Venice Biennale director storms out amid war of words

One of the most prestigious international cultural events, the 52nd Venice Biennale, which begins next Sunday, has been plunged into controversy after its managing director quit amid a welter of snide remarks and angry accusations.

Renato Quaglia said he had become exasperated with the exhibition's curator, the esteemed American art historian and painter Professor Robert Storr.

Mr Quaglia said the final straw came when the bill for the festival came in a million euros over budget.

The festival is the Olympics of the art world, with artists representing their countries.

"I have not gone over budget," Professor Storr told The Art Newspaper. "This is my world and I know how it works. I gather Mr Quaglia is very well informed about theatre. From my experience, he seems to know very little about visual art."

Further reading: Robert Storr's book on the Biennale is out in September