Lithuania has opened its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale, the Culture Ministry said Wednesday, using the occasion to underscore its support of Ukraine amid controversy over Russia’s participation in the exhibition.
This year’s Lithuanian pavilion features artist Eglė Budvytytė and her work “gyva gyva-ta”, presented at the 61st edition of the world’s largest contemporary art exhibition, held every two years in Venice.
“By opening Lithuania’s pavilion, we reaffirm that art is more than a creative outcome – it is a language that connects people, strengthens community and helps endure even the most difficult times,” Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė said at the official opening.
She added that cultural exchange is essential, saying culture “thrives only when it engages with others rather than closing in on itself”.
Aleknavičienė also framed Lithuania’s participation as a political statement, saying the cultural space “must not be ceded to aggression” and that the country’s presence at the event signals solidarity and responsibility.
Artists from countries involved in ongoing conflicts – including Ukraine, Israel and the United States – are taking part in this year’s exhibition.
Russia was included in the program for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a move that drew criticism from the Italian government and the European Union.
Last week, the biennale’s jury resigned, saying it would not award prizes to countries led by individuals subject to arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, a stance affecting Russia and Israel.
Earlier, ministers of culture and foreign affairs from 22 countries, including Lithuania, signed a joint statement initiated by Latvia urging the biennale to reconsider Russia’s participation. It did not say anything about Israel or the US.
During the event, Aleknavičienė reiterated strong support for Ukraine, emphasising that culture plays a key role in preserving identity, strengthening resilience and sustaining hope.
She also joined Tetiana Berezhna and other officials in adopting a joint declaration condemning what it described as Russia’s systematic war against Ukrainian culture, identity and historical memory.
The statement called on the international community to maintain sanctions and prevent the aggressor from participating in major global cultural events.
Founded in 1895, the Venice Biennale is widely regarded as the most prestigious contemporary art exhibition in the world.
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