Venice Biennale Defies EU Funding Cut | Europe News

The Venice Biennale is defiant after the EU pulled a two-million-euro grant over Russia’s planned return to the art exhibition — a move the institution says undermines its 131-year mission of artistic freedom and neutrality. Chairman Pietrangelo Buttafuoco warns that yielding to political pressure would betray the Biennale’s core values of autonomy and creativity, calling the EU’s decision a politically motivated departure from cultural principles. The EU, however, insists taxpayer money must support democratic values, arguing the grant was tied to cinema projects unrelated to Russia’s participation. Despite the loss, the Biennale vows to challenge the decision and insists its operations won’t be significantly affected. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3669ab424bdb3363