Over 6,000 Sign Letter Opposing Russia's Venice Biennale Pavilion

"Thousands of artists, academics, curators, journalists, and political figures are calling on leaders of the Venice Biennale to "address the implications" of Russia's participation in an open letter published this week. Authored by the Arts Against Aggression International Movement, the petition comes just days after Biennale organizers confirmed in a news release that Russia will take part in its 61st edition, which opens on May 9 and runs until November 22."

"Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kirill Savchenkov and Alexandra Sukhareva, the two artists scheduled to represent Russia, withdrew from the event, stating in a joint social media post that "there is no place for art when civilians are dying under the fire of missiles, when citizens of Ukraine are hiding in shelters, when Russian protesters are getting silenced.""

"Russia plans to participate with an exhibition called The Tree Is Rooted in the Sky, which will feature at least 38 artists and musicians, according to the Venice Biennale's website. In an email, Vladimir Putin's cultural envoy, Mikhail Shvydkoy, said that "Russia never left the Venice Biennale" and framed the participation accordingly."

Russia is returning to the Venice Biennale for the first time since 2022, participating in the 61st edition opening May 9. The absence followed the 2022 Ukrainian invasion when scheduled Russian artists withdrew. In 2024, Russia's pavilion remained unused until being temporarily lent to Bolivia. Now Russia plans to exhibit "The Tree Is Rooted in the Sky" featuring 38 artists and musicians. An open letter from the Arts Against Aggression International Movement, signed by thousands including Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova, calls on Biennale leaders to address implications of Russian participation. Putin's cultural envoy claims Russia never truly left the institution.

Read at Hyperallergic