Venice Biennale says it has Not breached Russia Sanctions
The Venice Biennale said in a statement on Tuesday that it has not breached any of the sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine after its controversial decision to allow Russia to have a pavilion at this year's exhibition.
The European Commission last week condemned the decision, saying it put EU funding for the event at risk, while Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has called on the Biennale to revoke the invitation to the Russians.
"No regulations have been violated and sanctions against the Russian Federation have been fully complied with, as is our duty," the Biennale said in a statement in which it announced it had complied with a request from the culture ministry to provide documentation in relation to the case.
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini expressed support for the Biennale's position on Tuesday. "I continue to believe that art, culture, music, and sport have the mission of bringing peoples and cultures together, not exacerbating ongoing conflicts," Salvini told RTL 102.5 radio.
He continues: "The Venice Biennale was right to host all those who requested pavilions, including dissident artists. Yesterday I read that the invitation to an excellent Russian ballerina [Svetlana Zakharova, ed.] to a dance festival in Rome was revoked. It seems to me we're experiencing Russophobia".