The European Commission cut funding to the Venice Biennale these days because the Russian pavilion will be reopened at the festival.
92% confidence
OtherEuropean Union
Omissions
The specific amount of funding suspended was approximately €2 million ($2.3 million). The funding suspension was announced in mid-April 2026, shortly before the session date.
Sources found were published on or just before the session date of 2026-04-29.
Sources
SecondaryAssociated PressThe Venice Biennale has lost 2 million euros ($2.3 million) in funding due to its decision to allow Russia to participate in the 61st International Art Exhibition.
SecondaryAnadolu AgencyThe European Commission said Thursday it plans to suspend or terminate an ongoing €2 million ($2.3 million) grant to the Venice Biennale Foundation after it decided to allow the reopening of the Russian pavilion.
SecondaryReutersEU moves to suspend 2 million euro Biennale grant. The decision follows the Biennale's announcement that it would allow Russia to return to the prestigious art exhibition for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
SecondaryPoliticoEU to cut Venice Biennale funding over Russia's participation. The Italian art exhibition is set to host Russia for the first time since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.