March 11, 2026
Russia's Return to the Venice Biennale Triggers Backlash, EU Funding Threat
For the first time since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia plans to reopen its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale. The Kremlin’s delegate for international cultural cooperation, Mikhail Shvydkov, confirmed to ARTNews that Russia will put on an exhibition starting in May for the 2026 event. Shvydov claimed that Russia “never left” the Biennale, despite its decision to rent out its pavilion instead of organizing national exhibitions. While the Biennale’s organizers never formally banned Moscow’s participation, critics argue that Russia’s return to Venice would be impossible without their consent. And the European Union is now threatening to pull funding. Meduza examines the growing controversy surrounding the Russian Pavilion’s forthcoming project, and explains why the Biennale remains a platform for state soft power by design.
TL;DR
- Russia will reopen its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale for the 2026 event, its first participation since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Russia claims it "never left" the Biennale, though it skipped the 2022 and 2023 festivals and rented out its pavilion in 2024 and 2025.
- The decision has led to backlash from critics, with the European Union threatening to pull funding and 22 European countries urging the Biennale to reconsider.
- Protests are planned, including by Pussy Riot activist Nadya Tolokonnikova, to express solidarity with Ukraine and opposition to the Russian government.
- The Venice Biennale's structure, with national pavilions owned by governments, is inherently designed as a platform for state soft power and prestige.
- The Russian pavilion's project for 2026 features sound performances by 38 artists, coordinated by the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music.
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