Finland to boycott Venice Biennale if Russia participates

Finland has announced it will not take part in the Venice Biennale at the political level if Russia is included among participating countries, according to the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.

Despite this stance, authorities in Helsinki said that Finland will continue to support its artists and cultural initiatives, and will remain engaged in the Biennale through civil servants and members of the professional arts community, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media. 

Minister of Education and Culture Mari-Liina Talvitie stated that no political leadership from Finland would attend the event if Russia is present. However, she noted that cultural cooperation and institutional support for Finnish artists will proceed regardless.

By Sabina Mammadli