The Russian punk group Pussy Riot protested alongside FEMEN at the Venice Biennale, contesting Russia's participation and demanding that art be represented by dissidents.

The Russian punk group Pussy Riot organized a protest at the Venice Biennale, alongside members of the Ukrainian feminist organization FEMEN, against the opening of the Russian pavilion. The protesters shouted "Russian art is blood" while being under a cloud of pink, blue, and yellow smoke, covering their faces with pink balaclavas.

The Italian police blocked the entrance, and the protest managed to block access to the Russian pavilion for about 30 minutes. Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova stated that the only Russian art that deserves to be exhibited is that of dissidents imprisoned for absurd charges. Russia's participation in the Biennale, the first since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has led to a loss of 2 million euros in funds from the European Union.

The jury of the Golden Lion awards resigned in protest against the participation of Russia and Israel, refusing to award prizes to countries under investigation for human rights abuses. The Russian pavilion will only be open during the first week of previews, before the official opening on May 9.

Tolokonnikova mentioned that she had to use a false name to enter the venue, while the Biennale defended the inclusion of Russia, stating that any country with relations with Italy can participate. The Italian government opposed it but acknowledged the independence of the Biennale.