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As the Venice Biennale opens amid protests, austerity, and talk of a collapsing global order, artists and critics debate whether the national pavilion format is obsolete or newly relevant. Back home, Boston’s budget fights continue, Michelle Millar Fisher heads to Cooper Hewitt, young people eye the exits, and La CASA opens in the South End.

During a four-hour-long public hearing at City Hall, artists and council members called for stronger support for the arts in Boston, but also showed that their political power and policy toolbox come up short in making their vision a reality.