. This marks the culmination of preparations for one of the year's most anticipated cultural events.

Finland is preparing to open its exhibition at the Venice Biennale despite its opposition to Russia's announced participation in the international art event.

A Finnish dance production has been commissioned for the esteemed Venice Biennale's performing arts program, a rare occurrence for Finnish works at the international festival.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) in Zagreb is opening the exhibition "By the Means at Hand/Priručnim sredstvima" by Vlatka Horvat, showcasing the project that represented Croatia at the 60th Venice Biennale and was subsequently donated to the museum.

Brazilian artist Anna Maria Maiolino, recipient of a Golden Lion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, reflects on contemporary violence and intolerance, stating her belief that capital is its driving force, ahead of her exhibition in Lisbon.

This year's 61st Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art is burning - from both the Italian and domestic perspectives.

A fire broke out on the roof of the former Yugoslav pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which now belongs to Serbia. Strong winds are hindering firefighter efforts, but no injuries have been reported.

Russia will once again present its works at the Venice Biennale this year. It will appear at the prestigious international exhibition for the first time in six years.

Russia's attempt to participate again in the prestigious Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art has met with a wave of criticism. Representatives of the cultural community from all over Europe and representatives of the European Union are refusing it.

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 12 - Lower House Culture Committee Chair Federico Mollicone said Thursday he hoped the Venice Biennale would reconsider its invitation to Russia to set up a pavilion at this year's edition but stressed that he had never said the government would prevent it from opening. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco has ignored a call from Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli to revoke the invitation to the Russians. Giuli has stated, however, that the issue is up to the Biennale f...

The controversy over Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale continues, with Ukrainian President Zelensky stating that allowing Russia to participate strengthens Putin.

Latvia's Ministry of Culture has issued a statement calling for Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale to be reconsidered, and 22 countries have signed it.

Art fair’s decision to invite Russia ‘not compatible’ with bloc’s stance on Ukraine war, says Brussels

The European Union will impose sanctions if the Venice Biennale does not reverse its decision to allow Russia to participate in its international contemporary art exhibition, it warned...

The European Commission has threatened to halt funding for the Venice Biennale due to the decision by the Venice Biennale Foundation to open a Russian pavilion at the 61st international art exhibition, which contradicts the collective response.

Alma Allen has joined Perrotin, months after two other galleries dropped him over his selection to represent the United States at the “art world Olympics.”

Russian athletes are participating in the Paralympic Winter Games, and Russia will also be present at the Venice Biennale, raising questions about Italy's 'diplomacy of beauty' amidst international tensions.

Russia has not participated in the Venice Biennale since it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

A growing protest is underway against Russia's involvement in the Venice Biennale art exhibition.

Moscow will once again have an official national pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2026, the prestigious international exhibition of contemporary art held every two years in Italy - marking...

For the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia is preparing to open a national pavilion at the Venice Biennale in May. Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė states that the return to...

After two editions marked by absence following the invasion of Ukraine, the country will reopen its pavilion at the Giardini during the next edition, which will take place from May 9 to November 22.

Alberto Barbera is set to remain artistic director of the Venice Film Festival through 2028 and possibly longer. On Tuesday, the board of directors of the fest’s parent organization, the Venice Biennale — chaired by new president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco — announced that they have approved Barbera’s appointment “for the years 2027 and 2028.” The Biennale […]

Moldova will officially participate for the first time in the international art exhibition La Biennale di Venezia, with artist Pavel Brăila and curator Adelina Luft representing the country with the project 'In the Thousand and Second Night' at the 61st exhibition.

A court has dismissed Gabrielle Goliath's legal challenge against Gayton McKenzie regarding the Venice Biennale.

Ukraine has appealed to Italy to deny visas to Russian participants for the Venice Biennale, while Latvia has threatened to boycott the event if Russia is allowed to participate. This highlights international opposition to Russia's presence at the cultural festival.

The Trump administration is reportedly interfering with the Venice Biennale by appointing an individual with no relevant experience, a former dog food salesperson, to oversee the US Pavilion.

Finland's political leadership has announced that they will not attend the Venice Biennale if the Russian pavilion is opened, though some public officials will still visit to support Finnish art.

Latvian Culture Minister Agnese Lāce announced she will not attend the opening of the Venice Biennale if Russia is represented, expressing hope that the Russian pavilion will remain closed.

