A collective of over 6,000 artists, academics, curators, journalists, and political figures have addressed the leaders of the Venice Biennale in an open letter, urging them to reconsider Russia’s involvement. This letter, crafted by the Arts Against Aggression International Movement, was published shortly after the Biennale confirmed Russia’s participation in its 61st edition, which is set to begin on May 9 and conclude on November 22.
The Venice Biennale is under mounting pressure to exclude Russia from the event, with the European Union expressing willingness to potentially suspend or terminate an ongoing grant to the Biennale Foundation should Russia remain part of the festival. This year’s event would mark Russia’s return following its absence from the 2022 and 2024 editions, after artists Kirill Savchenkov and Alexandra Sukhareva withdrew in protest of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russia’s pavilion, titled The Tree Is Rooted in the Sky, intends to showcase the work of at least 38 artists and musicians. Despite this planned participation, more than 6,000 signatories have criticized the move, arguing that it contradicts the Biennale’s 2022 commitment to cut ties with Russian entities amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Biennale’s recent statement highlights its dedication to artistic freedom and cultural exchange, but the petition refutes this, asserting that such claims can serve as political tools for promoting aggression. Pussy Riot, a prominent opposition voice, has labeled Russia’s involvement a threat to European security, linking it to the broader strategy of cultural ‘soft power’ employed by Russia.
Several prominent figures, including Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova, have criticized Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco’s decision to allow Russia’s participation. The Italian culture ministry clarified that the choice was made independently by the Biennale Foundation, despite governmental opposition, while reiterating Italy’s commitment to Ukrainian cultural heritage.
