Russian Pavilion: the EU cuts two million euros from the Venice Biennale

Following the recommendations from the EU Commission, comes the decision by EACEA: the European Agency for Culture and Education is withdrawing its €2 million grant to the Venice Biennale. The reason is the reopening of the Russian Pavilion for the 61st International Art Exhibition, as ordered by the presidentPietrangelo Buttafuoco. A case that has come under scrutiny from Brussels and the Minister for Culture, Alessandro Giuli.

“Cultural events, funded by European taxpayers’ money, should uphold democratic values and promote open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expression – values that are not respected in today’s Russia,” is the reasoning given by a spokesperson for the European Commission.