Russia''s Return to Venice Biennale Sparks Controversy, Preview Opens Amidst Turmoil

Venice, May 6 (CNA) - The media preview for the Venice Biennale officially opened today amidst turmoil, ahead of its formal inauguration. Russia''s return to the Venice Biennale for the first time since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has sparked collective resignations from the jury, boycotts, and threats from the EU to cut sponsorship funds. According to Agence France-Presse, the Venice Biennale is the world''s largest contemporary art exhibition, held every two years in the Italian city of Venice. This year''s participating artists come from several conflict-affected countries, including Ukraine, Israel, and the United States, although Iran has canceled its participation plans. This marks Moscow''s first participation since its full-scale invasion of Kyiv in 2022, a move that has drawn strong dissatisfaction from the Italian government and the European Union (EU). The EU even threatened to cut 2 million euros (approximately 2.3 million US dollars) in sponsorship funds for the Venice Biennale. The jury collectively resigned last week, citing their unwillingness to award prizes to countries led by individuals wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) under arrest warrants, referring to Russia and Israel. The Venice Biennale will officially open on May 9 and run until November 22. Due to the controversy, the Russian pavilion will not be open to the public at that time. Instead, Russia will present a musical performance titled ''the tree is rooted in the sky'' (tentative translation), recorded during this week''s preview and screened on large outdoor displays throughout the six-month exhibition. According to the project description, approximately 30 ''young musicians, philosophers, and poets'' are participating, primarily from Russia, but also including Mexico, Mali, and Brazil. Curator Anastasia Karneeva uploaded a video on Instagram, stating: ''Thank you to the Biennale for supporting the idea that all countries can be represented here.'' Due to the jury''s resignation and the ''unusual current international geopolitical situation,'' the organizers have postponed the award ceremony from May 9 to November 22, the last day of the exhibition. Biennale officials stated that two audience-voted awards will be presented, and any participating country, including Russia, will be eligible to win. (Translated by Liu Shu-chin) 1150506 Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom. Download CNA ''First-hand News'' APP to get the latest news instantly. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.