Stories from Venice · Italy

Despite Venice's reputation for high costs, traditional 'austerie' offer affordable dining for locals. Historical venues in St. Mark's Square also provide cultural experiences with live music, though Vaporetto tickets remain expensive for non-residents.

Researchers have identified four distinct strategies to protect Venice from rising sea levels over the next 300 years. The study suggests that current protections may become ineffective by the year 2300 as water levels continue to climb. The findings aim to provide long-term planning options for the lagoon's infrastructure. Oceanographers confirm that rising sea levels are an ongoing certainty, with the Netherlands being particularly well-prepared due to its economic and technological development. Flood prevention expert Piero Leonello published a study in Scientific Reports regarding the long-term viability of protecting Venice. The sea level in Venice is currently approximately 30 centimeters above baseline. The findings suggest that while protection is possible for a limited time, it is not a permanent solution.

The European Commission has threatened to suspend 2 million euros in funding for the Venice Biennale due to a unilateral decision made by the Italian government. The review will involve examining the foundation's documentation. The ministry's discontent stems from the directorate's failure to react to various demonstrations. The Italian Ministry of Culture is conducting an investigation into the Venice Biennale following protests. The ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the Biennale's directorate for failing to respond to protests, including those from Ukraine. The investigation will review foundation documentation and protest-related matters. The probe follows discussions regarding a pavilion designed by architect Alexey Shchusev over 100 years ago that belongs to Russia. Career DLSR reports the investigation is underway.

The jury of the Venice Biennale has announced that it will no longer consider exhibitions from Russia or Israel as candidates for awards. This decision follows ongoing geopolitical tensions and serves as a formal exclusion of the two nations from the competition's recognition process. The move marks a significant shift in the cultural landscape of the international art festival. This decision follows a statement on April 22 regarding the exclusion of countries whose leaders are under International Criminal Court arrest warrants. The Biennale did not name specific states in the document but the exclusion of these two nations was confirmed. Sergey Boyko disputed data regarding an incident in the Tuapse district. The countries were previously excluded from the list of laureates one week ago.

The jury for the Venice Biennale has announced that Israel and Russia will be excluded from the upcoming art exhibition. The decision stems from the jury's policy of not considering countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity. This move marks a significant political dimension for the major international art event. This decision follows the cutting of European funds previously allocated to the event. The move follows recent discussions regarding Beatrice Venezi. The European Commission has threatened to withhold 2 million euros from biennial participants if a Russian pavilion is present this year. This decision follows a scandal beginning in March when organizers allowed Russia to return to the exhibition for the first time since 2022. The Italian government has criticized the decision.

The European Commission has decided to halt funding for the Venice Biennale due to the participation of Russia. This move aims to enforce sanctions and political distancing regarding the ongoing conflict. The decision impacts cultural exchange and international arts programming in Italy. The decision is a protest against the presence of Russian participants at the event.

The European Union has officially halted a three-year grant for the Venice Biennale following controversies surrounding the Russian pavilion. This decision marks a significant cultural and political shift in how EU institutions engage with Russian cultural entities. The move is expected to impact various artistic programs and international cultural exchanges.

The European Union is contemplating sanctions related to Russia's participation in the Venice Art Biennale. This potential move could lead to a reduction in EU funding for the event. The decision comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions regarding cultural engagement with Russia. This practice involves countries with established pavilions offering their use to less affluent nations. The context suggests Russia may have extended this offer, but the nature and implications of this act are being discussed. Italy's Ministry of Culture has sent inspectors to the organizers of the Venice Biennale to obtain full information regarding the opening of the Russian Pavilion. The Russian Pavilion is scheduled to open during the World Exhibition starting May 9. Russia was absent from the Biennale in 2022 and 2024 due to the invasion of Ukraine.