Venice Biennale: ‘Russia’s participation fully complies with the rules’

Turin, 26 April (LaPresse) – Regarding the Russian Federation’s participation in the upcoming 61st International Art Exhibition, the Venice Biennale “reiterates its absolute compliance with the rules, having acted in strict accordance with applicable national and international laws and within the limits of its powers and responsibilities. No European sanctions have been ‘circumvented’, as claimed by media reports. The sanctions have been strictly applied. This is stated in a note from the Venice Biennale. “We are therefore astonished that such distorted accounts have emerged from the ‘review’ of internal documents sent to the Biennale’s Supervisory Authority, which, moreover, contain references to third parties, evidently disclosed in breach of all professional ethics, procedures and privacy regulations,” the statement continues. As regards the participation of the Russian Federation, at every stage and at all times during the preparation of the 61st Art Exhibition 2026, the Venice Biennale “has responsibly committed itself to observing and applying the sanctions in force and informing the government authorities in advance,” the statement continues – The necessary discussions have taken place with the Russian Federation, primarily with the President, as with every other country, regarding all current procedures, including visa matters, as is the case for the hundreds of participants from non-European countries. As is the case for all countries recognised by the Italian Republic that own a Pavilion in the Giardini and declare their intention to participate in the Art and Architecture Exhibitions, the feasibility of the projects and compliance with current regulations have also been rigorously assessed for the Russian Federation. A ‘little hand with a big reach’ – rather than a carrier pigeon – passing confidential documents to the press under the table does not make us question the value of what is written – all of which is legitimate – but rather why this ‘little hand with a big reach’ felt compelled to distribute them. Overstepping the bounds of institutional propriety and decency. And we are therefore astonished.”