Thousands of artists, academics, curators, journalists, and political figures are calling on leaders of the Venice Biennale to “address the implications” of Russia’s participation in an open letter published this week. Authored by the Arts Against Aggression International Movement, the petition comes just days after Biennale organizers confirmed in a news release that Russia will take part in its 61st edition, which opens May 9. The Biennale’s news release asserts that the foundation rejects all exclusion or censorship of culture or art. The letter pushes back on this sentiment, stating that “the claim that ‘culture is above politics’ is never neutral.” In the case of Russia, it argues, this “formula” has become a political tool for promoting aggression and bringing forth state objectives “while disguising them behind the language of cultural exchange and dialogue.” To read the story by Bella Bromberg, visit our link in bio. . . . Photo of the empty Russian Pavilion in 2022 by Giuse...