The Ministry of Culture has sent inspectors to the Venice Biennale to obtain information regarding its controversial decision to allow the opening of the Russian pavilion at the 2026 exhibition, sources said on Wednesday. This was reported by ANSA, according to UNN.
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The Biennale has faced sharp criticism over this decision: the European Commission stated that it jeopardizes the EU's two million euro funding for the event, while Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called for the invitation to Russia to be rescinded.
Last week, the jury of the 61st Venice Biennale announced it would exclude Russia and Israel from the competition for the "Golden Lion" and "Silver Lion" awards, as the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for war crimes against their leaders — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Russia has not participated in the Biennale since 2022 — the year of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.