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The Latest Breaking News from Biennale

Ukrainian film-maker criticises EU after it cuts Venice Biennale funding over Russia controversy

Sergei Loznitsa likens removal of €2m grant to ‘a punishment in kindergarten’ on eve of Venice film festival

The Guardian - UK

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama sold 1,500 mirrored balls for $2 each at Venice in 1966, decades later one of her paintings fetched $10.5 million

In 1966, visitors arriving at the Venice Biennale were confronted by an unusual sight. Spread across the lawn outside the Italian Pavilion were 1,500 shimmering silver spheres, each catching fragments of the surrounding architecture, the sky and anyone who stopped to look.

The Times of India

Yayoi Kusama once sold 1,500 mirrored balls for $2 each at the 1966 Venice Biennale without an official invitation; decades later one of her artworks sold for $10.5 million

Yayoi Kusama: Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whose death was reported on August 27, 2026, once sold 1,500 mirrored balls for about $2 each at the 1966 Venice Biennale despite having no official invitation. Decades later, her artworkUntitled (Nets)(1959)sold for $10.5 million in 2022, Reuters reported.

The Economic Times

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A Venice fly trap: Skip Kapoor, see Singh

Anish Kapoor's London exhibition features visceral art and large-scale installations. The author visited the Venice Biennale, exploring diverse artistic expressions. Dayanita Singh's intimate archival works offered a profound contrast to Kapoor's scale. Lee Ufan presented quieter, contemplative pieces bridging painting and sculpture. The journey through art destinations often lingers longer…

The Economic Times

EU cancels subsidy to Venice Biennale over Russia presence

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) - The European Union said Tuesday that it had definitively cancelled a two million euro ($2.3 million) grant to the Venice Biennale over Russia's presence at the world's biggest contemporary art show.

Bangkok Post

Russia at Venice Biennale, Brussels cuts €2 million in EU funds: appeal planned

New clash between the European Union and the Venice Biennale: EU funds halted, the Foundation appeals and Italy’s government voices criticism.

Euronews

Venice Biennale Russian pavilion: EU Commission confirms funding withdrawal

The reasons given by the Biennale were deemed insufficient, and the Commission has moved to withdraw funding over the reopening of the Russian pavilion, drawing harsh criticism in Brussels from the League.

Euronews

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Australian dance troupe earns deadly international gong

A First Nations dance company is set to be awarded a major accolade at the Venice Biennale - but says it represents just 35 of 65,000 years of stories.

AAP

European Commission seeks further answers over Russia's participation at the Venice Biennale

The European Commission has requested further clarifications from the Venice Biennale Foundation over Russia's participation, saying issues raised earlier remain unresolved and giving it 30 days to respond.

Euronews

Venice Biennale 61: Patti Smith and Soundwalk Collective's ritual performance

Patti Smith performed texts and hymns by Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century Benedictine nun, at the official opening of the Holy See's Vatican Pavilion.

Euronews

A shattered Biennale

The grandiose and oldest international art event, La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale), opened its 61st edition under the theme "In Minor Keys" by artistic director Koyo Kouoh. The events that built up to the opening last month were far from minor due to various protests that trumpeted loud ripple…

Bangkok Post

Baby dolls, whale songs and swimming in urine: The Venice Biennale’s must-see national pavilions

The national pavilions that chime with Kouoh’s core values of nurture, intimacy and reflection are those that quietly steal this year’s spotlight.

Euronews

This year’s Venice Biennale marks a major shift in European cultural politics

I was texting a museum director friend in Asia recently. We were discussing whether a trip to this year’s “artworld Olympics”, the Venice Biennale, justified the carbon release.

The Conversation

OPINION - The posturing over the inclusion of Russia and Israel is a betrayal of Venice’s vision

It feels wrong to cancel artists because you disapprove of what their countries are up to, writes Melanie McDonagh

Evening Standard

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Euronews

Venice Biennale opens with protests against Russia and Israel

For the first time, Biennale workers went on strike on Friday over Russia's and Israel's presence at the kermesse, with twenty pavilions closed on the eve of the public opening.

Euronews

EU countries back suspension of funding for the Venice Biennale over Russian participation

Fourteen out of 27 EU member states criticised the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which sparked a fierce controversy in Italy, as Brussels called for a suspension of funding.

Euronews

Qatar makes Venice Biennale debut with pavilion built on collaboration, food and live art

Led by artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, the project brings together artists, musicians and chefs from across the Arab world.

The Independent UK

An outsider artist takes the world's biggest stage with the US Pavilion at the Venice Biennale

U.S. artist Alma Allen had just months to prepare his exhibition for the Venice Biennale after a fraught selection process came down to the wire

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The Conversation

What Iran’s absence from the Venice Biennale reveals about art and politics

Just days before the opening of the 2026 Venice Biennale, organisers announced that Iran would no longer participate.

Euronews

Italy: Femen and Pussy Riot protest Russia’s return to Venice Biennale

The 2026 Venice Biennale opened press previews on Wednesday with protests outside the Russian pavilion, marking Moscow’s return since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The Independent UK

Pussy Riot stage protest blocking access to Russian pavilion at Venice Biennale

Members of punk group Pussy Riot and Ukraine's FEMEN organization have staged a protest at the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale

Euronews

Italian Culture Minister shuns opening of Venice Biennale due to Russia pavilion

Moscow has not participated in the Biennale since 2022. This year, it received the approval of the president of the Biennale Foundation, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The decision caused tensions within the Italian government and Brussels.

The Guardian - UK

Venice Biennale jury ‘will not award artists from countries facing war crimes charges’

Statement, apparently aimed at Russia and Israel, makes clear it is committed to the defence of human rights

Euronews

Reopening of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale: EU threatens to cut funding

In a letter addressed to the president of the Venice Biennale, the European Commission has threatened to freeze €2 million to the cultural institution in response to the reopening of the Russian pavilion.

The Guardian - UK

South African work banned from Venice Biennale to be shown outside main event

South Africa’s Venice pavilion left empty after Gabrielle Goliath’s ‘highly divisive’ tribute to Palestinian poet blocked

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