‘Putin didn’t win; art won’: Venice Biennale president defends decision to allow Russia’s participation
Pietrangelo Buttafuoco said he would do “everything” again in regards to his clash with the Italian government and the European Commission on the issue
The president of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, has defended his decision to include Russia in this year's event, stating that "Putin didn't win; art won". The 61st edition of the Biennale, which began in May, has faced controversy due to both Israel's and Russia's participation triggering protests. Italy's culture minister, Alessandro Giuli, skipped the opening of the event, alleging that "Putin had won at the Biennale".
Buttafuoco, in an interview with the Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, asserts that "the Biennale won—not through me personally, but through the history of an institution that looks out at the world and, over its 131 years, even during numerous conflicts, has always welcomed everyone". However, Russia's exhibition at the Giardini pavilion ended shortly after the previews due to warnings from the European Union (EU) that the Biennale might be breaching sanctions by allowing Russia's participation.
In July, the EU formally revoked its €2 million grant to the Biennale. At a conference held on May 6th, Buttafuoco stated that challenges from the government and the European Commission would not go against the mission of the Biennale to be "the place where the world comes together". In the interview, he was asked if he would repeat his decision, to which he replied "Everything [again].
It was more than right and proper regarding the institution I preside over. In all formal and official documents, there isn't a single comma that runs counter to laws and regulations". Buttafuoco also mentioned that the EU was being criticized for denying freedom of expression based on nationality, which he deemed unprecedented, given the principles established in every charter of rights.
The EU was reached for comment. During the interview, Buttafuoco also mentioned recent projects undertaken by the Biennale, including the reissue of the quarterly historic Venice Biennale magazine and a new podcast named Biennale on Air.
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