Venice Biennale faces protests after including Russia

"Cancelled. The author was killed by russia." Ahead of the Biennale, activists presented the "Invisible Pavilion" in Venice dedicated to Ukrainian artists murdered by russia. Volodymyr Vakulenko will never present his tales for children — he was tortured during the occupation of Kharkiv region.

The 61st Venice Biennale is now underway, with the world's premier international art event having been in the spotlight not for its showings, but for its controversy and internal strife.

Protests will take place on Friday against Israel’s participation in the Venice Biennale, with a 24-hour cultural strike called by a coalition of Italian and international unions and activist groups. The strike follows protests on its first day of Russia and Israel’s involvement.

"Curated by putin, dead bodies included", "russia kills, Biennale exhibits" and "russian art, Ukrainian blood". These words were written across the bodies of protesters gathered outside the russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale. The Guardian/ Instagram

At the Venice Biennale, countries including Germany, France, Spain, Poland and the Nordic states signed a joint declaration defending Ukrainian culture against Russia’s destruction and looting of heritage. 1/2

🇪🇺 The European Commission has warned #Italy that allowing the 🇷🇺 pavilion at the Venice Biennale to operate could breach EU sanctions. Any Russia-covered costs for its artists and delegates may count as indirect economic support banned under EU sanctions.

Resignations, boycotts and threats to cut funding, the Venice Biennale has opened to the press in turmoil over the return of Russia for the first time since the Ukraine war broke out.

When security guarantees fail: Ukraine's message at the Venice Biennale #Ukraine

Ukrainian cinematographer and defender Yuri Gruzinov visited russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale with a special book.

Land in War. Installation in the Arsenale, Venice Biennale, Bonnie Devine 2026

NewsInsideUkraine t.me/NewsInsideUk... Invisible Pavilion - on the opening days of the Venice Biennale, Ukrainians reminded the world about artists killed by Russia The project was initiated by the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Italy (NAU).

x.com/pussyrrriot/... Not much on Blu Esky about the protests against Russia at the Venice Biennale. Why Russia is there is beyond words.

CforCD💙💛 Ahead of the opening of the Venice Biennale, a project entitled ‘The Invisible Pavilion’ was presented, focusing on Ukrainian artists killed by russia. The writers Viktoria Amelina and Volodymyr Vakulenko, the director Ihor Malakhov, and the poet Nika Kozhushko

Kate Taylor is at the #VeniceBiennale. Gift link here: www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/129d895...

Well done. When artogant Venice Biennale shall be reminded of #RussianWarCrimes in Ukraine and around the world because its organizers are blinded by bloody ruzz money and pathetic flattery.