Venice Biennale President Defends Russia Inclusion in New Interview
Venice Biennale Foundation President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco defended the decision to include Russia in the 61st Venice Biennale in an interview with Corriere della Sera, saying he would do “everything” again despite backlash. The controversy began after the Biennale announced in March that Russia would return to its pavilion during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, prompting criticism, boycott calls, and an open letter demanding a reversal. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli requested all correspondence with the Russian Federation to assess compliance with EU sanctions, and the European Commission threatened to freeze a €2 million (about $2.3 million) culture grant; in April, the Biennale’s award jury said it would omit Russia and Israel from Golden Lion consideration. Reports also said Biennale administrators worked with the Russian pavilion curator as early as June 2025, and the pavilion ultimately remained closed to the public after the vernissage dates.
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