Finland's political leadership has announced a boycott of the Venice Biennale due to Russia's involvement, though a delegation of officials will still attend the art event.

Logi Már Einarsson, Iceland's Minister of Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education, has expressed support for a call from 22 other European culture and foreign ministers to reconsider the participation of Russian artists in the Venice Biennale.

The Holy See is showcasing a "rock" themed pavilion at the Venice Biennale, featuring artists like Patti Smith and Brian Eno, with a project inspired by the mystic Hildegard of Bingen.

For the first time in its history, Bulgaria's pavilion at the Venice Biennale is entirely realized by women, featuring the 'Federation of Minor Practices' project as an interactive, futuristic laboratory.

Portuguese sculptor Marita Setas Ferro is showcasing recycled textile and ceramic art at the Venice Biennale, with support from Gulbenkian, to explore themes of ecology, memory, and environmental fragility.

An award-winning artwork by Tobias Rehberger, "Cafeteria," was destroyed at the Venice Biennale, replaced by a dark room. This incident has sparked debate and could symbolize a shift in Italy's cultural climate.

Seventy artists and curators, including three chosen by Buttafuoco, have appealed for the Venice Biennale to exclude the USA and Israel, alongside Russia, citing their responsibility for conflicts, oppression, and war crimes.

Thirty-seven Members of the European Parliament, including Mārtiņš Staķis, have urged the European Commission and the EU Council to suspend EU funding for the Venice Biennale if Russia is allowed to participate in the 61st Venice Art Biennale.

Tensions are rising around the Venice Biennale as questions emerge about whether the event facilitates 'art washing' by Russia and Israel.

A nine-ton installation titled "Out of the Blue, I Swept Away," created by artist Siniša Radulović and curator Svetlana Racanović from Montenegro, is being transported through Venice's canals for its exhibition at the Venice Biennale.

Art and soft power – how close are they? The interaction of culture and politics in the context of Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale is discussed on the Latvian Radio program 'Brīvības bulvāris' by art theorist...

Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees  Yonhap News Agency

The fire at the Serbian pavilion within the Venice Biennale was caused by a spark during waterproofing work on the roof, the Ministry of Culture announced.

The external covering caught fire, without involving anyone and without the damage extending to the furnishings, the exhibition, or other structures.

Origami Deer, a sculpture by Zhanna Kadyrova, will be presented at the European Parliament and serve as the centrepiece of the Ukrainian pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

European Commission says it will suspend €2m grant if organisers of arts festival go ahead with proposals The European Commission has warned it will cut funding for the Venice Biennale if organisers go ahead with plans to include Russia. The commission reiterated that any breach of ethical standards by the art festival would be treated as a violation of contract, leading to suspension of the €2m (£1.7m) agreement. Continue reading...

For the first time since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia plans to reopen its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

Estonia is among 22 countries that have sent a joint appeal to the director of the Venice Biennale, calling for Russia's participation in this year's event to be reconsidered.

The war started by Russia in Ukraine, however terrible it may sound, seems to be increasingly normalized in the Western consciousness.

The European Commission has warned it could suspend EU grant funding for the Venice Biennale if Russia is allowed to reopen its pavilion at this year's exhibition.

Alma Allen has joined Perrotin Gallery, months after two galleries dropped him over his selection to represent the United States at the “art world Olympics.”

The cultural world is divided by the unexpected return of the Russian Federation to the Venice Biennale.

Ukraine has called on the organisers of the Venice Biennale to reconsider their decision on Russia's participation and to maintain the principled position demonstrated in 2022-2024.

After the clash with Minister Giuli over President Buttafuoco's choice to open the Moscow pavilion, some left-wing MEPs and from the Baltic countries intervene.

Moscow will once again have an official national pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026, the prestigious international contemporary art exhibition held every

Russian activist group Pussy Riot announced that they will perform an action at the Venice Biennale as a reaction to Russia's return to this international art event.

The Russian pavilion will open in May 2026. The Biennale will announce the full list of participating countries on 4 March.

Goliath to appeal against high court judgment that shut the door on Venice Biennale  Daily Maverick

After a controversial year, Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi is set to present two works at the Venice Biennale, aiming to create a 'nurturing experience' for attendees.