Venice Biennale Denies it Helped ‘Circumnavigate’ Sanctions Against Russia

The Venice Biennale has denied helping Russia bypass sanctions after reports claimed organisers assisted with plans for the country’s return.

Italian investigative outlet Open said it had seen emails between the Biennale president’s office and organisers of the Russian pavilion. The published correspondence outlined a plan for the pavilion to open only during preview days, when accredited visitors have free access. Recorded performances will be shown on an exterior screen for the remainder of the event.

The emails also include requests for visa support for around 50 artists and staff. The requests were made by the Russian Pavilion commissioner Anastasia Karneeva, who is the daughter of Nikolai Volobuev, deputy CEO of Rostec, Russia’s largest state-owned defense company

In a statement to Il Giornale, the Biennale said it acted in full compliance with national and international law and that no EU sanctions had been circumvented.

Russia has not officially participated since 2022, though it retains a permanent pavilion in the Giardini. Its planned 2026 exhibition, The Tree is Rooted in the Sky, will present 38 participants from Russia and several other countries.

The European Union has meanwhile threatened to withdraw its €2 million grant over Russia’s return, though the Biennale has said it will contest the move.