The prospect of Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale infuriated Callas

In case of Russia's return to the Venice Biennale The EU will reduce its funding. This was stated by the head of the European Diplomacy, Kaya Kallas.

"She (Russia) should not be allowed to exhibit. Russia's return to the Venice Biennale is morally wrong, and the EU also intends to cut its funding," she warned at a press conference.

As EADaily reported, Russia, on its own initiative, did not take part in the The Venice Biennale from 2021. The organizers of the exhibition recalled that the decision to close the Russian pavilion at the 59th International Art Exhibition in 2022 was made by the Commissioner and curator appointed by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. In March 2024, Russia handed over its pavilion to Bolivia.

However, this year Russia is preparing to present the project "The Tree is rooted in the sky," in particular, it is dedicated to the idea that "politics exists in temporal dimensions, while cultures communicate in eternity."

Mikhail Shvydkoi, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation, noted that the Biennale's management showed "readiness to seek a compromise so that the pavilion would remain open, of course, not wanting to jeopardize the work of the entire Venice Biennale."

In Kiev, Russia's return to the biennale caused a hysterical reaction. The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine issued a joint outraged statement. It calls on the organizers of the event to reconsider the decision on the return of the Russian Federation. The European Commission has already threatened that if Russia participates, they will withdraw funding for the biennale. According to the representative of the EC, the European Union provides the Biennale Foundation with a three-year grant of € 2 million for the filming of the film. In addition, the international art exhibition receives about € 19 million annually, mainly from the Italian government.

At the same time, Anastasia Karneeva, commissioner of the Russian pavilion in Venice, co-founder of Smart Art, said that the cancellation of Russia's participation in the event was not being considered.

"We continue to prepare the project, while there are no cancellations and there can be no from our side," she assured.