Lithuania decides against withdrawing from Venice Biennale despite Russia controversy

Lithuania’s Culture Ministry says it is not withdrawing from the Venice Biennale, arguing that a pullout would allow Russia to achieve its aims on its return to the international event.

“Lithuania, like other countries, did not refuse to participate in the biennale because of russia,” the ministry said, intentionally using lowercase for Russia in its written comments.

“We maintain a common position with our partners that withdrawing and not participating would allow russia to push other countries out of an important international cultural space, which is exactly what this country seeks,” it added.

Russia returned to the Venice Biennale for the first time since its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The move sparked international debate, with several countries and institutions criticising its participation.

The biennale jury resigned, saying they would not grant awards to countries whose leaders are subject to International Criminal Court arrest warrants.

Earlier, culture and foreign ministers from 22 countries, including Lithuania, signed a joint statement initiated by Latvia calling on the Venice Biennale to reconsider its decision to allow Russian participation.

Organisers defended the inclusion, saying any country maintaining diplomatic relations with Italy is eligible to participate.

While Rome expressed disapproval, it acknowledged the biennale’s autonomy in such decisions. Organisers also noted that Russia has owned its pavilion since 1914, making a ban on its use legally difficult.

In response to the organisers’ stance, the European Union cancelled 2 million euros in funding for the event.

Lithuania proceeded with its participation, with Culture Minister Vaida Aleknavičienė attending the opening of the Lithuanian pavilion, which features Egle Budvytytė’s work.

The ministry emphasised that while Lithuania and its Baltic neighbours are seeking international ways to protest Russia’s presence, they intend to do so without abandoning the biennale itself.

Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is considered the world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibition.