Venice Biennale President: EU Funding Withdrawal Is a Political Decision
Venice Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco criticized the European Union's decision to revoke a two-million-euro grant, calling it political and illegal. He warned that complying with the EU's demand to exclude Russian representatives would threaten the Biennale's autonomy and freedom of expression.
The president of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, has strongly criticized the European Union's decision to withdraw a two-million-euro grant from the event, labeling it a political and illegal move unrelated to culture. He stated that if the Biennale were to comply with the EU's demand to exclude Russian representatives, it would undermine the core principles that have guided the institution for 131 years – autonomy, freedom of speech, creativity, and research freedom.
The European Commission explained that the grant was canceled because EU taxpayers' money should support initiatives that uphold democratic and freedom values, which Russia currently does not embody. The decision came after the Biennale allowed Russian representatives to return to the exhibition, despite Russia's war in Ukraine.
Biennale organizers rejected the EU's argument, stating that the art environment should remain a neutral space for dialogue. They also pointed out that EU funding had been provided for the Biennale's film projects, which are unrelated to Russia's participation. Buttafuoco said that by following EU demands, the Biennale would betray its founding principles.
Following the EU's announcement, the Biennale stated it would challenge the decision. At the same time, it emphasized that losing EU funding would not have a significant impact on the exhibition's finances.
