Finland's political leadership will not participate in the Venice Biennale this year if Russia is permitted to take part.
Instead, public officials will represent Finland at the event, according to a press release from the ministry of science and culture.
"We believe promoting Finnish art and cultural expression, and supporting artists and actors is important. For this reason, Finland will have public officials participating in the Biennale," Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie (NCP) said.
Russia announced earlier this year that it intends to open its own pavilion at the renowned art event for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
However, Finland — along with 21 other European countries — has signed a joint letter calling on the leadership of the Biennale to reconsider its decision to allow Russia's inclusion while the war in Ukraine continues.
The Venice Biennale board has justified its decision to allow Russia's participation for reasons such as artistic freedom, promotion of dialogue, and rejection of censorship.
However, the ministry's press release notes that the European Commission has considered the possibility of suspending or recovering EU funding to the Biennale.
The Venice Biennale, held every other year, is the world's oldest and one of the most important international exhibitions of contemporary art.
