Finland is boycotting the Venice Biennale at the political level due to Russia's participation
Finland's political leadership has decided not to participate in the 61st Venice Biennale if Russian exhibitors are present at the event.
This was announced by Minister of Education and Culture Mari-Lina Talvitie, according to the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.
The country will limit its representation to civil servants in order to support its own artists while protesting Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
Helsinki’s decision came in response to Russia’s intention to open a national pavilion for the first time since 2022, which has already sparked an international scandal. Earlier, Finland, along with 21 other countries, signed a joint letter calling on the Biennale organizers to reconsider the Russian Federation’s admission to the event. The European Commission also warned of a possible suspension of grant funding for the exhibition if the organizing committee’s position regarding the aggressor does not change.
The Finnish Ministry emphasized that Russia’s participation in international cultural forums is unacceptable until military actions against Ukraine cease entirely. Despite the political boycott, Finland continues to cooperate with European partners to strengthen joint diplomatic pressure. This step underscores Helsinki’s commitment to the principles of moral responsibility in culture and support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle for independence.
The organizers of the Venice Biennale confirmed that they had granted Russia permission to participate in the event. They emphasized that this decision does not contradict current sanctions restrictions and does not violate established rules.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Russia’s admission to the Venice Biennale.
The Venice Biennale 2026 announced the theme of its main exhibition—“In Minor Keys”—and published a list of invited participants. The exhibition will run from May 9 to November 22 at the Giardini, Arsenale, and other venues throughout the city, with the official opening scheduled for May 9.
