Iran has announced it will not participate in the 61st Venice Biennale, which is set to open on May 9, 2024. This decision follows significant international criticism regarding the inclusion of Russia in the event.
The Venice Biennale is a prominent international art exhibition featuring around one hundred national pavilions, including those of Russia and Israel. The Iranian government’s decision reflects the growing discontent over Russia’s involvement.
According to reports, the Russian pavilion will operate for only four days during preview events from May 5 to May 8, exclusively for industry professionals. Following this period, the pavilion will close until the exhibition concludes on November 22. During the preview, performances will take place as part of the project titled The Tree Is Rooted In the Sky.
After the preview, the pavilion will remain closed to the public, although documentation of the performances will be displayed on screens in the windows or shown in recorded format without the physical presence of the artists. This arrangement was reportedly the result of negotiations between the Biennale organizers and the commissioner of the Russian pavilion, Anastasia Karneeva.
Ukraine has previously urged Italy not to issue visas to Russian participants. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that Ukraine has already imposed sanctions on certain individuals involved in organizing the Russian pavilion and is awaiting actions from the host country.
Additionally, the European Commission has initiated procedures to freeze or cancel funding for the Biennale. If the decision regarding Russia’s participation is not reversed, the event risks losing a €2 million grant allocated until 2028.
Russia’s involvement has sparked international responses, with Latvia announcing plans to boycott the opening on May 9, while Finland has indicated it will limit its participation if Russia is allowed to attend.
Furthermore, culture and foreign ministers from 22 countries have signed a joint protest against Russia’s participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale. Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, expressed his disapproval by opting to visit Lviv instead of attending the Central Pavilion.
In response to inquiries from Minister Giuli, the Venice Biennale stated that there were no violations of rules regarding Russia’s participation and that all sanctions against the Russian Federation have been fully complied with.
Vice Prime Minister Matteo Salvini criticized the European Union’s stance and did not oppose Russia’s involvement, while the president of the Veneto region, Alberto Stefani, described the EU’s actions as “unacceptable.” He argued that art should facilitate cultural dialogue, particularly when official diplomacy fails to provide solutions.
Iran has opted out of the Venice Biennale amid international backlash over Russia's participation. The event, set to open in May, faces scrutiny and potential funding issues due to the controversy surrounding its Russian pavilion.